Thai curries are already packed full of amazing flavours, so there’s no need for meat if you’re trying to lower your intake or begin your journey into veganism. Thanks to aromatic herbs and spices in the curry paste along with fresh ingredients, these Thai recipes are bursting with flavour and nutrition—without any need for meat, eggs, or dairy.
Making Thai Curry Vegan
One of the key changes to a meat-free meal is substituting fish sauce for something vegan-friendly. My top two alternatives are light soy sauce and vegan fish sauce. From experience, when following a non-vegan recipe, you may need to use a bit more light soy sauce since it's less salty than fish sauce.
If using vegan fish sauce (often made from seaweed), you can follow the recipe as written. Another essential vegan swap is to use curry pastes free from shrimp or fish products. At Mae Jum, we offer 6 beautifully crafted Thai curry pastes that are 100% vegan. Try our Taster Bundle today!
Top 5 Vegan Thai Curries
1. Thai Massaman Curry
This southern Thai favourite blends dried spices (like Indian curries) with fresh herbs for a unique flavour. Our vegan version uses crispy tofu, tender sweet potato, and cauliflower in a creamy peanutty Massaman sauce. Get the recipe here.
2. Thai Yellow Curry
Bright and vibrant, this curry is flavoured with turmeric and medium spice. We pair it with pineapple and potatoes—perfect for soaking up the flavours. Southern versions can be spicier, so start with less paste if unsure. View recipe here.
3. Thai Red Curry
This popular curry is easily made vegan. Our version features tofu, courgette, baby corn, pepper, and mangetout in a spicy, fragrant sauce. Red curry paste includes chilli, lemongrass, galangal, and coriander seeds. See the recipe.
4. Thai Green Curry
Green curry has sweet and citrusy notes with gentle spice. We use young jackfruit, a meat-like fruit that holds up beautifully in this dish. Garnish with sweet Thai basil for an extra flavour boost. Find recipe here.
5. Thai Panang Curry
Rich and creamy, Panang curry gets its depth from roasted peanuts and mild spice. We use extra-firm tofu and mixed vegetables to keep it hearty. Add crushed nuts and Kaffir lime leaves for enhanced flavour. Try the recipe.
Enjoyed These Recipes?
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