Name: Thai Peanut Curry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 2 carrots, cut into bite-size pieces; 2 medium potatoes, cut into bite-size pieces; 1/2 yellow onion, diced; 2 chicken breasts, cubed; 2 Tbsp. olive oil (coconut or vegetable oil can also be used); 2 tsp. ground ginger; 2 tsp. minced garlic; 1 – 4oz. jar red curry paste; 2 cans coconut milk; 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp. Peanut butter; 5 Tbsp. brown sugar; 4 tsp. soy sauce; juice from 1 lime

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a bold yet comforting meal brimming with creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors, this Thai Peanut Curry Recipe is a total game-changer! Tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a lusciously rich peanut-coconut sauce come together in one bubbling skillet, making dinner feel both exotic and homey. Whether you serve it for a family dinner or an impressive weekend treat, this dish guarantees empty plates and happy hearts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic of this Thai Peanut Curry Recipe is just how straightforward the shopping list is. Each ingredient has a starring role, contributing to the taste, texture, or that vibrant color you expect from great Thai food. Here’s what you’ll need and why each addition matters:

Carrots: Offer natural sweetness and pop of color, plus they soften beautifully in the curry.
Potatoes: Absorb the curry sauce, adding hearty texture and making the dish extra satisfying.
Yellow Onion: A humble base layer—diced onions caramelize a bit for sweetness and savoriness.
Chicken Breasts: Lean and protein-rich; they stay juicy and soak up the flavors of the curry.
Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, or Vegetable Oil: Your choice of oil gets things sizzling and helps blend the aromatics together.
Ground Ginger: Adds aromatic warmth and an unmistakable Thai zing.
Minced Garlic: Essential for depth and a little sharpness—fresh is best here!
Red Curry Paste: The backbone of Thai flavor—spicy, aromatic, and the heart of this recipe.
Coconut Milk: Lends creamy texture and mellow sweetness that balances the spice.
Peanut Butter: For that rich, nutty base that makes peanut curry so irresistible.
Brown Sugar: Tiptoes between savory and sweet, lifting every other flavor in the curry.
Soy Sauce: Just a little brings savory depth and saltiness to round everything out.
Lime Juice: The fresh tang that wakes up the sauce right at the end—don’t skip it!

How to Make Thai Peanut Curry Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies

Start by heating your chosen oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onions, carrots, and potatoes. Stir everything for 4 to 5 minutes until the onions are tender and the carrots and potatoes start to soften and get a hint of golden color. This gentle sauté is where you start layering in flavor and setting up a stew that’s vibrant, cozy, and full of texture.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Aromatics

Next, transform your skillet into a flavor haven! Add the cubed chicken breasts, ground ginger, minced garlic, and red curry paste right into the veggies. Mix really well so the chicken gets nicely coated in spice and aromatic goodness. Cook for about 2–3 minutes; you want the chicken just beginning to cook through and the fragrant aromas to fill your kitchen.

Step 3: Pour in Coconut Milk

Once the chicken is seared and the spices are toasty, pour both cans of creamy coconut milk into the skillet. Gently stir everything together, scraping up any savory bits from the bottom for extra flavor. This step transforms your skillet contents into a lush, bubbling curry waiting to be devoured.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Turn the heat down a shade to medium-low. Let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes, or until the carrots and potatoes are completely soft and the chicken is cooked through. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks. This slow, gentle cook allows all the ingredients to merge into the kind of comforting curry you crave.

Step 5: Stir in Peanut Butter & Seasonings

Here’s where the magic happens! Stir in the peanut butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, and the fresh juice from one lime. As the peanut butter melts and everything mixes together, the curry thickens into that decadent, creamy sauce we know and love. Let it bubble for another 4–5 minutes for maximum flavor fusion.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon your finished Thai Peanut Curry Recipe over a bed of fluffy jasmine, white, or brown rice. Top with a handful of chopped peanuts for crunch, and dig in! Every bite is a perfect storm of savory, sweet, nutty, and tangy—exactly what you want in a Thai comfort dish.

How to Serve Thai Peanut Curry Recipe

Garnishes

The finishing touch for this Thai Peanut Curry Recipe is all about texture and brightness. A handful of chopped roasted peanuts adds delightful crunch, while fresh cilantro or Thai basil can bring fragrant freshness. If you like a little more heat, sprinkle some sliced red chili or a dash of chili flakes over the top. Finish with lime wedges for squeezing—so every plate bursts with flavor.

Side Dishes

This curry loves good company. Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is the classic go-to, but coconut rice or even rice noodles make fun variations. You can add a side of quick-pickled cucumbers for crispness or a simple green salad tossed in lime vinaigrette to lighten things up. A few crispy spring rolls are also a dream alongside!

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style meal, serve the Thai Peanut Curry Recipe in a big, shallow serving bowl and let everyone dig in. Hosting friends? Ladle individual portions into colorful bowls and set out a DIY topping bar with peanuts, herbs, and lime wedges. Or, get playful and serve over spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, modern twist that’s perfect for lunch or a lighter supper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Thai Peanut Curry Recipe is just as wonderful the next day! Cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. The flavors get even deeper overnight, making those leftovers the lunch you’ll look forward to most.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this curry if you want to prep ahead. Pour the fully cooled curry into a freezer-safe container or bags, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. It keeps well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pour your cold curry into a skillet or saucepan and warm over medium-low, stirring often. If the sauce thickens up too much, add a splash of coconut milk or water to loosen it back to creamy perfection. For microwave reheating, use short bursts and stir in between to ensure even heat.

FAQs

Can I make this Thai Peanut Curry Recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Just skip the chicken and add more veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or tofu for delicious plant-based protein. Make sure your curry paste and soy sauce are vegan-friendly for a fully meatless dish.

Which type of peanut butter works best?

Creamy unsweetened peanut butter is ideal for the Thai Peanut Curry Recipe, as it melts smoothly and keeps the sauce from getting too sweet. Avoid crunchy varieties if you want a silky, cohesive curry base.

How spicy is this curry?

The heat level depends mostly on your brand of red curry paste. If you love spice, use a spicy curry paste or add extra fresh chili. For a milder curry, start with half the paste and taste as you go.

Can I substitute sweet potatoes for white potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes are a fabulous swap and add an extra hint of sweetness. They’ll also cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on texture if you go that route. This tweak keeps the Thai Peanut Curry Recipe feeling fresh and entirely your own.

What’s the best rice to serve with this dish?

Jasmine rice is the classic pairing for Thai Peanut Curry Recipe because of its subtle floral aroma and sticky texture. But white, brown, or even coconut rice are all tasty foundations for soaking up that irresistible curry sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Thai Peanut Curry Recipe is pure comfort food with a bold, exciting twist—one that’s incredibly easy to master in your own kitchen. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it a regular in your meal rotation. Grab those simple ingredients, hit the stove, and discover a new favorite that’s sure to delight everyone at your table!

Thai Peanut Curry Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 20 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Thai Peanut Curry recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, creamy coconut milk, and aromatic spices. The creamy peanut butter adds a rich and nutty taste to the curry, making it a satisfying and comforting meal.

Instructions

In a large skillet: In a large skillet or pot, add oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add diced onions, chopped carrots, chopped potatoes, and sauté for 4-5 minutes.
Add chicken: Add chicken, ground ginger, minced garlic, red curry paste, and mix well to combine. Sauté for a couple more minutes and then stir in coconut milk.
Simmer: Simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes or until carrots and potatoes become soft.
Stir: Stir in peanut butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, and lime juice, and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
Serve: Serve over rice (Jasmine, white, or brown) and garnish with chopped peanuts.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Thai