35 Easy Curry Recipes For Every Taste Bud (Mild To Spicy)
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These quick and easy curry recipes are the perfect antidote to transform plain ingredients into something incredibly rich and outrageously delicious. From fragrant Thai dishes to hearty Indian favorites, these tasty recipes are bound to spice up your next curry night (literally!).
I get it – finding meals to suit the whole family can be tough.
But these easy curry recipes prove that everyone can benefit from a hint of spice in their life!
I’ve found a range of delicious curries that will transport you to the heart of Chiang Mai, the bustling street markets of India, and even the vibrant shores of Jamaica.
Yup – these recipes are that authentic. From mild to spicy, they are perfect for lunch or dinner. You pick!
Plus, they’re loaded with healthy, fresh, and easy-to-find ingredients that’ll keep you full for hours on end.
Oh, and if you’re a meal prep mogul, you can easily batch-cook these curries at the start of the week to last several days!
And really, what could be better than winning back a chunk of extra time to do what you love?
35 Easy Curry Recipes
Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala
This creamy and indulgent coconut chicken tikka masala recipe is one of my all-time favorite quick and easy dinners.
Marinating the chicken with yogurt and spices gives this dish an uber-authentic coating that keeps the meat moist and brimming with flavor. And slow-cooking it in a crockpot for hours gives it that perfect blend of flavors.
Plus, it’s made using commonly-found ingredients that you can pick up from any grocery store!
Throw a bunch of basmati rice and a roti canai into the mix, and you’ll have a delicious curry for the books.
Butternut Squash Curry
There’s something so comforting about this simple (but vitamin-loaded!) butternut squash curry.
It’s made with creamy coconut milk for richness, lentils for a protein punch, and a wonderful spice blend that’s bound to please your palate.
And the natural sweetness of the butternut squash that perfectly balances the chili powder and bold aromatics?
Just divine.
Vegetable Tikka Masala
This vegetable tikka masala is a great alternative if you don’t fancy a classic Indian chicken curry recipe.
The garam masala adds a pleasant warmth while the rich coconut yogurt and soaked cashews make this suitable for dairy-free and gluten-free diners.
And you can even swap out the veggies and throw in a can of chickpeas if you’d like to switch things up.
Anything goes!
Vegan Chickpea Curry
Who doesn’t look forward to a warm and hearty chickpea curry when dinnertime rolls around? I certainly do!
This vegan chickpea curry pairs a mellow tomato sauce with complex spices to create a fiery dish that’s bursting with authentic flavor.
I make this almost every week as it’s on the table in 20 minutes flat and packs up beautifully in a bento box for a quick and easy lunch.
And hey, I’m always looking for excuses to work more delicious chickpea recipes into my diet!
Tofu Coconut Curry
This tofu coconut curry is the best way to get plant-based protein into your diet when you want something quick, cozy, and oh-so-easy to make!
This Thai curry is a total crowd-pleaser for dinner parties as it’s packed with tender veggies, earthy flavors, and crunchy bell peppers for texture.
If I’m being totally honest, this recipe has stopped me from grabbing greasy takeout on more than one occasion.
It’s just that good!
Chicken Katsu Curry
Oh man, is there anything better than a traditional chicken katsu curry that’s packed with authentic Japanese flavors?
Well, I think I’ve found a fierce competitor!
This version is made with old-school Panko breadcrumbs and is cooked entirely in the air fryer.
So, each piece of chicken has a deliciously crispy exterior that you just can't beat.
To make things even more appealing, you don’t need to deep fry your chicken breasts in oil to make the magic happen!
Korma Curry Sauce
I’m obsessed with this vegan korma curry sauce as it tastes exactly like the real deal and is a breeze to make.
All you need to do is fry up some onions, mix in some veggies and your choice of protein, and it’s ready to rumble.
The seriously creamy (and low carb!) sauce is a glorious alternative to greasy restaurant versions, and it’ll satisfy your curry craving in no time.
It’s honestly happiness in a bowl.
Coconut Lentil Curry
If you’ve been looking for an easy curry recipe to instantly lift your mood, then you’ll adore this fuss-free dish.
This rich and wholesome curry is made with a can of lentils, a handful of kale, carrots, and shallots for a fragrant base.
It tastes sensational straight out of the pan with a hunk of naan bread and fluffy basmati rice for a carb kick.
But it’s equally fabulous for meal prepping as it tastes just as good the next day!
Indian Spiced Meatballs in Curry Sauce
Use that ground meat you’ve had lying around to create this incredible kofta recipe!
Filled with bold flavors and a mix of Indian spices like coriander, cloves, and ginger, it’s the perfect winter warmer.
It might taste indulgent, but this healthy recipe is bulked out with extra veggies like crunchy kale to keep things lean and mean.
Plus, it’s ready in under an hour and makes enough servings for days of leftovers!
Chickpea and Potato Curry Chana Aloo
Protein-rich chickpeas, potatoes, and crushed tomatoes come together to make this satisfying plant-based recipe.
The addition of rich vegetable stock thickens the sauce and gives the entire dish an incredible depth of flavor.
If the taste wasn't enough to reel you in, the cumin, grated ginger, and burst of garlic make this curry an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powerhouse!
Butter Chicken
A butter chicken recipe that’s silky-smooth, comforting, and made in a single pan? Sign me up!
Marinating the meat in yogurt gives the chicken that unbeatable tandoor taste while the sinful ghee and heavy cream keep things seriously decadent.
Sure, it’s not the healthiest dish in the world.
But this is one of those iconic Indian curries that’s worth every indulgent mouthful, and I had to include it in this collection of the best curry recipes
Chickpea Vegan Curry
This 10-minute chickpea curry is ridiculously easy and is perfect for nights when you can’t face the kitchen.
The spice level is on the high side. But don’t worry - the can of coconut milk and the boatload of spinach instantly balance the heat from the ginger and chili flakes.
And if you’re looking for more, you can throw in cumin, clove, and extra black pepper to tickle your taste buds!
Containing a great balance of spices, aromatics, and a hefty dose of protein and fiber, it’s guaranteed to tide you over for hours.
Slow Cooker Chicken Pumpkin Curry
This slow-cooker chicken pumpkin curry pulled me out of a serious meal-planning rut earlier this year.
The soft and sweet pumpkin flesh gives the dish a sweet and buttery base while the shredded chicken is ideal for hitting your protein targets for the day.
Some curries can be calorie bombs, but this recipe takes advantage of the slow cooker and uses absolutely no oil!
Want to make things veggie-friendly? Switch out the chicken for chickpeas, and you’ll be good to go.
Restaurant Style Dal Tadka
Have you been craving a gigantic bowl of Indian comfort food but can’t quite justify getting takeout?
Never fear! This restaurant-style vegan dal tadka is here to save your stomach and your pocketbook.
It’s incredibly rich and has an unreal flavor profile thanks to the mustard seeds, bay leaves, and ground spices.
One of my all-time favorite easy curry recipes for when the cold starts to bite!
Thai Chicken Coconut Curry
It’s a bold claim, but this coconut curry holds up against anything you’ll find at an authentic restaurant.
The tender chicken breasts always come out so moist, and it tastes dreamy served over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice.
And don’t even get me started on the subtle sweetness and vitamin boost that you’ll get from the chopped onions and carrots.
Oh, and did I mention that everything’s cooked in one large skillet for minimal clean-up?
Bliss.
Cauliflower Potato Curry
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up this cauliflower potato curry.
Not only will you have most of the ingredients on-hand in your kitchen, but the result is creamy, nourishing, and packed with plenty of veggies to fill you up for the day!
Serve it on top of brown rice for a wholesome dinner or stuffed inside golden flatbreads or naans for a hearty lunchtime treat.
Palek Paneer Indian Spinach Curry with Cheese
You’ll be completely converted to veggie-based curries once you’ve had a bite of this cheesy dish.
It’s made with homemade paneer (which is fried until it's perfectly golden brown!), a bunch of spinach, and mild spices.
I usually recommend this dish to curry newbies as it’s delicately spiced and pretty mild but is loaded with flavor.
And the vibrant green color of the sauce? Talk about aesthetics!
Coconut Shrimp Curry
If you’ve been meaning to add more seafood recipes to your weekly rotation, give this coconut shrimp curry a whirl.
The mix of fragrant Indian spices and garlic gives this easy curry an aromatic base, while the tomato puree and coconut milk offer a creamy mouthfeel.
And if you’re a big fan of batch cooking?
This recipe stores perfectly in an airtight container for up to 3 days and freezes like a dream for those days when you’re in a time crunch.
Zucchini Curry
I'm a sucker for a moist zucchini curry, and this recipe always hits the spot.
It’s ready in 30 minutes and is loaded with antioxidants and vitamins that’ll help you battle any pesky bugs during flu season.
The base recipe gives you a curry with medium heat.
But don’t be afraid to throw in extra curry powder or cumin seeds for a fiery finish that’s bound to clear those sinuses!
Vegan Red Lentil Curry
I usually prefer yellow dal, but this vegan red lentil curry has made me question my allegiances big time!
The combination of fresh garlic, warming ginger, and hot chili makes this dish an anti-inflammatory gem.
And the lentils? They’re packed with protein that will keep you full for hours.
You can eat this dish as-is, but I love topping it with a few roasted chickpeas for a cheeky hint of crunch!
Aloo Gobi
When I first tried Aloo Gobi, I just knew that it was love at first bite.
These days, it’s my go-to recipe when I’m craving something warm, loaded with veggies, and flavored with authentic spices.
Made with cauliflower, potatoes, aromatics, and just a hint of ghee and fresh chili, it’s a savory delight that’s ideal for those seriously busy weeks.
And if you’re a spice fiend, just throw in a few extra chilis and you’ll be golden!
Chicken Satay Curry
This chicken satay curry will transport you right to the finest hawker centers in Malaysia with its rich sauce and scrumptious marinade.
The easy chicken curry recipe is made with a gorgeous mix of chicken thighs, coconut, peanut butter, chili, and soy sauce (plus a teensy amount of oil!).
And don’t even get me started on the lemongrass infusion that lifts the entire dish!
Serve it with a refreshing salad for a light lunch or bulk things out with a bowl of rice or quinoa when dinnertime rolls around.
Salmon Coconut Curry
If the thought of curried fishy fare has you drooling, then you’ll want to try out this salmon coconut curry ASAP
I love that it’s packed with heart-healthy omega-3s and it pairs well with a creamy butternut squash salad for a make-ahead lunch.
But it’s the contrast between the spicy red curry paste, the spritz of lime juice, and the sweet sugar that’ll have you running to the stove for seconds!
Plus, it’s ready in just 35 minutes for the ultimate speedy dinner.
Coconut Turkey Curry
This quick and easy coconut turkey curry gives you all the rich flavors of a traditional Indian curry without the hours of prep time.
It’s on the table in under 30 minutes, you can prep most of the ingredients in advance, and it’s just so darn colorful!
I love using ground meat for this recipe as it soaks up the spices extremely well.
But you can easily substitute it with regular turkey if you need to repurpose festive leftovers!
Chicken and Sweet Potato Curry
This chicken and sweet potato curry is made with lean protein, green beans, bamboo shoots, and a decent dose of coconut milk.
It tastes so complex and delicious that you’d never guess it was ready in just 20 minutes and boxes up in minutes for lunchtime leftovers.
This recipe works beautifully with a bowl of jasmine rice, but it’s just as satisfying on its own!
Vindaloo
Yep – we’re taking things to the next level with this super spicy Vindaloo!
It gets a striking and fiery punch from the Kashmiri chili, black mustard seeds, and cumin.
Don’t worry though, you can easily tone things down a touch by chowing down on this curry with a tangy yogurt dip and naan bread!
It’s a bit of a labor of love as it’s made in the slow cooker.
But biting into those tender chunks of beef will be worth every single second of prep time!
Chicken Massaman Curry
When I’m craving a simple Thai dish that doesn’t disappoint on the flavor front, I’ll always make a beeline for this chicken massaman curry.
It’s as good as anything you’ll pick up from a local restaurant and is incredibly creamy thanks to the full-fat coconut milk and sautéed aromatics.
Top your curry with a few unsalted cashews for a brilliant and balanced dinner that’ll keep you ticking over until morning.
Fish Curry
I’m always looking for ways to incorporate more fish into my diet, and this complex Thai curry has become one of my go-to recipes for lazy weeknights.
The OG recipe is made using salmon for a rich and creamy texture. But it tastes just as good with cod and tilapia if you’re a fan of white fish.
You can use red or green curry paste for this recipe, and don’t be afraid to throw in a few basil leaves if you’re feeling fancy.
Anything goes when the flavors are this bold!
Vegan Lentil Curry
I haven’t stopped thinking about this vegan lentil curry since I first made it.
With a rich aromatic base, a mountain of veggies, and a pleasant boost of creaminess from the coconut milk, this protein-packed dish has it going ON.
And you don’t need to babysit this recipe either (hello, after-work multitasking!).
Simply soften the aromatics, then leave the lentils to cook before stirring in your coconut milk to finish!
1-Pot Vegetable Green Curry
Here we have a popular Thai green curry that gives you the freedom to customize everything from proteins to veggies!
This hearty dish works best with mushrooms for texture and a slightly meaty flavor that pairs well with coconut aminos.
But don’t be afraid to play around with tofu and tempeh if you prefer!
Throw in snow peas, bell peppers, carrots, and bamboo shoots for a nutrient-dense meal that is perfectly sweet and slightly spicy.
Indian Eggplant Curry
This Indian eggplant curry contains everything that you love about traditional curries.
A warm spice blend? Check. A thick and creamy sauce that effortlessly seeps into a warm bed of basmati rice? You bet.
This recipe tastes incredible with chicken thighs if you’re a hardcore carnivore.
But the eggplant is super silky and will make jumping on the Meatless Monday bandwagon feel easy as pie.
Jamaican Curry Chicken
Indian and Thai curries always get tons of love.
But you should prepare for this Jamaican curry chicken to throw you into a whole new flavor dimension!
It contains classic ingredients like coconut milk and a bunch of spices to give it depth and creaminess.
But it’s way sweeter than typical curries, which makes it perfect for beginners or fans of milder dishes.
To dial up the spice, throw in a handful of jalapenos and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper!
Instant Pot Jackfruit Curry
If you’re not feeling tofu or chickpeas for dinner, this instant pot jackfruit curry is a plant-based gem that you’ll love.
It’s ready in just over an hour and features everything from tender sweet potatoes to comforting spices and nutrient-rich greens.
Use it to spice up your holiday table or toss it in a container to make tackling a tough work week way easier.
Rajasthani Butternut and Potato Curry
If you don’t think it’s possible to achieve a flavorful base without garlic and onion, this Rajasthani butternut and potato curry is here to prove you wrong!
This delicious recipe relies on whole spices, yogurt, and ghee to create a comforting dish that’s perfect for quiet evenings by the fire.
Whip up a few vegetable fritters or onion bhajis and you’ll have an enviable feast on your hands!
And did I mention that it reheats like a dream?
Cauliflower Curry
This yummy curry might be simple to make, but its flavor profile is anything but basic!
Made with a base of cumin, cinnamon, fresh ginger, garlic, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, this cauliflower curry will be your new go-to dish on curry night.
It should keep the whole family satisfied, but feel free to swap out the cauliflower for meat or chickpeas if you prefer.
Oh, and don’t forget the naan!
FAQ
The best Indian curries for beginners are kormas, tikkas, butter dishes, and biryanis.
These dishes are extremely mild and don’t usually include chili or ingredients like cayenne pepper that would dial up the spice levels.
If you’re feeling brave, you might want to try a bhuna or rogan josh, which are slightly spicier but still manageable for most.
If you’re a fan of Thai cuisine, stick with green curries as they feature less dried chili than red curries!
1. Sizzle your spices
The secret to a good curry is all about unleashing the flavor of any spices you’re using.
To do this, it’s important to start cooking your curry by sizzling your spices.
This essentially means heating whole spices or paste in hot oil to release the aromatics and form a sturdy base for your dish.
Any meat or veggies that you add to the pan after this will instantly soak up these spices for a well-rounded and incredible flavor that you simply can’t achieve without the almighty sizzle!
2. Don’t sleep on Bhunooing!
Bhunooing is essentially heating your oil in a skillet or pan until it’s smoking, turning the heat down to medium, and then adding any necessary whole spices and onion.
This creates a wonderful base for your sauce and releases the flavor and aromatics from your spices like a dream.
After you’ve done this, you can add any liquids, proteins, and vegetables to your curry.
3. Take your time
It may sound obvious, but the key to an amazing curry is often taking your time and keeping the heat low.
Many curries contain coconut cream or milk and cranking up the heat on your cooker too quickly (or by too much!) may cause it to curdle.
Allowing your curry to simmer also gives your sauce time to reduce and thicken up before serving for that iconic restaurant smoothness!
It would be tricky to name them all, but these are a handful of the most popular spices used in typical curries!
You can use these ingredients separately or grab a curry powder that usually contains the most important spices.
· Turmeric
· Chili
· Cayenne pepper
· Cumin
· Coriander
· Fenugreek
· Cinnamon
· Black pepper
· Cardamom
· Ginger
· Clove
· Black mustard seeds
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Easy Curry Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon unrefined coconut oil - See note 1 below
- 1 yellow onion - diced
- 3 garlic cloves - minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds - See note 2 below
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 2 teaspoons yellow curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- pinch black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder - See note 3 below
- 2 pounds butternut squash - diced into ½ inch cubes
- 1 can can chickpeas - 15 oz, drained
- 1 can can crushed tomatoes - 15 oz
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 5 cups baby spinach
- For serving
- Cilantro leaves
- Green onions
- Fresh chili
- Chopped cashews
- Basmati rice - or brown rice, or white rice
- Naan bread
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pan or a pot over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them toast for a few seconds until they start to release their aroma. Add the chopped onions, minced garlic cloves, and a pinch of salt and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are lightly golden.
- Add all the spices: the grated ginger, garam masala, curry powder, turmeric, a pinch of black pepper, and chili powder, and cook until fragrant for around 30 seconds.
- Add the chopped butternut squash and chickpeas and toast for a couple of minutes. Then add the salt, tomatoes, full-fat coconut milk, and a cup of water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low to keep it gently simmering, and cook for around 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender (use a fork to check).
- Turn off the heat and blend roughly half of the curry with an immersion blender. Or transfer the mixture to a standard blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pan. Blending the curry takes more effort, but it will help create a rich and creamy curry sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add another half a cup of water, taste for seasoning, and add more salt if necessary. If you like your curry spicy, now it’s the time to add extra chili.
- Add the baby spinach to the curry sauce. Stir for a couple of minutes until the spinach has wilted.
- Serve with brown basmati rice or naan bread, and garnish with coriander, green onions, fresh chili, and chopped cashews to add some crunchiness.