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Thai Panang Curry Paste

By Leah Colins

Published on December 16, 2020

Time

20 minutes

Yield

Makes about ½ cup

Thai Panang Curry Paste

Ingredients

½ ounce (about 20) bird chiles, stemmed1 teaspoon coriander seeds ½ teaspoon cumin seeds 2 lemon grass stalks, trimmed to bottom 6 inches and sliced thin6 tablespoons water 8 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar 2 makrut lime leaves 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Before You Begin

The makrut lime leaves are worth seeking out, but you can substitute 1 (3-inch) strip each of lemon and lime zest.

Instructions

  1.  Process bird chiles, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds in spice grinder until finely ground, about 30 seconds; transfer to blender.
  2.  Microwave lemon grass and water in covered bowl until steaming, about 2 minutes; transfer to blender with spices. Add garlic, sugar, lime leaves, tomato paste, and ginger and process until smooth paste forms, about 4 minutes, scraping down sides of blender jar as needed. (Paste can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.)
Thai Panang Curry Paste
Photography by Steve Klise. Styling by Catrine Kelty.

Thai Panang Curry Paste

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Time

20 minutes

Yield

Makes about ½ cup

Ingredients

½ ounce (about 20) bird chiles, stemmed
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
½ teaspoon cumin seeds
2 lemon grass stalks, trimmed to bottom 6 inches and sliced thin
6 tablespoons water
8 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
2 makrut lime leaves
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Ingredients

½ ounce (about 20) bird chiles, stemmed
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
½ teaspoon cumin seeds
2 lemon grass stalks, trimmed to bottom 6 inches and sliced thin
6 tablespoons water
8 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
2 makrut lime leaves
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Ingredients

½ ounce (about 20) bird chiles, stemmed
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
½ teaspoon cumin seeds
2 lemon grass stalks, trimmed to bottom 6 inches and sliced thin
6 tablespoons water
8 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
2 makrut lime leaves
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Why This Recipe Works

This red paste balances sweet and spicy aromatic flavors.

Before You Begin

The makrut lime leaves are worth seeking out, but you can substitute 1 (3-inch) strip each of lemon and lime zest.

Instructions

  1.  Process bird chiles, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds in spice grinder until finely ground, about 30 seconds; transfer to blender.
  2.  Microwave lemon grass and water in covered bowl until steaming, about 2 minutes; transfer to blender with spices. Add garlic, sugar, lime leaves, tomato paste, and ginger and process until smooth paste forms, about 4 minutes, scraping down sides of blender jar as needed. (Paste can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.)

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