Are you in a pinch and can’t find yellow curry paste at your local grocery store? Or perhaps you want to try something new because you’ve run out of this essential ingredient for your favorite Thai dishes?
Below are ten alternatives to yellow curry paste that will work just fine. We also provided a step-by-step guide to help you make your own at home if you have the time and ingredients.
Before going into our list, let’s talk about what makes yellow curry paste so unique and how it contributes to various Thai dishes like soups, stir-fries, and curries.
Aromatic spices such as turmeric, coriander seeds, cumin, lemongrass, shallots, garlic, dried or fresh red chilies, galangal (Thai ginger), kaffir lime leaves, and salt create its vibrant color and distinctive taste profile. This combination provides an irresistible balance between heat from the chili peppers, tanginess from the lime leaves, and earthy tones from the other ingredients.
But don’t worry if you cannot source all these components; we’ve compiled a list of the ten best yellow curry paste substitutes you can use.
10 Best Yellow Curry Paste Substitutes
Here we go:
1. Red Curry Paste
While red curry paste has a deeper hue due to using more significant amounts of red chilies, it shares similar core ingredients with its yellow counterpart to give it a pass as a substitute.
Simply reduce the quantity used compared to the recipe instructions and enjoy a slightly spicier yet equally flavorful dish.
2. Green Curry Paste
Although greener than both red and yellow pastes thanks to the generous helpings of green chilies, green curry paste still contains most of the crucial elements found in yellow curry paste.
Adjust accordingly based on desired spice levels and colors.
3. Massaman Curry Paste
Massaman curry paste is another one of the best curry paste substitutes to use in your recipes.
It’s typically made with a blend of cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, cumin, coriander, fennel seeds, and sometimes peanuts, which give it a warm, aromatic flavor. This makes it a good choice if you want to add more depth and complexity to your curry dish.
It may alter the final product’s overall flavor but remains delightfully fragrant and enjoyable. You can adjust other ingredients in the recipe to balance the flavors based on your preference.
4. Panang Curry Paste
Panang curry paste has a slightly thicker consistency than yellow curry paste, but it still has a smooth and creamy texture that makes it a great alternative. It also has a richer, nutty flavor due to the addition of ground peanuts, which can add depth and complexity to your dish.
Similar to massaman, panang curry paste boasts warm spices alongside traditional yellow curry paste components.
Expect subtle differences in taste while retaining the signature creamy texture when added to coconut milk-based recipes.
5. Madras Curry Powder
Madras curry paste is yet another good substitute for yellow curry paste because it offers a similar level of heat and a rich, complex flavor profile.
While both pastes have their own distinct characteristics, they share common ingredients such as turmeric and cumin that provide the vibrant color and earthy notes found in yellow curry.
Madras curry paste also typically includes other spices like coriander, mustard seeds, and fenugreek, giving it a robust and aromatic taste.
6. Turmeric & Ginger Paste
Mix equal parts ground turmeric and grated ginger with some garlic, shallots, and lemon juice to recreate the base layers of yellow curry paste.
Though less nuanced, this option imparts warmth and depth worth considering during emergencies.
7. Laksa Paste
Laksa paste is made with a blend of spices such as turmeric, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, white peppercorns, dried chili peppers (such as cayenne), garlic, ginger, shallots, lemongrass, galanga (similar to ginger), candlenuts, and shrimp paste.
Like yellow curry paste, it has a spicy and aromatic flavor, although laksa paste tends to be more complex and has a stronger seafood flavor due to the addition of shrimp paste.
Laksa paste as a substitute for yellow curry paste works because it has a similar spice profile and can also add depth and complexity to your dish.
It’s best to adjust the amount used based on your personal preference for spiciness and flavor intensity.
8. Chinese Five-Spice Powder + Turmeric
When pressed for choices, combine Chinese five-spice powder (star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds) with turmeric for a passable substitute.
Keep in mind that the outcome won’t mirror true yellow curry paste but will offer intriguing dimensions uncommon in typical Western kitchens.
9. Homemade Yellow Curry Paste
Finally, feel free to experiment by combining readily available ingredients according to personal preferences.
Some ideas include mixing pre-ground versions of key spices mentioned earlier, adding lemongrass or ginger puree, incorporating tomato paste for umami richness, or blending chickpeas for body and protein content.
If you’re feeling adventurous and have some time on your hands, you can just make your own yellow curry paste at home.
You can easily make a flavorful homemade paste using common pantry items like turmeric, ginger, garlic, lemongrass, and chili peppers.
Follow the step-by-step instructions in this video to make your own yellow curry paste at home.
The ratios for using these [yellow curry paste] substitutes can vary depending on personal preference and the specific recipe you are following. So it’s best to adjust the quantities of the substitute ingredients based on your taste preferences and the desired flavor intensity.
When substituting with curry pastes (such as Panang, red, or green curry paste), start with one quarter (ΒΌ) of the amount as the original yellow curry paste called for in the recipe.
You can then taste the food and adjust the quantity based on your desired level of spiciness and flavor.
For substitutes like garlic and chili sauce, curry powder, or turmeric, you can add them to the dish according to your taste. Start with a smaller amount and gradually increase until you achieve the desired flavor.
If using coconut milk as a substitute, you can use it as a base for the curry and adjust the other spices and seasonings to your liking.
Remember, the flavor and intensity will vary when using substitutes, so it’s best to experiment and adjust according to your preferences.
Conclusion
While yellow curry paste is undoubtedly a wonderful ingredient, it’s not always readily available. With these ten substitutes, you can still enjoy the flavors and aromas of yellow curry right in your own kitchen.
Whether you choose to make your own paste or opt for a pre-made alternative, these substitutes will help you create delicious and satisfying curry dishes. So, don’t let the absence of yellow curry paste stop you from exploring the world of curries.
Get creative, experiment, and enjoy the wonderful world of flavors that curry has to offer.