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Curries, Date Night, Dinner ideas, Seafood

Shrimp Massaman Curry

This Shrimp Massaman Curry is made with a pre-made paste that allows you to easily replicate this traditional dish at home. A popular Thai dish is  complex blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. That will tantalize your taste buds and having you craving more. 

Traditionally potatoes are added to this curry, but I prefer to omit them and make it just like this!

Feel free to add one cubed potato to this dish if you want it more traditional. 

Along with crushed peanuts if desired to make it more traditional. 

WHERE IS MASSAMAN CURRY FROM

Thailand, however it has some influences from India do to some of the addition of Indian spices such as cinnamon and cardamon. 

WHAT’S MASSAMAMN CURRY

It is a traditional Thai curry that is made with a meat protein of your choice with the addition of cubed potatoes, coconut cream, crushed peanuts and blended spices. 

Also, it is a fusion dish having some spices that in it that are very popular in Indian cuisine. 

CAN MASSAMAN CURRY BE MADE WITH CHICKEN

Yes, and often is or you can use sliced beef instead too!

Have you ever tried Massaman Curry?

It is a soup-like dish that has a unique flavor profile, made with ingredients like coconut milk, a meat protein that is simmered in a bunch of blended spices.

IS MASSAMAN CURRY SPICY

Massaman Curry is more milder than Red Thai curry as it has more spices in it vs red chilies. The more or richer the coconut cream you use to make this dish the less spicy it becomes. 

The easiest way to make this recipe is to by a pre-made (Massaman) Curry Paste, I have tried a few brands and Mae Ploy Thai Matsaman (Massaman) Curry Paste is the only brand I use.

It is the same brand I use when making most Thai dishes such as Red Thai or Green Thai curries. They carry products for every Thai recipe you can think of.

The paste contains: dried red chili, lemongrass, garlic, shallots, salt, galangal, shrimp paste, coriander seed, cumin, kaffir lime peel, mace, cardamon cinnamon.

(Massaman) Curry Paste

If you would prefer to make it from scratch here is a great recipe MASSAMAN CURRY PASTE RECIPE

The nice thing with buying the paste is having this recipe ready in less than 30 minutes! 

 

 

Is Massaman Curry Healthy?

Aside from its deliciousness, Massaman curry is also celebrated for its nutritional benefits and is very healthy dish.

It’s full of essential vitamins and minerals, like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Manganese, as well as beneficial plant compounds such as Capsaicin and Curcumin.

WHAT DOES MASSAMAN CURRY HAVE IN IT

  1. Meat proteins
  2. Potatoes
  3. Coconut Cream
  4. Crushed Peanuts along with a bunch of blended spices

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

If you make this recipe, I would love to hear about it! You can leave a 5 star review in the comments below! Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

WANTING MORE TRADTIONAL SOUTH ASIAN RECIPES?

Quick and easy recipes, Salads, Seafood, Skip the takeout

Bun Thit Nuong Cha Gio (Vietnamese Shrimp Bowl)

Craving Bun Thit Nuong Cha Gio (Vietnamese Shrimp Salad) but don’t want to go out to a restaurant? Then your going to love this quick and easy recipe. 

Want to make it with grilled Chicken? Try this recipe Thai Chicken Vermicelli salad

What Does Cha Gio Mean?

It means Vermecelli Thai noodles that are also topped with spring rolls. 

Try adding fresh herbs for brightness, flavor, and nutrition. 

Such as chopped cilantro or mint leaves.

WHAT IS VIETNAMESE SALAD

Vietnamese Noodle Salad is served with warm or cool noodles, fresh cold vegetables and grilled meats or meat of your liking. Typically grilled pork, shrimp or beef. The noodles are always Vermicelli rice noodles that come with a light Thai inspired sauce. 

It’s fresh, filling and just like they serve in Thai restaurants.

HOW TO MAKE VERMICELLI SALAD

  • You will want to make two marinades, one for the chicken and one for the sauce that you will serve alongside these bowls.
  • Fresh lemongrass is very important here for the chicken marinade, it gives it that really intense lemon taste. So be sure to get your hands on a few stocks that you will simply chop and place into the marinade.
  • The longer you marinade the chicken the better. 

What makes these rice bowls so good is the fresh ingredients and the Thai marinade.

VIETNAMESE NOODLE SALAD DRESSING

  1. 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  2. 1/2 cup cold water
  3. 1 lime (juiced)
  4. 2 tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar
  5. 1/4 cup fish sauce
  6. 3 tbsp sugar
  7. 1 red chili (de-seeded and sliced, or substitute 2 teaspoons chili flakes or Sriracha)

NOTE: If you are able to let it marinate in the fridge the better and you can add some lime leaves for extra flavor if desired. If not the lime juice tastes similar. 

WHAT IS IN A VERMICCILI SALAD

  • Carrots, cucumbers, shredded iceberg lettuce and a meat protein of your liking.
  • Thai marinade and sauce. 

Feel free to add some “beans sprouts” alongside the julienne carrots, cucumber and the shredded iceberg lettuce if desired.  

LIKE THAI FOOD AS MUCH AS ME? 

Then you will want to try my other ASIAN inspired recipes on this website!

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

If you make this recipe, I would love to hear about it! You can leave a 5 star review in the comments below! Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

Dinner ideas, Quick and easy recipes, Skip the takeout

Sweet Thai Chili Chicken

My Sweet Thai Chili Chicken recipe is cooked in a sweet chili sauce. And it is inexpensive, quick and easy to make. Also it is keto, however you can also serve it with rice or quinoa if desired. 

SWEET THAI CHILI CHICKEN

This Sweet Thai Chili Chicken is one of those easy recipes that are full of Thai flavors that your sure to love. Love Thai food then your going to want to try my Thai Basil Mussels too!

Now this recipe is sweet, I’m not going to lie. And it is delicious, however if you want some heat in this dish simply add Spicy Thai Chili Sauce instead. 

IS SWEET THAI CHILI SAUCE GLUTEN FREE

Bottled Sweet Thai Chili Sauce is not gluten free. However if you want to make it from scratch you can try that recipe here: Best Sweet Thai Chili Sauce

DOES SWEET THAI CHILI SAUCE HAVE PEANUTS 

No, but this recipe has the addition of peanuts. 

WHAT IS SWEET THAI CHILI SAUCE

It has sweet and sour notes, if your making it homemade you can add more red chili flakes or by a hot Thai chili sauce instead of the sweet.

HOW TO MAKE SWEET THAI CHILI CHICKEN

  • Start with ground chicken 
  • Then in a large frying pan add 1 tbsp of cooking oil and then fry the ground chicken till slightly browned
  • Once cooked, remove and set aside
  • Then chop a yellow pepper and place that in the frying pan with 4 tbsp of water and 1/4 cup of sweet Thai chili sauce. 
  • Sauté till soft then add back in the ground chicken and cook all together for 5 mins.
  • Wash some lettuce and place in the bowl as seen in the picture and add the pork/pepper combo
  • Top with chopped peanuts and green onions.

Looking for more Thai recipes?

I’m thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear about it! Thank you and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

Curries, Dinner ideas, Quick and easy recipes, Seafood, Skip the takeout

Salmon Coconut Curry

Salmon Coconut Curry is a quick and delish dish that can be made in less than 30 minutes! 

Salmon Coconut Curry is made with a pre made panang curry paste, coconut milk, fish sauce, brown sugar, fresh salmon and some red and yellow bell peppers.

WHAT IS PANANG CURRY

Panang Curry originates from Thailand named from the island of Penang.

What Goes with Salmon Panang Curry

  • Jasmine Rice or Vermicelli Rice

WHERE TO BUY PANANG CURRY PASTE

This is probably your first thought? Am I right! Well I got you covered. First off you want to buy the right curry paste or it will not taste as authentic. Trust me, I have tried them all. And swear by only one brand, you will see that brand below. Here in Canada this can be found in almost every ethnic aisle at your local Superstore.If you do not have a superstore, then you are going to have to shop around. Ideally, at a Asian market. 

HOW TO MAKE SALMON PANANG CURRY

  • It is easy, you want to start with two fresh salmon fillets and dice them into bite sized pieces.
  • Then you want to choose a vegetable, like sliced red or yellow peppers or fresh spinach and or even diced tomatoes.
  • Once you have that you want to have some panang paste on hand, cooking oil, coconut cream, sugar and fish sauce.
  • Heat the oil in a pot then add the paste and simmer till fragrant over medium heat, then add in the coconut milk and your protein of choice.
  • Add in the remaining ingredients.
  • Simmer over low – medium heat adding in the sugar and kaffir lime leaves.
  • Simmer on low – medium heat for 5 minutes and serve hot over cooked rice.

IS PANANG THAI CURRY SPICY

Depending on the amount of Paste you use, it can be. This paste above calls for 2 tbsp per serving. I tend to use a bit more as I like the spice. Tried this recipe? Mention @CanadianCookingAdventures or tag #Canadiancookingadventures! The recipe instructions noted here are the property of Canadian Cooking Adventures and subject to copyright. Looking for more Thai Recipes?    
Chicken, Curries, Quick and easy recipes, Skip the takeout

Easy Chicken Panang Curry

This Easy Chicken Panang Curry comes together in under 30 minutes and goes well over white rice. 

Panang Curry originates from Thailand named from the island of Penang.

PANANG CURRY VS RED CURRY

Panang curry when made tends to be more thicker than red curry and a bit sweeter. Also it will have the possible addition of peanuts and more vegetables in it. 

However, when making it at home. You can omit the peanuts as I have in this recipe and add more or less vegetables as you desire. 

WHAT MEAT FOR PANANG CURRY

  • Beef
  • Chicken
  • Shrimp

WHAT VEGETABLES FOR PANANG CURRY

  • Red or Yellow peppers
  • Spinach
  • Tomatoes

HOW TO MAKE PANANG CURRY

  • It is easy, you want to start with either fresh diced chicken.
  • Then you want to choose a vegetable, like sliced red or yellow peppers or fresh spinach and diced tomatoes.
  • Once you have that you want to have some paste on hand, cooking oil, coconut cream, sugar and fresh kafir lime leaves to garnish.
  • Heat the oil in a pot then add the paste and simmer till fragrant over medium heat, then add in the coconut milk and your protein of choice.
  • Simmer over low – medium heat adding in the sugar and kaffir lime leaves.
  • Simmer on low – medium heat for 5 minutes and serve hot over cooked rice.

BEST PANANG CURRY PASTE 

PANANG CURRY PASTE

My Go To Panang Curry Paste

WHAT IS PANANG CURRY PASTE MADE OF

Panang Curry Paste is made of dried red chili, lemongrass, shallots, garlic, galangal, mungbean, shrimp paste, kaffir lime leaves, coriander seed, cumin, salt and pepper. If you want to make this paste from scratch here is a link to do so https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/246990/panang-curry-paste/

WHERE TO BUY PANANG CURRY PASTE

You can find this place at some superstore locations in Canada and Walmart’s. If not you can go to your local Asian market and they are sure to carry this brand from Thailand.

DOES PANANG CURRY HAVE PASTE HAVE PEANUTS

Traditional it does, however the paste I use does not. So I just simply add some peanut butter to the recipe, I also will add a peanut butter that is very creamy and has sugar in it. Because Panang Curry is a lot like Red Thai Curry, only sweeter and has peanuts it just works.

WHAT MEAT FOR PANANG CURRY

  • Beef
  • Chicken
  • Shrimp

IS PANANG CURRY PASTE SPICY

Depending on the brand you use it can be. However it is not as spicy as Red Thai Curry. If you want it less spicy simple add less Panang Curry Paste to your recipe or you can add more sugar to make it sweeter.

IS PANANG CURRY VEGAN

No, it has shrimp paste in it and typically is cooked with a form of meat or seafood.

HOW MUCH PANANG CURRY PASTE

It also depends on the brand, the brand I use is from Thailand and is very authentic in taste. So when I am using say 1 cup of shrimp or 1 chicken breast then some vegetables and a can of coconut milk. I will typically use 30 grams of paste = 3 tbsp. The more you use the spicier it will be.

Tried this recipe? Mention @CanadianCookingAdventures or tag #Canadiancookingadventures! The recipe instructions noted here are the property of Canadian Cooking Adventures and subject to copyright. Looking for more Thai Recipes?  

 

Curries, Date Night, Seafood

Thai Crab Curry

This Thai Crab Curry uses a whole Dungeness Crab which is simmered in a Red Thai Coconut sauce and is pretty simple to make.

I highly recommending using a quality based Thai coconut milk for this curry.

If you cannot find a Thai based then use one that is solid not watery to have the best result.

How to Make Vietnamese Dungeness Crab Recipe

You want to start with a good sized Dungeons crab

Some of the best Red Thai Curry

A good solid coconut milk, fish sauce and fresh limes.

My favorite Red Thai Curry Paste

I was at my local Asian grocery last week and picked this dungeons crab up in the freezer isle.

Asian groceries tend to sell them for a good price and always have them in stock.

Otherwise you can buy fresh as well, just make sure you place it in the freezer for 2 hours prior to cooking. 

This puts it to sleep humanly and allows you to cook it without any hassle. 

HOW TO COOK A DUNGEONS CRAB

  • You want to start by defrosting it if you bought one frozen or cooking it once it is defrosted. 
  • Then from there you want remove the top shell from the body, in order to clean it out.
  • Saving only the “crab mustard” which is liquid gold in Thai crab curry.
  • The crab mustard looks exactly like what you seen me pouring below into the coconut red Thai curry sauce.
  • Start by cleaning the crab see instructions above on proper cleaning.
  • Save the “crab mustard” and discard the other liquid from inside the body.
  • Then in a large pot add 3 tbsp of cooking oil along with the Red Thai Curry Paste and saute till fragrant.
  • Then add in the coconut milk and kefir lime leaves *optional and bring to a low simmer.
  • Add in the fish sauce, shrimp paste and sugar along with fresh chopped cilantro.
  • Simmer on medium – low heat then add in the cleaned and chopped crab and diced red peppers and toss to coat.
  • Cook over medium – low heat till the crab and peppers are cooked approx. 10 minutes.
  • Discard the kefir lime leaves or splash in some fresh lime juice to serve.
  • Serve over rice noodles or rice.

It’s cooked and looks just like this. Save the top shell for plating as it looks amazing! Cooked Curried Crab!

Cleaned and ready to cook! The body of the crab, cut into four pieces.
Then remove the legs and smash with the back of a knife, to allow the meat to be flavored in the sauce.
Once you have peeled the shell off – flip the crab over and remove the tail.
Discard the tail and clean out the body under running water, making sure to first save the “crab mustard” as it is used in the sauce and is a traditional step to this dish.
This is what your left with, the crab mustard which i recommending using as well as the shell for flavor. Then simply take a large knife and with the back of it smash the claws so that the curry can flavor the meat inside while cooking. And the top shell helps to flavor the curry as well so I defiantly say use it. Simmer the crab for 15 minutes then serve.

WHAT GOES WITH DUNGEONS CRAB

I like to serve this crab curry with cooked vermicelli or rice as it soaks up the coconut broth well.

If you want to serve over vermicelli rice noodles as you see in this recipe.

Start by placing the dried vermicelli in boiling water and cook till the noodles are soft around 5 minutes.

Then drain in a colander and set aside making sure to keep them warm to serve.

Tried this recipe? Mention @canadiancookingadventures or tag #canadiancookingadventures ! The recipe instructions noted here are the property of Canadian Cooking Adventures and subject to copyright.

 

Curries, Dinner ideas, Quick and easy recipes, Seafood, Skip the takeout

Thai Red Curry Shrimp Recipe

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Skip the takeout tonight with this Thai Red Curry Shrimp Recipe. This dish is super simple to make and is ready in less than 20 minutes.

I make this dish often, it’s one of our favorite Thai dishes.

WHAT DOES RED THAI CURRY TASTE LIKE

Red Thai Curry has hints of spice, tang and sweet flavors. It really is something special and this recipe has all the same tastes that you would find at your local Thai restaurants too!

WHAT’S IN RED THAI CURRY PASTE

  • Galangal – like ginger
  • Kaffir lime leaves – tastes similar to limes
  • Dried red chilies
  • Lemongrass
  • Garlic
  • Shallots
  • Cumin
  • Coriander seeds

HOW MUCH RED THAI CURRY PASTE TO USE

  • 2 tbsp per 400 grams of Coconut Milk

The ONLY brand I will use!!

WHERE TO BUY RED THAI CURRY PASTE

I buy mine from the REAL CANADIAN SUPERSTORE, it is by far the best curry paste out their. 

VEGETABLES THAT GO GREAT IN RED THAI CURRY

  • Kale
  • Spinach
  • Red, Green, Yellow or Orange peppers
  • Swiss chard 
  • Asparagus
  • Mushrooms

PROTEINS THAT GO GREAT IN RED THAI CURRY

  • Shrimp
  • Chicken
  • Tofu

Now there are plenty different ways to make Red Thai curry.

That is because you can add just about any type of vegetable or meat protein to this recipe.

Such as: spinach, mushrooms, bean sprouts, broccoli etc.

And the main ingredients are always the same. Such as Coconut milk,  “Lemongrass”, “Galangal”, “Kaffir lime leaves” OR replace that will pre – made “Red Thai curry paste”. Which has everything you pretty much need already in it!

Now if you are not familiar with all those ingredients, don’t fret.

You can find them all at your local Asian grocer or right in the international aisle which will sell Red Thai Curry paste in packages and or jars (see picture) above for the “Red Thai Curry paste” we use.

HOW TO MAKE THAI RED CURRY SHRIMP

  • You will want to start with some freshly chopped vegetables.
  • Then pull out all your ingredients; such as cooking oil; coconut milk, red Thai curry paste, fish sauce, brown sugar, kaffir lime leaves and a lime.
  • Next, cook some white rice on the side to serve. 
  • Then pull our your wok and get to cooking, you will find the easy steps to this recipe in the card below!

And the nice thing about cooking Thai food is that once you learn to prepare.

You will then have all the necessary ingredients and know how to prepare it again.

Before you know it you will be a TOP CHEF in your kitchen, cooking Thai dishes like a Pro.

IS RED THAI CURRY SPICY

Yes, however when you cook it down in the coconut milk and other ingredients it becomes more of a balance of flavors. That become, sweet, spicy and sour. 

WHAT IS IN RED THAI CURRY

  • Red Thai Curry consists of some kind of protein, some kind of vegetable, lime juice, fish sauce, sugar and Coconut milk and Green Curry Paste.
  • Traditionally that paste is made in a mortar and is comprised of shallots, garlic, dried red chilies, galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves among some other ingredients and spices. 

As you may know I love Thai food and make it a lot in our home.

Actually I make it every week, because I crave it that much.

With any of my Thai recipes, you will learn that you really only need a few ingredients in your fridge and pantry to make any of them easily.

Making homemade Thai curry at home is really easy once you have all the basic ingredients! 

IS RED THAI CURRY GLUTEN FREE

  • YES!

IS RED THAI CURRY KETO

  • Yes

IS RED THAI CURRY HEALTHY

  • YES, Thai Curry is very healthy for you!

If you love Thai food as much as me, then you will want to try my other Thai dishes! All are AMAZING and really are some of the best ways to make Thai at home in a fraction of the time. 

Notes: 

  • Keep in mind a good coconut milk, will be half solid not watery.
  • “Lemongrass”, “Galangal” and “Kaffir lime leaves” can be found in most Asian stores. “Thai Red Curry Paste” can be found in most Supermarkets, Thai Red Curry paste has all the above ingredients in it needed to make this dish.
  • Add in the lime last, you do not want to cook the lime because it will ruin the flavor.
  • Do not eat the “Lemongrass”, “Galangal” and “Kaffir lime leaves” there just for flavoring, if you’re going to use these instead of the Thai Red Curry paste, make sure to bruise each item before adding to the pot.
  • Want more heat, simply add in some Thai Bird’s eye chilies or Thai Chili Paste. Caution when preparing Bird’s Eye Chilies, these chilies are very hot and can burn the eyes.

I’m thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear about it! Thank you and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

 

Appetizers & Sides, Curries, Date Night, Quick and easy recipes, Seafood

Thai Basil Mussels

These Thai Basil Mussels are simmered in a hot coconut curry sauce that is absolutely delicious! And the kicker is this can be served on the table in under 15 minutes! 

WHAT IS THAI MUSSELS

Have you ever had a Red Thai Curry before? Maybe it had beef or chicken in it or was even Vegetarian.

Well that is exactly what this sauce is. Then you are just adding mussels at the end to cook in that delicious sauce!

WHERE TO BUY RED THAI CURRY PASTE

This is probably your first thought? Am I right!

Well I got you covered. First off you want to buy the right Thai curry paste or it will not taste as authentic. 

Trust me, I have tried them all. And swear by only one brand, you will see that brand below. Here in Canada this can be found in almost every ethnic aisle at your local Superstore.

If you do not have a superstore, then you are going to have to shop around. Ideally, at a Asian market. 

MY FAVORITE RED THAI CURRY PASTE = PREMADE! 

WHAT’S IN RED THAI CURRY PASTE

  • Fresh Green Chilli 
  • Lemongrass
  • Garlic
  • Shallots
  • Galangal
  • Cumin
  • Coriander seeds

IS RED THAI CURRY SPICY

Depending on the amount of Red Thai Curry Paste you use, it can be.

WHAT GOES WITH THAI MUSSELS

  • Lemons
  • Crusty Bread, my favorite!
  • Fries
  • You can also throw in some prawns or scallops to this dish too! 

HOW TO MAKE THAI

  • In a large saucepan, combine the chicken stock, coconut milk, red Thai curry paste, fish sauce, sugar and seasonings.
  • Summer on medium – high heat and bring to a light boil.
  • Add in the chopped tomatoes, basil and chopped cilantro.
  • Then the juice from 1 lime and those delicious fresh mussels.
  • Cover and stir occasionally for 8 minutes.
  • Discard any mussels that have not opened.
  • Serve immediately!

WHAT DOES RED THAI CURRY TASTE LIKE

Red Thai Curry has hints of spice, tang and sweet flavors. It really is something special and this recipe has all the same tastes that you would find at your local Thai restaurants too!

If you love Thai food as much as me, then you will want to try my other Thai dishes! All are AMAZING and really are some of the best ways to make Thai at home in a fraction of the time. 

Looking for more Mussel recipes?

I’m thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear about it! Thank you and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!