We love Thai food. Probably because of its similarities to Indian food… the spicy curries, the coconut, the fragrant rice. Today’s Thai massaman curry recipe dates back to Christmas 2008 when we visited our friends, Punitha and Winston, in Atlanta. It was our first time meeting Punitha and boy did she spoil us with her delicious cooking!! On the last day of our stay she made an amazing Thai meal featuring her massaman curry recipe and I’ve been making her recipe ever since. It always comes out perfect and is eaten up in no-time! My boys love it. This is a quick weeknight recipe that can be served with some steamed Jasmine rice.
I have been wanting to make my own massaman curry paste, but I have been procrastinating it for a long time now only because its so easy to use the ready made Maesri brand curry paste. Its comes in a small can that is perfect enough for one time use!
I still have her recipe written on the back on my favorite Indian recipe book that was given to me by my mom. I think it is a good idea to finally put it down on the blog so I can share this amazing recipe with all the wonderful cooks out there and its easy for me to keep coming back to!
This thai massaman curry recipe has a very unconventional way of cooking, especially when you compare it to Indian cooking methods. This recipe calls for sautéing the chicken in the curry paste, adding the coconut milk and then adding raw onions, boiled potatoes and raw cashews all at once and then let it cook on medium low heat.
Heat up cooking oil and add the massaman curry paste to it. Cook for a minute and then add the chicken cubes to it. Every time I see my skillet with hot oil, I want to sauté those onions 🙂 but then I pause, breathe and continue to follow her recipe.
Cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes and then add the coconut milk to it, mix well and cook it covered for 5-10 minutes.
Add the onions, boiled cubed potatoes and cashews to it. The recipe also call for a teaspoon of fish sauce which I have skipped at times, so if you are not big on fish sauce feel free to skip it.
Mix everything together and cook covered for 10 minutes on medium heat. Turn the heat off and the thai massaman curry is ready to be enjoyed with some Thai Jasmine rice!
- 1.5 lb chicken breasts cut into cubes
- 1 4 oz can masaman curry paste
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 large potato boiled, peeled and cut into cubes
- 1 medium onion thinly slices
- 20 whole cashews
- 2 tsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- salt to taste
- Heat cooking oil in a pan and add the massaman curry paste to it. Cook for a minute and then add the chicken cubes to it.
- Cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes. Add coconut milk to it, mix well and cook it covered for 5-10 minutes.
- Add the onions, boiled cubed potatoes and cashews to it. The recipe also call for a teaspoon of fish sauce which I have skipped at times, so if you are not big on fish sauce feel free to skip it.
- Mix everything together and cook covered for 10 minutes on medium heat. Turn the heat off and the curry is ready to be enjoyed with some Thai Jasmine rice!
Author: Archana
Hey there! I am a techie turned recipe developer, cooking instructor, and food blogger. I love food and enjoy developing easy and healthy recipes for busy lifestyles. I live in New Jersey with my husband and two sons.
payeljit says
Never tried this curry paste ! Looks awesome! Will try soon!?
Archana says
Thank you Payaljit! Let me know how it comes out!
cookingwithshy says
Lovely colour and very appetising:))
Archana says
Thank you!! Tastes amazing too!
Sumith Babu says
Never tried this. Would like to try.
Archana says
Let me know how you like it!
Freda @ Aromatic essence says
Never heard about this curry paste , sounds delicious 🙂
Archana says
Its available in most grocery stores in the US and makes this curry super easy to make.
Hans Susser says
That looks so wonderful and tasty 🙂 Thanks .
Archana says
Thanks Hans!
Aayushi Manish says
Yummy!!
Archana says
Thanks Aayushi!
Leyla says
nom nom 🙂
Archana says
Thank you!
Nandini says
Great looking curry Archana 🙂
Archana says
Thank you Nandini! It tastes delicious too and super easy to make
bankfoods says
So hard to find a nice massaman will give this a go!
Archana says
Thank you! Please let me know how you like it!
Archana says
Love your site! I am looking forward to learning some more thai dishes from you
foodvagabonds.wordpress.com says
Aww…a Thai Classic!! I love it!! And your Blog is very nice 🙂 I am a fan now! Best wishes, Michael
Archana says
Thank you Michael!!
Lana-Once Upon a Spice says
Reblogged this on Once Upon a Spice and commented:
An Incredible Classic Chicken Dish Offered by my Friend Archana of MinistryOfCurry. Thai Massaman Curry is SO Delicious, Archana!! Thank you for the lovely photos & recipe!
Archana says
Thank you Lana! I am honored.
Lana-Once Upon a Spice says
You are most welcome! This is such an amazing recipe, Archana!
S says
How can I make this vegetarian 🙂
Archana says
You can add carrots, green beans and cauliflower instead of chicken. It will be SO yummy!
Kim Young says
You chicken biryani was amazing! Making this dish tomorrow and was wondering why. It carmelize onions?
Archana says
Hi Kim! So glad you enjoyed the chicken Biryani! Not sure if I understand your question about massaman curry. But it does not require to caramelize onions. It is a super easy yet tasty recipe. Let me know if you have any questions.
Kim Young says
I was wondering why you don’t carmelize onions? Habit to carmelize them. Have you tried recipe with carmelized onions
Archana says
Hi Kim! Do you caramelize onions for massaman curry? I will have to try that. I do enjoy caramelized onions
Kip says
I’ll make any kind of curry I can get my hands on the ingredients for but masmun curry is the one my guests always like best. Thanks for the tips.
Archana says
You are welcome!