How to Make Thai Red Curry From Scratch

Thai red curry has a unique flavor that combines basic ingredients and spices into a delicious base for a meal. Follow these directions to make your own red curry paste from scratch.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 10 large dried red chilis
• 2 tsp. caraway seeds
• 1 tsp. coriander seeds
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 tbsp. lemongrass, finely chopped
• 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
• 3 or 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tsbp. Thai shrimp paste
• Saucepan
• Mortar and pestle

1. Before starting to assemble your ingredients, open dried chilis and remove seeds. Then soak chilis in cold water. By the time you have the other ingredients ready, the chilis will be soft enough.

2. In a saucepan over low heat, gently roast caraway and coriander seeds without any oil. Remove from heat when the seeds turn brown.

3. Pound the seeds together with mortar and pestle until a fine powder remains. Put aside.

4. Assemble the rest of ingredients in separate containers or small piles. Keep them apart from each other.

5. Remove chilis from water and pound them with the salt until they are pulverized.

6. Add lemon grass and pound.

7. Add shallots and pound.

8. Add garlic and pound.

9. Add shrimp paste and pound.

10. Lastly, add coriander seed and caraway seed powder and pound.

11. Store in a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not have much experience with a mortar and pestle, go slow.
• Consider practicing beforehand with garlic (and see How to Make Fried Garlic, Thai Style).
• Be careful not to touch your eyes while handling chilis and seeds. They will cause your eyes to burn and sting.