In this post: Coconut and curry combine to make this delicious and easy recipe. This creamy coconut curry sauce is delicious with rice, chicken, and vegetables! Learn how to make this easy coconut curry sauce recipe here.


This simple coconut curry sauce is made with just three things you can find in your pantry – coconut milk, curry paste, and salt. This recipe pairs well with chicken, veggies, and especially rice! Follow the instructions below to make this coconut curry sauce for yourself.

Coconut curry sauce over rice in a white bowl with a fork in it.

What is Coconut Curry Sauce?

Traditional Thai curry sauce contained chilies, shrimp paste, lemongrass, onions, and garlic – no coconut milk in sight!  But somewhere along the way, people started adding coconut milk to their curry, making for a creamier and milder curry sauce. There are plenty of variations of coconut curry sauce but this recipe focuses on the absolute basics so you can make an easy meal. However, I will be listing some variation ideas if you find yourself wanting to spice things up!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy coconut curry sauce recipe:

  • is quick and easy to make
  • doesn’t include complicated instructions or hard-to-find ingredients
  • is free from the most common food allergens

Ingredients

  • Canned coconut milk: thicker and creamier than coconut milk from a carton.
  • Red curry paste: mildly spicy and flavorful base ingredient in Thai cuisine.
  • Sea salt: basic seasoning that goes with almost any food.

Substitutions

  • For canned coconut milk: diluted coconut cream, greek yogurt, or heavy/whipping cream.
  • For red curry paste: green curry paste, yellow curry paste, or Thai curry powder.
  • For sea salt: kosher salt, Himalayan pink salt, or table salt.

Variations

There are SO many different spices you can add to this coconut curry sauce! Here are some ideas to choose from:

  • cayenne pepper
  • cumin
  • onions
  • sugar
  • garlic
  • chili pepper flakes
  • lemongrass
  • fresh ginger
  • coriander/cilantro
  • lime juice
  • turmeric
  • shrimp paste
Coconut curry over rice in a white bowl.

How to Make Coconut Curry Sauce

  1. Measure out all of the ingredients.
  2. Mix the ingredients in a microwave-safe dish (I like to use a glass measuring cup).
  3. Microwave on high for about 30 seconds.
  4. Stir well and serve over veggies, chicken, or rice.

What to Serve With Curry

You can serve your curry with:

  • flatbread/naan
  • rice
  • quinoa
  • cauliflower or broccoli rice
  • salad
  • potatoes

What Else Can I Add to My Curry?

You can add many amazing vegetables like peas, bell peppers, green beans, broccoli, tomatoes, zucchini, cauliflower, potato, sweet potato, or carrots – anything your heart desires. Adding meat like chicken, shrimp, beef, and fish can also level up your curry recipe!

Tips

  • You can find both canned coconut milk and red curry paste in the international aisle at most grocery stores.
  • Canned coconut milk and red curry paste can be stored for months unopened in your cupboards and for a week or more in the fridge after opening. 
  • If you want your sauce extra spicy, you can swap the red curry paste for green curry paste.
Rice with coconut curry sauce in white bowl with antique fork

FAQs

How long does curry last? 

If you store your curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator it will stay fresh for up to 5 days!

Can you freeze curry?

Of course! Put your cooled curry in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Do Indian curries use coconut milk?

Indian curries use coconut milk sometimes if the curry sauce is supposed to be thick. However, coconut milk is a much more common ingredient in Thai curry!

What does coconut curry taste like?

This coconut curry sauce recipe tastes mildly spicy, sweet, and creamy. The more spices you add, the deeper and more complex the flavor of this curry sauce will get. In general, curry sauce is warm, rich, spicy, and deliciously savory.

Coconut curry sauce on top of rice in a white bowl with an ornate metal fork in it.

Storage and Reheating Suggestions

  • In the fridge: put the cooled curry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. Store for 5-7 days.
  • In the freezer: put the cooled curry sauce in an airtight container in the freezer. Store for 3-6 months.
  • Reheating: reheat gently in the microwave before pouring over food.
Coconut curry sauce over rice in a white bowl with a fork in it.

Coconut Curry Sauce

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 6 minutes

This coconut curry sauce is simple to make and pairs well with chicken, veggies, and especially rice!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup canned coconut milk
  • 2 tsp red curry paste
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

Instructions

  1. Measure and mix all ingredients in a glass measuring cup.
  2. Microwave on high for 30 seconds.
  3. Stir and serve over veggies, chicken or rice.

Notes

  • If you want your sauce extra spicy, you can swap the red curry paste for green curry paste.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 59Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 353mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily via Nutrifox.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Are you a fan of Thai food? Even totally inauthentic homemade Thai food?

shannon photo and sig oct 2022

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