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A top-down view of a rich and creamy Thai Massaman Curry in a rustic bowl, highlighting the tender chicken and chunks of potato in the aromatic sauce.

Massaman Curry Recipe (Authentic & Easy)

This Massaman Curry Recipe is your guide to creating one of the most delicious and aromatic dishes in Thai cuisine. It delivers a restaurant-quality meal with a rich, complexly flavored sauce, tender chicken, and hearty potatoes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Curry
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 cans full-fat unsweetened coconut milk (13.5 oz each)
  • 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 large yellow onion cut into wedges
  • 4 tbsp Massaman curry paste use a quality store-bought brand
  • 3 tbsp fish sauce
  • 2 tbsp tamarind paste
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar packed
  • 0.5 cup roasted unsalted peanuts
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot or Dutch Oven
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Chef's Knife

Method
 

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Massaman curry paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Pour in one cup of coconut milk. Stir constantly until the paste dissolves. Simmer for a few minutes until the oils begin to separate.
  3. Add the chicken pieces and onion to the pot. Stir to coat and cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned.
  4. Add the remaining coconut milk, potatoes, fish sauce, tamarind paste, and brown sugar. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  5. Stir in the roasted peanuts. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice.

Notes

Tip 1: For the best flavor, use full-fat coconut milk. The richness is key to the authentic taste and texture of the sauce.
Tip 2: Taste and adjust the final sauce to your liking. The perfect Massaman curry has a balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.