Vegetable Coconut Thai Curry Recipe with Jasmine Rice (2024)

Published . Last updated by Judy Purcell 16 Comments

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Vegetable Coconut Thai Curry with Jasmine Rice is so budget friendly and full of soul-soothing flavor it belongs in your regular meal rotation.

Boost your curry making confidence with these easy tips!

Vegetable Coconut Thai Curry Recipe with Jasmine Rice (1)

Vegetable Coconut Thai Curry with Jasmine Rice

This easy coconut curry is a favorite around the GirlHaus since we usually have a surplus of veggies in the fridge, a half-finished bag of rice, a couple cans of coconut milk, and a few friends to feed. After serving this curry sauce at multiple gatherings, its finally come to the perfect balance of spice, sweet, savory, and soul-feeding goodness.

Delicious just as it is, adding a bit of chicken is a simple way to boost the protein if you happen to have some of that in the fridge too.

Using Thai Curry Paste to Make an Easy Coconut Curry

There are no hard rules, but in my opinion, the robust flavor of red curry tends to stand up better to red meats like beef, lamb, buffalo, and elk.

Yellow and green curry sauces complement the more delicate flavors of fish, pork, chicken, and vegetables,but they really are interchangeable. Notice the similarity in the basic ingredients for curry powder and pastes below.

  • Yellow curry powder:cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, cloves, red pepper, black pepper
  • Green curry paste: green chili, garlic, lemongrass, galangal, salt, onion, pepper, coriander, cumin, kaffir lime
  • Red curry paste: red chili pepper, garlic, lemongrass, galangal, salt, shallot, coriander, cumin, kaffir lime

In this vegetable curry recipe, we use all three for a dynamic combo of flavor (sometimes we just can’t choose one!).

Rather than make our own, we use ready-made curry paste because galangal (guh-LANG-guh) and kaffir lime are harder to source, yet important to the authentic flavor of Thai curry sauce. The best curry pastes will have straightforward ingredient lists without additives or preservatives.

Want to try your hand at making homemade curry paste? Grab your mortar and pestle and check out this green curry paste recipe from The Spruce Eats.

Vegetable Coconut Thai Curry Recipe with Jasmine Rice (2)

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Tips for Making Great Curry Sauce

  • A mix of fresh aromatics and curry spice or curry paste is best. In other words, don’t rely just on the pastes and powders to bring all the complexity to the dish. Even if you use a curry paste with red or green chilies, adding fresh chilies, peppers, garlic, ginger, shallot, lemongrassVegetable Coconut Thai Curry Recipe with Jasmine Rice (3), and additional kaffir lime leavesVegetable Coconut Thai Curry Recipe with Jasmine Rice (4) is always a good idea.
  • Always bloom the spices before adding coconut milk or cream.
  • MicroplaneVegetable Coconut Thai Curry Recipe with Jasmine Rice (5) the lemongrassto release its full effect.
  • Cut the vegetables into smaller bite-size pieces or thin so they cook quickly.

Vegetable Coconut Thai Curry Recipe with Jasmine Rice (6)

Recipe Ingredient Tips

  • Lemongrass is not always available at the store but TRUST ME it makes all the difference. When it’s available, buy it and cut it into the 5” pieces and then freeze. I use a microplane to get fine shavings of lemongrass into the curry, simply because the flavor is amazing but the grass itself is tough to chew and can be somewhat off-putting while you’re chowing down. Freezing it will make it easier to grate/zest, and then just throw it in the pot!
  • Substitutealmond butter for peanut butter if you have an allergy. Nut butter adds a subtle nutty flavor and texture to the curry.
  • Use only one type of curry if you are limited, the only reason I use all three is that it creates a dynamic mix.
  • Red chili flakestakes this recipe to the next level if you’re craving spice. The beautiful balance of coconut cream, curry, and heat makes for a truly delicious dinner.

Ever have trouble with making jasmine rice “just right”?

A good chef friend of mine gave me these instructions that never fail:

  1. Soak the rice for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Strain the water off the rice and place rice into pot with 1:1 ratio rice to clean water.
  3. Bring to a boil, then cover and turn to low.
  4. Cook for 18 minutes.
  5. Turn to high for 10 seconds.
  6. Turn off heat and let sit, with a lid on, for 5 mins. You’ll have perfect rice.

Recipe Variations

  • Make it vegan: Omit the honey and fish sauce. Balance with a bit more salt and a touch of pure maple syrupVegetable Coconut Thai Curry Recipe with Jasmine Rice (7).
  • Make it Paleo: Substitute the almond butter for peanut butter, and cauliflower rice ormalanga ricefor jasmine rice.
  • Make it Keto: Omit the honey and substitute almond butter for peanut butter, and cauliflower rice or shirataki rice forjasmine rice.
  • Add pan-seared chicken to this recipe for an even heartier meal.
  • Use only one type of curry if you have a preference.I use all three to create a dynamic mix.

Vegetable Coconut Thai Curry Recipe with Jasmine Rice (8)

Vegetable Coconut Thai Curry Recipe with Jasmine Rice (9)

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Vegetable Coconut Thai Curry with Jasmine Rice

Tender vegetables in coconut curry sauce with the perfect balance of spice, sweet, savory and soul-feeding goodness.

Prep Time30 minutes mins

Cook Time25 minutes mins

Total Time55 minutes mins

Course: Main Course, Stew

Cuisine: Thai

Servings: 6

Author: Judy Purcell

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion , diced
  • 2 large cloves garlic , minced
  • 1 thumb-size piece fresh ginger , minced
  • 1 5- inch stalk lemongrass , microplaned or finely grated
  • 2 bell pepper , any favorite
  • 1 head baby bok choy , chopped
  • 1 cup thinly sliced crimini mushrooms
  • 1/2 small jalapeno , seeds removed, chopped fine
  • 2 cups chopped cauliflower
  • 1 cup halved snap peas
  • 1 cup chopped zucchini
  • 2 teaspoon red curry paste
  • 2 teaspoon green curry paste
  • 2 teaspoon yellow curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes , or more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 28 ounces coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter , or almond butter
  • 1 tablespoon honey , to taste
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper , to taste
  • 3 cups cooked Jasmine rice
  • Cilantro leaves , for garnish
  • Fresh lime wedges , for garnish

Instructions

  • Start jasmine rice and cook according to package instructions or follow advice in NOTES.

  • Melt coconut oil in a large sauce pan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger and sauté until tender, about 4 minutes. Add the peppers, mushrooms, lemon grass, bok choy, jalapeño and other vegetables and cook over medium-high heat until vegetables wilt and soften, stirring occasionally.

  • Add the curry pastes and powder; stir into vegetables and cook 1 to 2 minutes until spices are fragrant and fully integrated. Sprinkle fish sauce over the vegetables and add coconut milk, peanut butter, and honey; stir to incorporate.

  • Bring to a simmer over medium heat for 10-12 minutes to reduce and thicken sauce. Add salt and pepper, taste, taste, and taste again until it reaches the right ZING. Serve over jasmine rice, garnish with fresh cilantro and a slice of fresh lime.

Notes

Take precautions by wear gloves and do not touch your face when working with hot peppers like jalapenos.

For Perfect Jasmine Rice: Soak 1 cup of uncooked rice in water for 15 minutes. Strain and place soaked rice in a 3 quart pan with 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, cover with lid, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 18 minutes. Turn to high for 10 seconds. Remove from heat and allow to sit with the lid on for 5 minutes.

Ingredient Tips

  • Lemongrass is not always available at the store but TRUST ME it makes all the difference. When it's available, buy it and cut it into the 5” pieces and then freeze. I use a microplane to get fine shavings of lemongrass into the curry, simply because the flavor is amazing but the grass itself is tough to chew and can be somewhat off-putting while you’re chowing down. Freezing it will make it easier to grate/zest, and then just throw it in the pot!
  • Substitutealmond butter for peanut butter if you have an allergy. Nut butter adds a subtle nutty flavor and texture to the curry.
  • Red chili flakestakes this recipe to the next level if you’re craving spice. The beautiful balance of coconut cream, curry, and heat makes for a truly delicious dinner.

Variations

  • Make it vegan: Omit the honey and fish sauce. Balance with a bit more salt and a touch of pure maple syrupVegetable Coconut Thai Curry Recipe with Jasmine Rice (10).
  • Make it Paleo: Substitute the almond butter for peanut butter, and cauliflower rice ormalanga ricefor jasmine rice.
  • Make it Keto: Omit the honey and substitute almond butter for peanut butter, and cauliflower rice or shirataki rice forjasmine rice.
  • Add pan-seared chicken to this recipe for an even heartier meal.
  • Use only one type of curry if you have a preference.I use all three to create a dynamic mix, especially if I can't decide on a single flavor profile.

Nutrition

Calories: 496kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Sodium: 308mg | Potassium: 735mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 2625IU | Vitamin C: 92.4mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 6mg

Learn how to make this and all recipes even easier!Check out our Monthly Meal Prep System!

More Thai Recipes You’ll Love

  • Thai Chili Sesame Chicken Wings

  • Pad Thai with Beef

  • Basic Chicken Curry

Vegetable Coconut Thai Curry Recipe with Jasmine Rice (11)


This recipe is by our Content Partner, Kayla Purcell.
Kayla’s creativity spills over into everything she does, especially in the kitchen. She is passionate about bringing people together around tasty food that’s good for you. We love that too.

Vegetable Coconut Thai Curry Recipe with Jasmine Rice (2024)

FAQs

Which rice is best for Thai curry? ›

As mentioned, Jasmine rice is the most widely used type of Thai rice and can be used to prepare and accompany a range of recipes including classic Thai curries, fried or grilled meat and seafood, rich saucy dishes and even for fried rice (although best cooked a day ahead for fried rice to harden the texture).

How do you thicken Thai coconut curry? ›

How to Thicken Curry
  1. Add dairy. Many curry sauces have a creamy texture, so try adding more dairy—like Greek yogurt, heavy cream, or a thick non-dairy ingredient like coconut cream—to thicken a watery curry sauce.
  2. Add ground nuts. ...
  3. Add lentils. ...
  4. Add peanut butter. ...
  5. Add a tomato product. ...
  6. Start with a roux. ...
  7. Use a slurry.
Jan 20, 2022

What veggies are good in curry? ›

The curry base is made with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, red chilli powder and garam masala. I prefer to go with potatoes, carrots, peas, green beans, cauliflower, corn and bell peppers. Though you can use other veggies like baby corn, sweet potato and broccoli, the curry will have different flavors.

What is a substitute for coconut milk in Thai curry? ›

8 best substitutes for coconut milk
  1. Shredded coconut (and a blender)
  2. Coconut cream.
  3. Plant-based milk and coconut oil.
  4. Coconut water and plant-based milk.
  5. Coconut cream.
  6. Milk or plant-based milk.
  7. Evaporated milk.
  8. Heavy cream or half-and-half.
Dec 30, 2022

What is the difference between jasmine rice and Thai jasmine rice? ›

In terms of taste and cooking time, each variety of jasmine rice has its own unique characteristics. Thai jasmine rice is the most common and has a softer, fluffier texture and a slightly sweet flavor. Indian jasmine rice is nuttier in taste and has a longer grain.

Is jasmine rice good for Thai food? ›

There are many kinds of rice such as regular rice, Jasmine Rice (Hom Mali rice), sticky rice, Riceberry rice, etc. However, the best rice that is worthy served with Thai food the most is Thai Jasmine rice because it helps bring up the favor for Thai food better than regular Thai rice or other kinds of rice.

How do Thai restaurants make curry so creamy? ›

Often, Thai curries are made using coconut milk as the main liquid, which results in a creamy consistency. You can use as much or as little coconut milk as you wish based on your preference for texture, spice, and flavor.

How to make coconut curry creamier? ›

Best way to thicken is is to grate a potato or two in there. Potato is delicious in curries and adds creaminess naturally. I also like to turn some dry coconut flakes to powder using a coffee grinder and add it in. It intensifies the coconut flavor and thickens at the same time.

Do you need coconut milk for Thai curry? ›

Can You Make Thai Curry Without Coconut Milk? If you have a coconut allergy or want to omit the coconut milk for any reason, you could experiment with swapping it for half and half. The taste will be a little different, but the half and half would keep the sauce nice and creamy.

Do you cook vegetables before putting in curry? ›

If you are (pre-)steaming the vegetables, your are keeping their individual flavor whereas by cooking in the curry sauce you get a more evened out flavor as the various ingredients contribute to the overall flavor and absorb the spices. This may or may not be what you prefer, but it's how your first recipe is designed.

What makes curry taste better? ›

The easiest way to fix a bland and tasteless curry is by adding spices like red chili powder, cumin, coriander, garam masala, curry leaves and turmeric. Just make a quick tempering and pour over the curry to give it a nice punch of spices and herbs.

What is the most important curry ingredients? ›

The most common ingredient in curry dishes is garlic. Onion, cilantro, tomatoes, vegetable oil, fresh ginger root, white sugar, coconut milk and chicken stock are also common ingredients in curry recipes. For herbs and spices, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon and cayenne pepper are popular.

Is it better to use coconut cream or milk in Thai curry? ›

Coconut milk and cream are mostly interchangeable in recipes such as curries and soups. If you prefer a richer flavour and texture, try coconut cream or vice versa. However, be careful when substituting coconut milk and cream in baked goods.

Can I use yogurt instead of coconut milk in curry? ›

Yogurt. Like heavy cream and half and half, higher fat plain yogurts of all types could also substitute coconut milk for the color and a similarly smooth and creamy texture. Because yogurt has a lower fat content than coconut milk, the consistency could be slightly thinner with the 1:1 substitution ratio.

Does Thai curry use coconut milk or coconut cream? ›

The majority of Thai curries are made with coconut milk as the main liquid, which produces creamier curries, but they're not necessarily “rich.” The amount of coconut milk can vary by quite a lot, depending on the texture one is looking for: massaman curry, for example, is quite rich because it uses coconut milk and is ...

Does jasmine or basmati rice go with Thai curry? ›

You'll find it used in traditional Southeast Asian dishes, but also in Middle Eastern, Mexican, and Persian cuisine. Jasmine is the go-to rice to use with Thai curries, soups, and stir-fry dishes.

What kind of rice do Thai use? ›

Thai Jasmine Rice (Hom Mali or Thai Fragrant rice), is the most common type and the main staple of the Thai diet. When fresh, the uncooked grains have a pleasant jasmine aroma, which gets even stronger as it cooks. Glutinous/Sticky Rice (Khao Neow), is easily noticed by it's milky, opaque coloring and shorter grains.

Is basmati or jasmine rice better with curry? ›

So, while you can't go wrong with choosing basmati for a south Asian dish – where big bold flavours benefit from a robust grain that can soak it up – you may find that other curries work best with jasmine rice, or something else. For Burmese curries, though, basmati is a reliable friend.

Does basmati or jasmine rice go with Thai food? ›

Basmati rice is best suited for Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine and is also considered the most expensive rice in the world. Thai Jasmine rice is suitable for Asian cuisine and is considered a cheaper alternative to Basmati rice.

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