Curry is a whole delicious world, and one of its friendliest members is Panang Curry. Rich and slightly sweet, it’s peanuty, not-too-spicy, and excellent, whether you are looking for a starter curry or one to make an old favorite.
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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Panang Curry Recipe
- Thai Flavor at Home. I am a long-time fan of Thai food (hello Shrimp Pad Thai!), an affinity that was solidified after Ben and I went to Thailand. Panang curry is very similar to red curry, but it’s less spicy, a bit thicker and sweeter, and has the addition of ground peanuts.
- Everyday Ingredients. Panang curry paste is what you’ll see in authentic panang curry recipes, but it is somewhat difficult to find in the U.S. Thus, I opted to make this curry with an easy-to-find red curry paste that I doctored with peanut butter, Worcestershire, and a pinch of sugar to mimic the distinct elements that make panang curry special.
- Versatile. This panang curry is filled with vibrant vegetables and juicy chicken, but you can switch things up with any protein you like and whatever vegetables are in season!
5 Star Review
“Amazing! Super easy and tastes just like takeout.”
— Lauren —
How to Make Panang Curry
The Ingredients
- Chicken. Tender chunks of chicken breast or chicken thighs stay moist and flavorful in the curry.
- Thai Red Curry Paste. Red curry paste is responsible for much of this curry’s deep flavor. There is no substitute (just ask Massaman Curry)!
- Vegetables. Carrots and red bell peppers add beautiful color and texture.
- Light Coconut Milk. Helps make the curry creamy and flavorful.
- Basil. If you can find Thai basil leaves, I recommend using it for this recipe. However, regular basil will work too.
- Bamboo Shoots. Delightfully crunchy with a slightly sweet and earthy flavor. You’ll find them canned in the international food aisle or in your local Asian market.
- Peanut Butter. For a touch of peanut butter flavor that also helps thicken the curry.
- Soy Sauce + Fish Sauce. These staples of Asian cooking are bursting with umami goodness. If you need to make this recipe soy free, you can swap the soy sauce for coconut aminos or tamari.
- Worcestershire. Another addition to the umami crew.
- Coconut Sugar. Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the spice. If you don’t have coconut sugar on hand, brown sugar will work too.
- Lime. Instead of kaffir lime leaves, which are in authentic recipes but harder to find, I used regular lime zest and lime juice
The Directions
- Cook the Onion. Sauté the onion in a Dutch oven, wok, large, deep, sturdy pot, or similar large skillet or large.
- Add the Curry Paste. Stir it in so it coats the onions.
- Boil. Add the coconut milk and basil, then bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the Veggies. Stir in the carrots and bell peppers.
- Simmer. Add the chicken, bamboo shoots, peanut butter, fish sauce, Worcestershire, and sugar. Let simmer.
- Finish. Remove the panang curry from the heat, stirring in the lime zest and juice. Serve as desired and ENJOY!
Recipe Variations
- Make It Vegetarian. Omit the Worcestershire and fish sauce (or use vegan fish sauce or Worcestershire), then add Crispy Tofu, Air Fryer Tofu, or a can of chickpeas like in this Coconut Curry.
- Make It Richer. If you prefer a thicker, more decadent curry, you can use one can of light coconut milk (or add coconut cream) and one can of regular coconut milk.
What to Serve with Panang Curry
- Rice. The classic choice! Brown rice, white rice, Instant Pot Brown Rice, or cauliflower rice if you want to keep it low(er) carb.
- Other Grains. Quinoa is fabulous with curry.
- Noodles. Rice noodles or wide egg noodles are both delish with panang curry.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Use a Big Pot. You need ample room to be able to stir the curry without it overflowing onto the stove. I like to use a Dutch oven.
- Make the Most of Leftovers. Pile leftover panang chicken curry and white rice (if you please) into a wrap for an Asian Chicken Wraps-inspired option or lettuce leaf for a Lettuce Wraps-inspired option.
- Add Some Heat. Panang curry isn’t particularly spicy, so if you prefer yours hotter, I suggest adding red pepper flakes or more red curry paste.
Panang Curry
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
This panang curry recipe is easy for home cooks because it uses readily available ingredients! Make it with chicken or your favorite protein.
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or canola oil
- 1 yellow onion thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
- 3 medium carrots peeled and cut into ¼-inch coins
- 2 red bell peppers sliced into thin strips
- 2 (14-ounce) cans light coconut milk for a more decadent curry, use one can regular and one can light
- 2 large leafy sprigs Thai basil or regular basil plus additional leaves for serving
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces or swap 1 (15-ounce) can rinsed and drained chickpeas
- 1 (8-ounce) can bamboo shoots drained
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 ½ tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce or additional low sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce omit to make vegetarian
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 2 medium limes zest and juice, divided (about 1 ½ teaspoons zest and ¼ cup juice)
- Cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice or quinoa for serving
- Chopped unsalted roasted peanuts for serving
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven or similar large, deep, sturdy pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until it is softened and turning translucent, about 5 minutes
- Add the red curry paste and stir very quickly to coat the onion.
- Add the coconut milk and basil and bring to a boil. Continue to boil, stirring periodically, until somewhat thickened, about 8 minutes.
- Add the carrot and bell peppers. Boil and stir for 5 minutes more.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the chicken, bamboo shoots, peanut butter, fish sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and coconut sugar. Simmer, stirring often, until chicken is cooked through, about 4 to 6 minutes.
- Remove from the heat. Stir in the lime zest and juice. Serve hot with rice and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and basil.
Video
Notes
- TO STORE: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.
- TO REHEAT: Rewarm curry in a Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave.
- TO FREEZE: Freeze leftovers in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
Serving: 1(of 6), without rice or peanutsCalories: 371kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 28gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 73mgPotassium: 766mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 7606IUVitamin C: 63mgCalcium: 53mgIron: 2mg
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Will try this without the fish sauce and with tofu or tempeh rather than chicken to make it vegan. Thanks!
Hope you enjoy it!
Fun to incorporate these different flavors into our weekly menu! Wonderful recipe..
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Danielle! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Veggies never tasted so good!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Paul! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
I could not find any proportions for ingredients. Am I blind? Frustrating.
Hi Arden! I’m sorry you are having trouble finding the recipe. It is located right above where you commented, in the recipe card. You can always click the “jump to recipe” button at the top of the post to help you get there. Could you please check again?
Amazing! Super easy and tastes just like takeout. I recommend an authentic curry paste.
Will make on a regular basis!
Hi Lauren! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
We enjoyed many Thai dishes but I had never made a curry dish. This tasted just like when you order it out. Very simple. Once you get everything chopped and prepped it comes together quickly.
So glad you enjoyed it, Andrea!
My first time making Thai curry. I am so glad this recipe popped up! It was simple to make and was so delicious! I did add an extra tablespoon of curry paste and extra lime juice; it was perfect! Thanks for the recipe! I will definitely be making it again.
So glad you enjoyed it, Belinda! Thank you!
This was beautiful and I loved the addition of Thai basil! The spices and flavors were delectable and were exactly as I had remembered from the Thai restaurant that we went to.
So glad to hear you enjoyed it, Danielle!
I love this recipe! I’ve probably made it 6 times since I found it. The curry sauce is amazing!! And as good as I get for take-out. Part of the beauty, is once I have the amazing curry, I can substitute whatever veggies I like or have on hand. Maybe someone would argue that’s no longer a true panang curry, but who cares? Isn’t part of the idea to cook foods we love, using a basic recipe someone puts out? Tonight I have this cooking with dinosaur kale, sweet potatoes, carrots, and chicken. Can’t wait! Thanks for such a delicious recipe!
So glad to hear you enjoyed it, Jessica! Thank you!