Thai curry pastes are so versatile and omnipresent in Asian cuisine. Hence most of us might even fail to recognize what is even different between each of them. On that note, we are here to share the difference between green curry paste and red curry paste through our feature this time.
The main difference between green curry paste and red curry paste comes down to the colors they impart to the foods when added. And most importantly, Thai red curry paste is made using red chilies as its base flavor, while Thai green curry is put together with green chilies as its base flavor. In addition to these elements, their levels of spiciness can vary too.
So, we hope to address every aspect of these two curry pastes in terms of their differences and similarities. Read further to learn more.
What Is The Difference Between Green Curry Paste And Red Curry Paste- The Explanation
Whenever you happen to hit a Thai restaurant, you’ll find a variety of different authentic red and green curries or dishes. In fact, this nation actually has an extra special place for spice and herb-infused, spicy, hearty, and flavorful foods.
Consequently, two of their main curry pastes are red and green ones. And, as we mentioned on top, Thai green curry paste vs red curry paste primarily differs from their colors and the type of chilies used as their base flavoring.
However, they also have a set of common ingredients and share some similar qualities. So, in order to accumulate a better idea, refer to the table below.
Thai Green Curry Paste Vs Red Curry Paste- Comparison Table
| Thai Red Curry Paste | Thai Green Curry Paste | |
|---|---|---|
| Types of chilies used | – Thai red chilies – Other types of hot red chilies are also used in some recipes. | – Thai green chilies – Other types of hot green chilies are also used in some recipes. |
| Other ingredients | Ground coriander seeds Ground cumin seeds Garlic Galangal/ ginger White pepper/black pepper Lemongrass Coriander root (cilantro root) Shrimp paste kaffir lime peel Salt Fish sauce/ soy sauce (in some recipes) Shallots | Ground coriander seeds Ground cumin seeds Garlic Galangal/ ginger White pepper/black pepper Lemongrass Coriander root (cilantro root) Shrimp paste kaffir lime peel Salt Cilantro (coriander leaves) Thai basil leaves Turmeric |
| Flavor Profile | Warm and spicy with salty and tart flavor notes | Warm, spicy, herbaceous with sour and salty favor notes |
| Color | A deep shade of reddish-orange | Light, medium, or dark green |
| Level of spiciness | Spicier than the Thai green curry paste | Less spicy than Thai red curry paste |
| Availability | – It can be made at home or store-bought. – Widely available in Asian food stores, leading supermarkets, and online sellers. | – It can be purchased from the store or made at home. – Readily available in Asian grocery stores, online shopping sites, or leading supermarkets. |
| Form of availability | It comes in containers in a paste form. | It comes in containers in paste form. |
| Uses | – In ground meat mixtures – In rice, noodle, pasta, and spaghetti dishes – To be incorporated in stir-fries – In eggs – In curries – With dips, sauces, and dressings – In fusion dishes – With meat, fish and seafood dishes – With vegetables – As a flavor enhancer in marinades – With soups and stews – In sandwich spreads | – With curries – In soups – With fried rice – In stews – With noodles, pasta, and spaghetti – As a salad dressing – With seafood – In fusion dishes – With vegetables – In wrap fillings – To be used in sandwich spreads – In dipping sauces and vinaigrettes |
| General Nutritional Information Per 4 ounces | – Calories per serving- 5 – Total fat- 0g – Sodium- 95mg – Sugar- 1g | – Calories per serving- 5 – Total fat- 0g – Sodium- 140mg – Sugar- 1g |
Can I Substitute Green Curry Paste For Red Curry Paste And Vice Versa?
Green curry paste and red curry paste can be used synonymously. Apart from their base ingredients and color, they share many other components in common. Therefore, you can use green curry paste in place of red curry paste and vice versa.
However, you will have to pay attention to the details, like the color difference they can make. Moreover, the level of spiciness can make a significant discrepancy in a particular dish if you wish to use them interchangeably. Thus, you will have to be careful with the quantities.
Summing Up The Difference Between Thai Green Curry Paste And Red Curry Paste
So, as you see, Thai green curry paste vs red curry paste have several significant differences, especially in color, level of spiciness, and flavor. Red curry paste is reddish-orange in color with a warm and spicy bite. And it is made from red chilies and can be more pungent than green curry paste.
On the contrary, Thai green curry paste is made from green chilies. And therefore, it can have green shades ranging from light to dark green. It is typically less spicy than red curry paste and has a warm, spicy note with a herbaceous hint.
Both of these curry pastes are integral for many traditional Thai dishes, and you can use them lavishly to make a number of different recipes.
