Quick and Easy Panang Curry

By Sho @ Hungry for Thai on Feb 4th 2025 Sho

An authentic Panang Curry recipe: Thai curry with tender pork simmered in a rich, creamy, and slightly sweet Panang curry sauce—full of flavor and absolutely delicious!


Quick and Easy Panang Curry

What you'll need

  • Pork Shoulder – A tender and flavorful cut of pork, perfect for slow cooking in curry to absorb all the rich flavors.
  • Panang Curry Paste – A fragrant Thai curry paste made from a blend of dried chilies, lemongrass, galangal, garlic, shallots, and spices.
  • Coconut Milk – A creamy and rich liquid extracted from coconut flesh, giving the curry its signature texture and taste.
  • Roasted Peanuts – Adds a nutty aroma and subtle crunch, enhancing the depth of flavor in the curry.
  • Red Chili– Bring little heat and colorful to the dish.
  • Kaffir Lime Leaves – Aromatic leaves that add a citrusy, refreshing fragrance to balance the creamy richness.
  • Palm Sugar – A natural sweetener derived from palm sap, adding a mild caramel-like sweetness.
  • Salt or Fish Sauce – Essential for seasoning, fish sauce adds umami depth, while salt helps balance the flavors.

🔥FAQs for Authentic Panang Moo Curry🔥

What is Panang Curry?

Panang curry is a Thai-style curry known for its rich, creamy texture and slightly sweet, nutty flavor. It's thicker than traditional Thai curries and uses coconut milk, Panang curry paste, and kaffir lime leaves for its signature taste.

Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork?

Yes! While pork is the most popular choice, you can substitute it with chicken, beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

Is Panang Moo Curry spicy?

Panang curry is typically milder than red or green curry. It's rich and slightly sweet with a gentle heat. You can adjust the spiciness by:

  • Using less curry paste
  • Adding more coconut milk
  • Choosing a milder curry paste brand

Can I make Panang Curry without peanuts?

Yes! The peanuts add a nutty depth, but you can skip them if you have an allergy or prefer a nut-free version.

Is Panang Curry gluten-free?

It can be! The main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check your fish sauce and Panang curry paste for any hidden gluten.

How long does Panang Curry last in the fridge?

It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I freeze Panang Curry?

Yes! It freezes well for up to 3 months. Store in an airtight container. The coconut milk might separate when thawed, but just stir while reheating gently.

What proteins work well?

Panang curry is versatile! Try it with:

  • Chicken
  • Beef
  • Shrimp
  • Tofu
  • Mixed vegetables

Panang Moo is one of those Thai curry dishes that almost everyone loves! It's got just the right balance of creaminess and spice—flavorful but not too fiery, so it's super easy to enjoy. The best part? You can make it with any protein you like—beef, chicken, pork, or even seafood like shrimp. But let's be real, pork Panang curry is hands down the most popular choice, and once you try it, you'll see why! 🍛🔥😋

Quick and Easy Panang Curry

Quick and Easy Panang Curry


Prep time

10 minutes

Cook time

15 minutes

Serves

2

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Ingredients

US Metric
Calories: 2173kcal Total Fat: 177g Protein: 119g Carbs: 43g Sodium: 2062mg

Steps

  • Cooking Quick and Easy Panang Curry:

    1. Finely slice the kaffir lime leaves and thinly slice the chilies.

      Finely slice the kaffir lime leaves thinly slice the chili
    2. Cut the pork into small pieces, not too thick.

      	Cut the pork into small pieces, not too thick.
    3. Divide the coconut milk into two parts. Heat the first portion in a pan over medium heat until the oil separates.

       Heat the first coconut milk portion in a pan over medium heat until the oil separates
    4. Add the Panang curry paste and stir until fragrant.

      Add the Panang curry paste and stir until fragrant.
    5. Add the pork and stir until well combined.

      Add the pork and stir until well combined.
    6. Pour in the rest of the coconut milk and season with fish sauce and palm sugar.

      Pour in the rest of the coconut milk season with fish sauceseason with palm sugar
    7. Once the curry comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the pork is tender. Stir in the ground roasted peanuts and mix well for about 2 minutes.

      Stir in the ground roasted peanuts and mix well for about 2 minutes.
    8. Sprinkle in finely sliced kaffir lime leaves and red chili, then stir everything together. Ready to serve!

      Sprinkle in finely sliced kaffir lime leaves Sprinkle in finely sliced red chiliReady to serve!

Nutritional info

% of daily value
protein: 119g
237%
fat: 177g
272%
carbs: 43g
14%
fiber: 6g
25%
saturatedFat: 113g
566%
sugar: 13g
sodium: 2062mg
86%
cholesterol: 320mg
107%

Calorie Breakdown

Protein

460 cal

Fat

1546 cal

Carbs

168 cal


Tips

  • If you want an extra-rich and creamy texture, use full-fat coconut milk.
  • Sauté the curry paste properly in coconut milk until the oil separates. This enhances the aroma and deepens the flavor.

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