Pad Thai Curry

This Pad Thai curry recipe blends the vibrant flavors of traditional Pad Thai with the rich, creamy texture of Thai curry. Combining tender noodles, fresh vegetables, and a tangy-sweet sauce, it’s a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and exotic. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish brings the essence of Thai street food right to your kitchen!

What makes Pad Thai popular?

Pad Thai is popular due to its perfect balance of sweet, salty, sour, and umami flavors, which create a rich and satisfying taste experience.

Its ingredients—rice noodles, shrimp or tofu, crunchy peanuts, fresh vegetables, and a tangy tamarind sauce—are both flavorful and customizable, making it appealing to a wide range of palates.

Additionally, it’s easy to prepare, making it a staple in Thai street food culture and a beloved dish worldwide.

​What ingredients are needed to make Pad Thai Curry?

In this Pad Thai curry recipe, rice noodles serve as the hearty foundation, absorbing the rich and flavorful sauce as they cook to tender perfection.

Tamarind paste introduces a tangy and slightly sour note that beautifully balances the sweetness from brown sugar and the savory depth of soy sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Vegetable oil is essential for stir-frying the aromatics like garlic and shallots, which build the dish’s aromatic base alongside the yellow or red curry paste that infuses warmth and spice.

Coconut milk adds a creamy richness, mellowing the heat from the curry paste and giving the sauce a luxurious texture.

Tofu provides a satisfying protein element, soaking up the sauce and adding a pleasant contrast in texture to the dish.

Fresh bean sprouts are added towards the end, offering a crisp and light crunch that complements the soft noodles and creamy sauce.

A touch of cayenne pepper allows you to adjust the spice level to your liking, while a squeeze of lime juice brightens the overall flavor with its citrusy tang.

Finally, a sprinkle of chopped peanuts on top introduces a delightful nutty crunch, enhancing both the texture and taste of the Pad Thai curry.

How to make Pad Thai Curry

Begin with chopping up the shallots and peeling the garlic cloves. Prepare the rice noodles according to package directions and set them aside.

Heat vegetable oil in a pan. When hot, add cubed tofu and onions. Fry all on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. 

Next, add the curry paste, tamarind paste, brown sugar, coconut oil, soy sauce and bean sprouts to the pan. Mix all well and bring to a simmer while stirring. Season with cayenne pepper and squeeze a bit of lime juice into the sauce.

Finally, combine with the cooked rice noodles. Heat everything up and serve garnished with chopped peanuts and lime wedges.

How to serve Pad Thai Curry

To serve Pad Thai curry, start by plating the cooked curry in a shallow bowl or on a wide plate for easy mixing.

Garnish generously with fresh bean sprouts and chopped peanuts to add crunch, then sprinkle over fresh cilantro or green onions for an herbaceous finish.

Offer wedges of lime on the side for guests to squeeze over the dish, enhancing the flavors with a bright, citrusy kick.

For a bit of heat, you can also provide cayenne pepper or chili flakes. Serve it immediately, ensuring the noodles stay warm and the flavors vibrant.

What to do with leftovers?

Leftover Pad Thai curry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture.

Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the noodles and make them too soft. 

Other Curry recipes to try

• Authentic Thai Red Curry
• Quick Chicken Spinach Curry Recipe [vegan, easy]
• Easy Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe [authentic style]
• Japanese Curry
• Katsu Curry

I hope you love this flavorful twist on a classic Pad Thai!

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear your thoughts—please leave a comment and a star rating below.

Don’t forget to share your delicious creation on Instagram or Facebook and tag me; I can’t wait to see how your Pad Thai curry turns out! Happy cooking!