Thai Yellow Coconut Curry with Mango

As I write this post, I’m enjoying a bowl of this curry for lunch, and I can’t even tell you how delicious it is.

But for you, I will try.

This recipe was inspired by a new favorite takeout dish from one of our go-to Thai restaurants in Portland (find our dining guide here!).

I’ve strayed from my usual Pad Thai and ventured into greener pastures. Or in this case, yellow curry pastures. And I don’t think there’s any turning back.

Origins of Yellow Curry

Yellow curry, also known as gaeng garee, is a Thai curry with Indian influence (source). It typically includes spices such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander (source).

Turmeric is what gives yellow curry its vibrant color. This magical spice has been used in India for nearly 4,000 years and has gained popularity throughout the world in part due to its vast medicinal uses (source).

How to Make Yellow Curry with Mango

This recipe is simple, requiring just 30 minutes and 1 pot, which makes it perfect for weeknight meals when you need something fast, delicious, and satisfying.

The base of this curry is garlic, ginger, serrano or Thai pepper, and shallot. Next comes red curry paste and plenty of turmeric and lemon juice for that intense yellow curry flavor and color.

Coconut milk adds creamy texture, coconut sugar sweetens the dish naturally, and red bell pepper, green peas, mango, and cashews are the delicious add-ins that make this dish insanely beautiful and filling.

I think you guys are going to LOVE this curry! It’s:

Rich
Creamy
Flavorful
Vegetable-heavy
Naturally sweetened
Perfectly spicy
& Better than takeout (there I said it)

This curry is fabulous when you’re craving Thai food that’s quick and hearty. And because it’s so satisfying and flavorful, I think it would be especially great for hosting as it’s sure to please even the heartiest eaters.

If you give this recipe a try, let us know! We love hearing from you. Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a picture @minimalistbaker on Instagram! We’d love to see your curry in action. Cheers!

Thai Yellow Coconut Curry with Mango

Rich, flavorful Thai Yellow Curry with mango, red bell pepper, and cashews! It all comes together in 30 minutes and 1 pot. Serve with rice or steamed broccoli for an incredibly satisfying plant-based meal!

Author Minimalist Baker

Print SAVE SAVED

4.97 from 127 votes

Prep Time 8 minutes minutes

Cook Time 22 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Course Entrée

Cuisine Gluten-Free, Indian-Inspired, Thai-Inspired, Vegan

Freezer Friendly 1 month

Does it keep? 1 Week

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

US Customary – Metric

CURRY

• 1 ½ Tbsp coconut oil (or avocado or grape seed oil)
• 1 medium shallot, minced
• 2 Tbsp minced fresh ginger
• 2 cloves minced garlic (2 cloves yield ~1 Tbsp)
• 1 Thai red chili (or serrano pepper // stem removed and thinly sliced with seeds)
• 1 cup chopped red cabbage (optional)
• 3 Tbsp red curry paste*
• 2 (14-ounce) cans light coconut milk (sub 1 can of full fat per 2 cans light for extra creamy texture)
• 3 Tbsp coconut sugar (plus more to taste)
• 1/4 tsp sea salt (plus more to taste)
• 2-3 tsp tamari (or soy sauce if not gluten-free)
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 red bell pepper (seeds and stem removed // cut into bite-size pieces)
• 1/4 cup green peas (optional // frozen or fresh)
• 2 ripe mangos
• 1/4 cup roasted cashews (salted is best)
• 1 medium lemon, juiced

FOR SERVING optional

• Lemon wedges
• Thai (or regular) basil, or fresh cilantro
• Brown rice* or coconut quinoa
• Steamed broccoli

Instructions

• Heat a large cast iron or metal skillet with a high rim over medium heat. Once hot, add coconut oil, shallot, ginger, garlic, and Thai chili (or serrano pepper). Add a pinch of sea salt and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Add cabbage (optional) and red curry paste and stir, and cook for 2 minutes more.
• Add coconut milk, coconut sugar, sea salt, tamari, turmeric and stir. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
• Once simmering, add red pepper and peas (optional) and slightly reduce heat. You want a simmer, not a boil, which should be around low to medium-low heat.
• Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to soften the pepper and peas, and infuse them with curry flavor.
• At this time also taste and adjust the flavor of the broth as needed. I added more coconut sugar for sweetness, tamari and sea salt for saltiness, and turmeric for earthiness. You can also add more curry paste for more spice and intense curry flavor. Don’t be shy with seasonings – this curry should be very flavorful.
• Once the broth is well seasoned and the peppers are softened, add mango, cashews and lemon juice, and simmer for 3-4 minutes more over low to medium-low heat.
• Serve over rice or coconut quinoa, or steamed broccoli (broccoli being my favorite). This dish gets elevated with the addition of more lemon juice and Thai or regular basil.

Video

Notes

*Based on my research, the only difference between red and yellow curry paste is lemon juice and turmeric powder. So if you have yellow curry paste, use that and omit the extra turmeric (to taste). But if using red (as I suggest), simply include the turmeric as instructed.
*If vegan, ensure your curry paste is vegan-friendly (and does not contain fish ingredients). I love this brand.
*Find my favorite method for cooking brown rice here (method 1)!
*Questions about substitutions, equipment, or troubleshooting? Check out our Recipe FAQ page.
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate.

Nutrition (1 of 4 servings)

Serving: 1 serving Calories: 400 Carbohydrates: 47.9 g Protein: 6.2 g Fat: 23.3 g Saturated Fat: 16.4 g Trans Fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 901 mg Fiber: 4.3 g Sugar: 27 g