Our inspired version is vegan, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened but makes a similarly rich, peanutty, savory-sweet curry that’s just as good as takeout. Let us show you how it’s done!
What is Panang Curry Paste?
Panang curry paste is the key flavor ingredient in the wonderful, savory-sweet Thai panang curry. Common ingredients used to make it include dried chili peppers, galangal, lemongrass, makrut lime zest, cilantro root and seeds, garlic, shallot, shrimp paste, salt, and peanuts. Our version is not traditional but rather an inspired vegan take made without shrimp paste and with ingredients easier to find in our region! Learn more about panang curry paste and find a more traditional recipe from Hot Thai Kitchen.
How to Make Panang Curry Paste
Our version begins with deseeding and rehydrating dried Thai red chili peppers. These mighty little peppers are SPICY and can make your skin feel fiery, so you’ll want to either wear gloves or wash your hands very thoroughly afterward and avoid touching your eyes and face for a while! Next, we toast and grind cumin and coriander seeds to bring out their flavor. Be sure to take a moment to appreciate their aroma because there’s nothing quite like it! Then it’s time to bring it all together in a blender. Zesty lime and fresh ginger take the place of makrut lime zest and galangal used in more traditional recipes. Miso paste is not traditional either, but we found it does a great job of replacing the umami typically provided by shrimp paste. Peanut butter takes the place of peanuts to create a creamy base, maple syrup balances the heat, and we kept some of the classic essentials like garlic and lemongrass. All that’s left is salt, red onion, and oil or water to encourage blending. We hope you LOVE this panang curry paste! It’s:SavorySpicyBrightZestyPeanutty& SO versatile! It’s ideal for making panang curry, soups, sauces, salad dressings, and more! Whatever dish you land on, we have a feeling it’ll be spicy and pair perfectly with a cooling Thai-inspired dish like our Vegan Thai Iced Tea, Rainbow Spring Rolls, or Vegan Papaya Salad.
More Flavor-Packed DIY Sauces
Easy Green Curry Paste (10 Minutes!) Zesty Mango Habanero Hot Sauce Easy Homemade Sriracha (15 Minutes!) Easy Gochujang Sauce (Korean Chili Paste)
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo @minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
