This Thai peanut curry sauce recipe only takes 15 minutes to make and is an absolute favorite in our home! It is fast, easy, simple, and…delicious! Give this recipe a try.
This 15-minute Peanut Curry Sauce and Rice is the go-to recipe for my home and in our Top 40 List for menu rotation. I keep the ingredients in my pantry at all times to pull out on those evenings when you simply don’t have the time and energy to think about dinner. This flavorful recipe is fast, delicious, and nutritious.
What is curry paste made out of?
Onion, garlic, and chili paste are the base ingredients and from there other spices like turmeric, cumin, and garam masala (to name only a few) are added, depending on which brand or the kind you use.
If you don’t have curry paste you can absolutely still make this yummy dish! But, I would suggest picking some up for next time!
Start your rice or noodles first, and then begin your sauce. Mix your coconut milk (or chicken broth), water, and curry paste together and let that start simmering itself up to a boil. If you plan on using any veggies that take a bit to soften you want to get those started now, too. I’m all about the sugar snap peas and red peppers in my curry. I would recommend trying broccoli, green beans, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and baby corn.
Tip:
If you don’t have coconut milk in your pantry you can substitute chicken broth. It has a different taste but is still delicious!
Note:
I’m a fan of the Minute® rice because it’s super fast and easy! For realz, keep this stuff in your pantry! Or, whatever version of rice your family prefers. It will make curry easy!
How do you make a good Thai Peanut Sauce?
The secret ingredient…peanut butter. Because we all have peanut butter in our pantries, this addition couldn’t be easier. Stir your peanut butter and spices into the milk and curry. Keep that simmering up gently.
Tip:
Use natural peanut butter for the best flavor and consistency.
If you are wanting spinach, add it in at the time you add the peanut butter. It will get perfectly wilted without cooking too long.
I know! Isn’t that peanut curry sauce just gorgeous! And it was made it in 15 minutes while the rice was cooking up.
Tip:
Top your sauce with green onions and crushed peanuts.
Add a scoop of Peanut Curry sauce to a scoop of rice or noodles for the ultimate in flavorful, easy, and fast weekday dinners that your family will ask for again and again
15-Minute Peanut Curry Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup red curry paste start with 1/2 that amount and work your way up to your liking
- 3/4 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 cup white OR brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice or apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Put the coconut milk, water, and red curry paste into a large skillet on medium heat. Simmer for 3 minutes or until it starts bubbling on the edges.
- Add in any veggies or meat that you would like. (only add veggies or meat that need cooking. Hold veggies like spinach or green onions until the very end so they don't over-cook)
- Add the peanut butter, salt, sugar, and lime juice. Simmer for another 6-7 minutes stirring often.
- Serve with chopped green onions, chopped peanuts, and Minute® rice.
Recipe Notes
The temperature of your pan is right if the edges are slightly bubbling. If that isn't happening, turn your heat up a little bit.
Curry varies in heat from brand to brand. Add a small amount at the beginning of the recipe and keep adding as the recipe progresses until you reach the heat you want.
Other easy and fast family dinner ideas:
easy Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli
So. . . good rice also cooks in 15 minutes???
Author
Rice takes all different kinds of time to cook, depending on what you use. I recommend using a quick rice or even a pre-cooked (Trader Joe’s has a great one in the freezer section!) for busy families. They are inexpensive and taste great! Of course, you can certainly make whatever kind of rice you prefer.