8-Ingredient Thai Coconut Curry

Veggie • 25 Min • Comfort

This 8-Ingredient Thai Coconut Curry is creamy, aromatic, and deeply flavorful despite its simplicity. Made with coconut milk, curry paste, vegetables, and your choice of protein, it delivers restaurant-level comfort in just 20 minutes. Perfect for easy dinners or meal prep.

• 1 tbsp oil (canola or coconut)
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp red or yellow curry paste
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1 cup broth (vegetable or chicken)

• 1–2 cups sliced vegetables (bell pepper, carrot, zucchini) or cubed chicken/tofu

• 1 tbsp soy sauce or fish sauce
• Fresh basil or cilantro
• Lime wedges

• Steamed jasmine rice
• Rice noodles

1. Sauté the aromatics

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

2. Add curry paste

Stir in the curry paste and cook 30–45 seconds to awaken its aroma and deepen flavor.

3. Build the sauce

Pour in coconut milk and broth. Stir well to dissolve the curry paste into the liquid.

4. Add vegetables or protein

Add your choice of vegetables or protein. Simmer 8–10 minutes until vegetables are tender or protein is fully cooked.

5. Season

Stir in soy sauce or fish sauce to balance sweetness and richness.

6. Finish with herbs

Turn off heat. Add fresh basil or cilantro for brightness.

7. Serve

Serve over jasmine rice or noodles and finish with lime juice.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

• Large skillet or pot
• Knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon
• Rice cooker or pot (if serving with rice)

• Protein options: Chicken, shrimp, tofu, chickpeas.
• Vegetable options: Spinach, sweet potato, cauliflower, snap peas.
• Spice level: Add more curry paste or sliced chilies.
• Creaminess: Use full-fat coconut milk for richer sauce.
• Lower sodium: Choose low-sodium broth and adjust soy sauce.
• Red vs. Yellow curry: Red is spicier; yellow is milder and sweeter.

• Refrigerator: Up to 4 days
• Freezer: Up to 2 months
• Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop; add splash of water if thickened

• Only 8 ingredients
• Ready in 20 minutes
• Naturally dairy-free
• Customizable with any vegetables or protein
• Rich, cozy, and full of Thai-inspired flavor

You may also enjoy our One-Pot Mediterranean Lentil Soup, try the Fresh Mexican Chicken Burrito, or go for a Low-Cost Chickpea Curry.