Paint The Kitchen Red

  • HOME
  • RECIPES AND GUIDES
  • ABOUT
menu icon
go to homepage
  • HOME
  • RECIPES AND GUIDES
  • ABOUT
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • HOME
  • RECIPES AND GUIDES
  • ABOUT
×
Home » Tips and Guides

Difference Between Red Curry vs Green Curry Thai Recipes

Published: Jul 10, 2023 | Updated: Jul 22, 2023 | Author: Neena Panicker

red curry and green curry in white bowls with text "red curry vs green curry"

Thai red curry and green curry are two of the most popular Thai curries. Both are made with a creamy coconut milk base and spicy curry paste. Find out the key differences between Thai red curry vs green curry, as well as the best way to choose which one is right for you.

red curry and green curry in white bowls with text "red curry vs green curry"

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the disclosure.

Find out the difference between:

  • Butter Chicken vs Tikka Masala
  • Chicken Korma vs Butter Chicken
  • Panang Curry vs Massaman Curry.

Thai food is popular all over the world. Thai curries are known for their aromatic blend of spices, rich flavors, and creamy textures.

There are many types of Thai curries including red, yellow, green, panang, massaman, choo chee, and jungle curries. Red and green are two popular curries.

Although both Thai red curry and green curry come from Thailand and share some similarities, they also have their own unique flavor profiles.

The main difference between the two is the type of chilies used. We’ll get into that in a bit.

Red curry has become one of the iconic dishes of Thai cuisine, enjoyed both locally and internationally for its bold flavors and rich spiciness.

Green curry is slightly less popular in the West, but equally tasty. Let’s explore the two types of Thai curry.

Thai Curry Recipes to Try

  • Massaman Curry is a popular Thai restaurant dish. It’s a delicious and milder curry with creamy coconut milk, tender beef, and bold spices.
  • Thai Panang Curry is a coconut chicken curry with vegetables. Fresh Thai Basil and lime add amazing flavor.
  • Thai Yellow Curry is a chicken and potato curry recipe made with creamy coconut milk and yellow curry paste that is amazing when served over jasmine rice!

Introduction to Red Curry

Instant Pot Thai Red Curry with colorful vegetables in white bowl with spoon on rich red napkin.

Red curry is also known as kaeng phet. The word kaeng means curry, and phet means spicy. So, red curry literally translates to “spicy curry”.

It’s called red curry because of the red chillies used to make the curry paste. It has a creamy yellowish-red color and a rich, slightly sweet, and spicy flavor.

Red curry’s origins can be traced back to central Thailand. This Thai dish is thought to have been influenced by Indian curries and Chinese cuisine, as well as local Thai flavors.

In Thailand, red curry is a thin curry that’s more like a soup and it’s not that spicy. It’s made with big dried red chillies that are not as spicy as fresh green chillies. It’s commonly made with chicken, pork, or beef.

Red curry paste is a versatile paste that can also be used to make soups, sauces, dips, and of course, curry.

Introduction to Green Curry

Instant Pot Thai Green Curry with Chicken with colorful green curry in white bowl on three colorful napkins. With lime slice and chilies on a black background- Paint the Kitchen Red

Green curry is called kaeng khiao wan in Thai and it is literally translated as sweet green soup. However, the curry is more spicy than sweet.

Green curry is one of the most popular dishes in Thailand and is generally made with chicken or beef.

Thai green curry is considered to be the spiciest of Thai curries, but this isn’t always the case. The spiciness of the chilies used determines the spiciness of the curry.

Thai green pastes purchased from an Asian grocery store are the spiciest of Thai curry pastes.

Main Ingredients

ingredients for red curry and green curry on a wooden background

Red Curry Ingredients

You make red curry with a base of red Thai curry paste, coconut milk, and chicken, beef, or tofu.

The red paste is available in cans or resealable containers.

My favorite brands are Mae Ploy or Maesri brand, depending on what’s available. If you’re trying to find a paste that’s on the spicier side, Mae Ploy may be the one for you.

RED CURRY PASTE INGREDIENTS

  • Dried red chili peppers
  • Shallots
  • Garlic
  • Lemongrass
  • Galangal
  • Lime leaves
  • Thai shrimp paste (some recipes)
  • Coriander seeds
  • Cumin seeds
  • Cardamom
  • Palm sugar

RED CURRY INGREDIENTS

  • Thai red curry paste
  • Protein: beef, chicken, lamb, tofu, shrimp
  • Vegetables
  • Coconut milk
  • Lime leaves
  • Thai basil
  • Fish sauce
  • Palm sugar
  • Lime juice (some recipes)

Green Curry Ingredients

You make green curry with a base of green curry paste and coconut milk with your choice of protein and vegetables.

Beef or chicken is simmered in creamy coconut milk and a paste made with fresh green chilies and other spices. You can use other proteins such as tofu.

Green Thai paste is available at Asian stores or online. Once again, my favorite brands are Maesri and Mae Ploy.

GREEN CURRY PASTE INGREDIENTS

  • Green chili peppers
  • Shallots
  • Garlic
  • Lemongrass
  • Galangal
  • Cilantro roots
  • Coriander seeds
  • Cumin seeds
  • Cardamom
  • White pepper
  • Thai basil
  • Thai shrimp paste (some recipes)
  • Kaffir lime zest
  • Palm sugar

GREEN CURRY INGREDIENTS

  • Green curry paste
  • Protein: beef, chicken, lamb, tofu, shrimp
  • Vegetables (green and/or white)
  • Coconut milk
  • Palm sugar
  • Fish sauce
  • Thai basil
  • Lime juice (some recipes)

Flavors

The two curries have many ingredients in common. The flavor of both curries is a complex blend of spicy, sweet, sour, and savory notes.

Chili peppers give the curries heat, while the palm sugar gives the curries a hint of sweetness.

The shrimp paste adds a savory umami quality and coconut milk adds a creamy texture to the dish. It also balances out the heat of the chili peppers.

Lemongrass and galangal give the curries an herbal quality.

Differences Between Red and Green Curry

Color

Red curry is made with a paste made of red chili peppers. This gives it a signature deep red color.

Green curry, on the other hand, is made with a paste that includes green chili peppers, kaffir lime zest, and cilantro/coriander roots. This gives the dish its bright green color and more herbal flavors.

Flavor Profile

Red Curry has bold, sweet, and tangy flavors. On the other hand, its green cousin has a spicier, more herbal flavor.

Spice Level

In traditional Thai recipes, green curry is usually hotter than red curry because fresh green chillies are spicier than dried red chilies used for red curry. However, the spiciness of each can vary based on the type of paste, chili peppers, and quantity of spices. If you make your own curry paste, some recipes call for fresh red chilies, which is why some say red curry is hotter.

Key Ingredients

Red and green curries have many common ingredients, but they are also quite different. Here are a few key differences between the two:

  • Green Curry has green chilis while red curry has dried red chilis.
  • Green curry incorporates distinctive ingredients such as cilantro root, cardamom, white pepper, and lime zest, which red curry does not.
  • Green curry uses green and white vegetables while red curry uses any veggies.

Similarities

When comparing red vs green curry, here are a few key similarities between the two:

  • Both curries are authentic Thai recipes.
  • They include common ingredients such as garlic, chili, lemongrass, galangal, and lime leaf.
  • Green and red curry both use coconut milk.
  • Both can be adapted to be made with beef, chicken, pork, lamb, tofu, or shrimp.
  • They are traditionally served over rice.
  • Both curries are soupy in nature, with lots of curry sauce or liquid.
  • Both red and green curry can be made with a variety of different vegetables.

Which of These Thai Curries Should You Try

Both green and red curry have their own unique characteristics and are equally delicious Thai curry dishes.

So, which Thai dish should you try? Whether to go with red or green Thai curry depends on your personal preferences.

If you like a spicy dish with a bright herbal flavor from cilantro and other fresh herbs, then green curry is a good option.

If you prefer a balance of spiciness and sweetness and something that is not too spicy, go with the red curry.

✏️ MY PERSONAL FAVORITE

  • I love both curries, but the one I make more often for guests is red curry because everyone loves it and it’s a bit milder than green curry.
  • My family prefers green curry chicken because it’s spicy! Since the green curry is more attractive with green and white veggies, I make it when I have bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans on hand.
  • I love serving both recipes over jasmine rice!

Ultimately, the best way to decide which one you like best is to try both so you can experience the distinct flavors each curry has to offer.

Don’t be scared away from the green curry due to the spice. You can always add more coconut milk until the heat level is just right for you! It’s definitely worth trying.

More Tips and Guides

  • Instant Pot Error Codes A Complete Guide with image of Instant Pot display panel.
    Instant Pot Error Codes Complete Guide
  • butter chicken and tikka masala in bowls with rice and text "butter chicken vs tikka masala".
    Butter Chicken vs. Tikka Masala
  • chicken korma and butter chicken in bowls with rice and text "chicken korma vs butter chicken".
    Chicken Korma vs Butter Chicken – What’s the Difference?
  • Instant Pot Tamarind Paste L2 - Paint the Kitchen Red
    The Best Tamarind Paste Substitute

Questions, Comments? I love hearing from my readers and I reply to all comments! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate This Recipe!




Neena in red sweater head tilted

Hi, I'm Neena Panicker, and welcome! I am the creator, photographer, and author of recipes and tips at Paint the Kitchen Red. I live in the glorious west in Salt Lake City, Utah with my family.

More about me →

Popular

  • Reasons Why Instant Pot is Not Sealing or Pressurizing
    Reasons For Your Instant Pot Not Sealing
  • Instant Pot Thai Red Curry with colorful vegetables in white bowl with spoon on rich red napkin.
    Instant Pot Thai Red Curry with Chicken
  • 4 Instant pots - 3, 6, 8 and 10 quart - what size instant pot should i buy?!
    Sizes of Instant Pot – What Size do you Need?
  • Instant Pot Chili in white bowl on green cloth with cornbread; topped with cheese, sour cream and green onions - Paint the Kitchen Red
    Homemade Instant Pot Chili (using Dried Beans)
  • Natural Release vs Quick Release
    How To Natural Release Instant Pot vs Quick Release
  • Instant Pot Panang Curry with chicken, green beans, red and green peppers, Thai basil in a white bowl on a light wood background
    Thai Instant Pot Panang Curry with Chicken
  • Beginner's Manual and User's Guide Instant Pot Duo Crisp Air Fryer
    How to Use the Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer | Beginner’s Manual

Seasonal

  • 4 ears of corn sitting on husks on a white plate
    Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
  • Wasabi Instant Pot Deviled Eggs with wasabi and pickled ginger on colorful blue plate - Paint the Kitchen Red
    Wasabi Deviled Eggs Recipe – Delicious Appetizer
  • Instant Pot Korean Chicken two thighs and four drumsticks on a dark background, garnished with sesame seeds
    Instant Pot Korean Chicken with Gochujang
  • Instant Pot Thai Grilled Chicken Thighs on dark background with sprinkled cilantro and green onions
    Thai BBQ Chicken
  • Instant Pot Banh Mi sandwich on black background, with meat, daikon, carrots and cilantro; cilantro and green onions sprinkled on surface - Paint the Kitchen Red
    Instant Pot Banh Mi | Vietnamese Sandwich
  • Instant Pot Jamaican Jerk Chicken L1 - Paint the Kitchen Red
    Grilled Instant Pot Jamaican Jerk Chicken
  • Instant Pot beet, arugula, candied walnut salad on white plate with fork or dark background
    Arugula Goat Cheese Beet Salad
  • Instant Pot Ratatouille - round wooden board with cheeses, basil, olives, crostini, cherries, nuts, crackers
    Instant Pot Ratatouille | Braised Summer Vegetables with Fresh Herbs

Featured In

Media that have featured Paintthekitchenred.com including cnet, nbc news, cnbc, instant pot, the huffington post.

Social Media

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About Me
  • Contact

Disclosures

  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Statement

Web Stories

  • Google Web Stories

Shop

  • Amazon

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2016 - 2025 Paint the Kitchen Red