A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Penang curry, also known as Panang curry, is a rich and creamy Thai curry that has won the hearts of food lovers worldwide. It is known for its bold flavors, combining sweet, salty, and spicy elements in perfect harmony. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore five irresistible Penang curry recipes that will spice up your meals. From classic Penang chicken curry to vegetarian options, these recipes cater to all tastes and preferences.

Penang curry is made with Penang curry paste, which includes ingredients like dried chilies, lemongrass, galangal, and shrimp paste. Coconut milk is a key component, giving the curry its luscious, creamy texture. The addition of kaffir lime leaves and Thai basil enhances the fragrance and flavor, making it a truly unforgettable dish.

Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, these recipes will guide you step by step to create delicious Penang curry dishes that will impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the world of Penang curry and discover the magic of this Thai culinary masterpiece.

Recipe 1: Classic Penang Chicken Curry

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) halal chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp Penang curry paste (halal-certified)
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconuts milk
  • 1 cup chicken broth (halal-certified)
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce (halal-certified)
  • 1 tbsp palm sugar
  • 5-6 kaffir lime leaves, torn
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup Thai basil leaves
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the Penang curry paste and sauté until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Add the sliced chicken and cook until fully cooked through.
  4. Stir in the fish sauce, palm sugar, and kaffir lime leaves. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
  5. Add the bell peppers and cook until tender.
  6. Finally, add the Thai basil leaves and stir well. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice.
Penang Curry

Recipe 2: Penang Beef Curry

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) halal beef, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp Penang curry paste (halal-certified)
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  • 1 cup beef broth (halal-certified)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (halal-certified)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 5-6 kaffir lime leaves, torn
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed
  • 1 cup Thai basil leaves
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the Penang curry paste and sauté until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the coconut milk and beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Add the sliced beef and cook until fully cooked through.
  4. Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and kaffir lime leaves. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
  5. Add the onion and green beans, cooking until tender.
  6. Finally, add the Thai basil leaves and stir well. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice.
Penang Beef Curry

Recipe 3: Vegetarian Penang Curry

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) firm tofu, cubed
  • 2 tbsp Penang curry paste (halal-certified)
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (halal-certified)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 5-6 kaffir lime leaves, torn
  • 1 carrot, thinly sliced
  • 1 zucchini, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup Thai basil leaves
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the Penang curry paste and sauté until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Add the cubed tofu and cook until heated through.
  4. Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and kaffir lime leaves. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
  5. Add the carrot and zucchini, cooking until tender.
  6. Finally, add the Thai basil leaves and stir well. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice.

Vegetarian Penang Curry

Recipe 4: Penang Shrimp Curry

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) halal shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp Penang curry paste (halal-certified)
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  • 1 cup seafood broth
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce (halal-certified)
  • 1 tbsp palm sugar
  • 5-6 kaffir lime leaves, torn
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup Thai basil leaves
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the Penang curry paste and sauté until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the coconut milk and seafood broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque.
  4. Stir in the fish sauce, palm sugar, and kaffir lime leaves. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
  5. Add the bell peppers and cook until tender.
  6. Finally, add the Thai basil leaves and stir well. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice.
Penang Shrimp Curry

Recipe 5: Penang Duck Curry

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) halal duck breast, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp Penang curry paste (halal-certified)
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  • 1 cup duck broth
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (halal-certified)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 5-6 kaffir lime leaves, torn
  • 1 pineapple, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup Thai basil leaves
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the Penang curry paste and sauté until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the coconut milk and duck broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Add the sliced duck and cook until fully cooked through.
  4. Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and kaffir lime leaves. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
  5. Add the pineapple and bell pepper, cooking until tender.
  6. Finally, add the Thai basil leaves and stir well. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice.

Tips for Perfect Penang Curry

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices make a significant difference in the flavor of Penang curry. Always opt for fresh kaffir lime leaves, Thai basil, and lime juice.
  2. Adjust the Heat: Control the spice level by adjusting the amount of curry paste. Start with a small amount and add more if desired.
  3. Balance the Flavors: Penang curry is all about balancing sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. Taste as you cook and adjust the seasoning to achieve the perfect balance.
  4. Coconut Milk Quality: Use high-quality coconut milk for a rich and creamy texture. Avoid low-fat versions as they may compromise the taste.
  5. Simmer Gently: Avoid boiling the curry vigorously. Simmer gently to allow the flavors to meld together and prevent the coconut milk from curdling.
Penang Duck Curry

Nutrition Information

The nutritional content of Penang curry can vary based on the ingredients used, especially the type and amount of protein, the thickness of the coconut milk, and any additional vegetables. Here’s a general nutritional breakdown for a standard serving of  made with chicken and coconut milk:

Per Serving (approximately 1 cup):

  • Calories: 350-400 kcal
  • Protein: 20-25g
  • Fat: 25-30g
  • Saturated Fat: 18-22g
  • Carbohydrates: 10-15g
  • Fiber: 2-3g
  • Sugar: 6-8g
  • Sodium: 600-800mg

Key Nutrients:

  • Vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, B Vitamins
  • Minerals: Iron, Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Penang Curry?

Thai curry known for its rich, creamy texture and distinctive blend of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. It is made with Penang curry paste, coconut milk, and usually features meat such as chicken, beef, though it can also be made vegetarian with tofu or vegetables.

2. How is Penang Curry different from other Thai curries?

Penang is thicker and richer than most other Thai curries, such as green or red curry. It has a nutty, slightly sweet taste due to the inclusion of peanuts or peanut butter in some recipes. The use of kaffir lime leaves also gives it a unique citrusy aroma.

3. Can I make Penang Curry vegan?

Yes, you can make curry vegan by using tofu or a variety of vegetables instead of meat and ensuring the curry paste does not contain shrimp paste or fish sauce. There are vegan curry pastes available in the market, or you can make your own vegan version at home.

4. Is Penang Curry spicy?

Penang curry is typically milder than other Thai curries, but the spice level can vary depending on the amount of curry paste used. You can adjust the spiciness to your preference by adding more or fewer chili peppers.

5. What can I serve with Penang Curry?

Penang  is traditionally served with steamed jasmine rice, which helps to balance out the rich flavors of the curry. It can also be served with rice noodles or bread. For a complete meal, you can pair it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple cucumber salad.

6. Can I freeze Penang Curry?

Yes, Penang freezes well. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.

7. How do I make Penang Curry thicker?

To thicken Penang, you can simmer it for a longer period to reduce the liquid. Adding a bit of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) can also help achieve the desired consistency. Ensure you add it slowly while stirring to avoid lumps.

8. What is the best protein to use in Penang Curry?

Curry is versatile and pairs well with various proteins, including chicken, beef, shrimp, and tofu. The choice of protein can be based on personal preference or dietary requirements.

9. Is Penang Curry gluten-free?

Penang can be gluten-free if the curry paste and other ingredients used do not contain gluten. It’s important to check the labels of store-bought curry pastes and sauces for any gluten-containing ingredients.

10. How can I make Penang Curry less salty?

If your curry is too salty, you can balance it by adding more coconut milk or water. Adding a bit of sugar or a squeeze of lime juice can also help balance the flavors.

Conclusion

Penang curry is a delightful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various forms. Whether you prefer chicken, beef, tofu, shrimp, or duck, these recipes offer something for everyone. By following the step-by-step instructions and tips provided, you can create authentic and irresistible Penang curry dishes that will spice up your meals and impress your guests. Enjoy the rich, creamy, and aromatic flavors of Penang curry, and let it become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

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