Easy Panang Curry with Peanut Butter
Easy Panang Curry with peanut butter is a quick, creamy, and spicy dish that tastes like restaurant food. I’ve made this recipe dozens of times and learned the best way to get it right every time. Creamy, flavorful, and comforting. Try my family’s favorite crispy apple cake for a sweet side. Jump to Recipe If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Classic Irish Apple Cake and Classic Gordon Ramsay Macaroni Salad.
Why This Easy Panang Curry with Peanut Butter Is Pure Comfort
- Creamy and spicy
- Quick to make
- Tastes like takeout
- Perfect for weeknights
What You'll Need for Easy Panang Curry with Peanut Butter
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 cup mixed vegetables
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 inch ginger
- 2-3 green chilies
- 1 teaspoon curry paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- Optional: Cilantro
- Optional: Cooked rice
- Optional: Lime wedges
- Optional: Cashews
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Peanut butter: Use natural or smooth peanut butter for best results.
- Coconut milk: Full-fat coconut milk gives the best creamy texture.
- Green chilies: Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
- Lime juice: Add fresh lime juice for brightness and balance.
- Vegetables: Use bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas for color and crunch.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Non-stick frying pan — Prevents sticking and ensures even cooking → See on Amazon
- Measuring cups and spoons — Accurate measurements for perfect flavor → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Panang Curry with Peanut Butter
- Step 1: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Step 2: Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chilies. Sauté for 1 minute.
- Step 3: Stir in curry paste and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Mix well.
- Step 5: Add vegetables and chicken broth. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
- Step 6: Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve with rice or noodles.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Panang Curry with Peanut Butter
- Sauce consistency: Use full-fat coconut milk for a rich and creamy texture.
- Common mistake and fix: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.
- Spice level: Adjust the number of chilies to control the heat.
- Flavor balance: Add a splash of lime juice at the end to brighten the flavors.
Storing & Reheating Easy Panang Curry with Peanut Butter
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make-ahead tip: Make up to 2 days in advance and reheat before serving.
Freezing Easy Panang Curry with Peanut Butter
Freeze in a labeled container for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in short bursts in the microwave until heated through.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a richer flavor, add a splash of fish sauce or a pinch of salt.
- Best substitution: Use almond butter if you prefer a lighter flavor.
- Make-ahead: This curry tastes better the next day as the flavors develop.
- Scaling: Double or triple the recipe for larger groups or meal prep.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too salty, add a bit more coconut milk to balance it.
Want to level up this recipe?
Immersion blender — Smooths the sauce and blends flavors perfectly → Check price on Amazon
Easy Panang Curry with Peanut Butter
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 cup mixed vegetables
Seasonings
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 inch ginger
- 2-3 green chilies
- 1 teaspoon curry paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
Optional Toppings
- Cilantro
- Cooked rice
- Lime wedges
- Cashews
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Step 2: Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chilies. Sauté for 1 minute.
- Step 3: Stir in curry paste and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Mix well.
- Step 5: Add vegetables and chicken broth. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
- Step 6: Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve with rice or noodles.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a richer flavor, add a splash of fish sauce or a pinch of salt.
- Best substitution: Use almond butter if you prefer a lighter flavor.
- Make-ahead: This curry tastes better the next day as the flavors develop.
- Scaling: Double or triple the recipe for larger groups or meal prep.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too salty, add a bit more coconut milk to balance it.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a labeled container for up to 3 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in short bursts in the microwave until heated through.
- Make ahead: Make up to 2 days in advance and reheat before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sat. Fat: 10g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Panang Curry with Peanut Butter FAQs
Yes, this curry can be made up to 2 days in advance. The flavors will deepen and taste even better the next day.
If the curry is too salty, add a bit more coconut milk to dilute the salt and balance the flavor.
Yes, you can substitute almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a different flavor.
Serve this curry with steamed rice, noodles, or crusty bread. It pairs well with fresh herbs and lime wedges.
This curry is mildly spicy. Adjust the number of chilies based on your heat preference.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Panang Curry with Peanut Butter and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
