Thai Coconut Curry Sauce Recipe

Name: Thai Coconut Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 14 ounces full fat coconut milk; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil; 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated); 2 tablespoons red curry paste; 1/2 lime (juice and zest); 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional); 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Jump to Recipe

Step up your game with this silky Coconut Curry Sauce poured over any dish! It’s made with Indian style spices that give this sauce tremendous depth.

Add tons of flavor in a snap with this savory Thai coconut curry sauce. Say goodbye to dishes and meals that lack flavor and get ready to turn those boring dishes into a great conversation starter with this easy coconut curry sauce.

a spoon drizzling coconut curry sauce over shrimp and peppers

Table of Contents

Looking for more sauces to top off your dishes with? Consider trying this miso tahini sauce or chili garlic sauce next!

This Homemade Curry Sauce will become a new go to

One of my favorite ways to add flavor to any dish is sauce. There is something so yummy about adding flavors in other ways and sauce is such a great way to do it while adding another element like texture.

Sauces can be such an easy way to take a simple dish from 0 to 100. This delicious sauce can make any dish feel like comfort food while staying on the healthier side. My favorite way to enjoy it is over a plate of Air Fryer Shrimp and Peppers.

I’m excited to begin cozy-ing up with my favorite recipes and this coconut milk curry sauce is one of them! So if making some easy coconut curry sauce isn’t on your cold-weather/Fall to-do list, it is now!

While red curry paste isn’t a common ingredient in most western cooking, the rest of the ingredients list might already be in your home. This sauce makes it easy to step out of your “kitchen comfort zone”. After trying it for the first time, it might just become a house staple.

Coconut Milk Curry Sauce ingredients

To make this Thai coconut curry sauce recipe, you will need:

Coconut milk: coconut milk and coconut oil are key ingredients to making this delicious curry.
Wet ingredients: red curry paste will give this sauce its signature color and fiery flavor. Lime juice helps to neutralize the sweetness from the coconut.
Cornstarch: cornstarch is an easy way to thicken up any sauce, you’ll only need a little bit. Make sure you mix it with equal parts water before mixing it into the sauce.
Herbs and spices: to get the rich savoriness of Thai curry sauce you’ll need to hit up your spice rack for chili powder, ground cloves, and kosher salt. You’ll also need some garlic cloves and fresh ginger.
Optional: for an extra touch of Umami flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of fish sauce.

coconut curry sauce in a pot with a whisk

How to Make Coconut Curry Sauce

1. Make a cornstarch slurry. In a mixing bowl, whisk together equal parts coconut milk and cornstarch. This is what makes your sauce thick and creamy. You can also use arrowroot powder.

2. Sauté the garlic and ginger.. Heat the coconut oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Make sure to stir frequently so it doesn’t burn.

3. Make the sauce. Whisk in the curry paste until well combined and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the coconut milk mixture and cook, whisking constantly, for about 1 to 2 minutes, until incorporated and slightly thickened.

Whisk in the lime juice, fish sauce, chili powder, ground cloves, and salt. Reduce to medium-low and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.

Serve with your favorite dishes, like shrimp, chicken empanadas, stuffed peppers, or vegetables.

Coconut Milk Curry Sauce Variations

Curry Sauce Without Coconut Milk

One of the most important aspects of coconut milk in curry is the thickness and creaminess it adds to the sauce. With some quick changes, you can substitute coconut milk for either dairy or other vegetarian-friendly options.

Heavy cream: to recreate the consistency of coconut milk, use 2 parts heavy cream to 1 part water. Heavy cream can be the perfect substitute for Indian curries.
Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can add the same amount of creaminess as coconut milk, but with a much tangier flavor, use discretion when adding.
Oat milk: most vegetarian and vegan options will tend to be runnier, so adjust your cornstarch and you should be good to go.

Thai Coconut Sauce Storage

To store homemade Thai coconut curry sauce that is coconut milk-based, you can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days. You can also freeze the sauce in an airtight container or ice cube trays for longer storage

Thai Coconut Curry Recipe FAQs

Does Coconut Curry Taste like Coconut?

It has the slightest hint of coconut, but really more like a touch of sweetness. Even though Thai coconut curry sauce does have a tinge of sweetness when compared to other curries, it doesn’t have an overt coconut flavor. The lime juice and spices helps to counteract the sweetness of the coconut milk for a more savory dish.

What does coconut milk do to a curry?

Coconut milk can be a great and flavorful way to easily thicken up sauces, it can also add depth and richness to your dish. If you like spices and chilies, coconut milk can also help balance your spices and the heat of the Thai coconut curry sauce.

Do Indian curries use coconut milk?

Indian cuisine definitely does use coconut milk, however, this is rare since most Indian dishes rely on coconut cream or yogurt for a thicker and richer sauce. However, in Thai cooking, coconut milk is a staple and is the base of Thai curry.

Can I use canned coconut milk for curry?

Absolutely, and I prefer canned coconut milk because it has a thick, cream-like consistency and is higher in fat than coconut milk beverages.

Can I use coconut milk instead of cream in curry?

Yes, you can use coconut milk instead of cream in curry. Coconut milk and cream are mostly interchangeable in recipes like curries and soups. If you prefer a richer flavor and texture, try a full fat coconut cream.

Should coconut milk for curry be sweetened or unsweetened?

Coconut milk is naturally sweet, so added sugar is not necessary.

More Sauce Recipes to Try

WANT TO TRY THIS COCONUT CURRY SAUCE RECIPE?

PIN IT to your sauce recipes, or Thai inspired recipes board to save it for later!
Find me on Pinterest for more great recipes. I’m always pinning!

Did you make this recipe? Post a photo on Instagram and tag me @JZEATS or #JZEATS so I can see! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think, too!