Difference Between Red Curry Paste & Curry Powder

Red curry paste being fried

While red curry paste and curry powder are both used to flavor curries, they differ significantly in both composition and traditional usage. Curry powder crosses cultural borders, whereas red curry paste is almost exclusively Thai.

Ingredients of Red Curry Paste

Red curry paste typically includes shrimp paste, shallots, bird's eye chilies, fish sauce and assorted other spices that vary by recipe.

Ingredients of Curry Powder

Curry powder is the powdered dried leaves of the Murraya koenigii plant. Many and various powdered mixes for curry exist, spanning cultures from Indian to Japanese to English. These are not usually referred to by the phrase "curry powder", however.

Uses

Red curry paste is the basis of many dishes in Thai cuisine, such as Massaman curry and pad prik. Curry powder occasionally has a place in Thai cookery as well, as in yellow curry, but it is much more common in Indian cuisine.

Spiciness

Red curry paste, especially when freshly made, is generally hotter than curry powder. It can be used alone or in conjunction with other spices and flavorings. Curry powder is almost always used in combination with other spices and flavorings.

Are they Kosher?

Due to its shrimp content, red curry paste is usually not advisable for anyone who strictly adheres to a kosher diet. Curry powder, however, is usually safe.

References

• Thai Food; David Thompson; 2002