Authentic Mae Ploy Curry Paste: Recipes and Recommendations

By the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer

Many of us have tried to recreate the vibrant, aromatic flavours of a restaurant-quality Thai curry at home, only to find it falls a little flat. The secret often lies in the curry paste, a complex blend of herbs and spices that can take hours to prepare from scratch. For those who want authentic taste without the lengthy preparation, a high-quality, ready-made paste is the perfect solution.

This is where Mae Ploy curry paste comes in. Made in Thailand, it has become a staple in kitchens for its consistent quality and traditional flavour profiles. This guide will walk you through choosing the right paste for your palate, offer our top recommendations for 2026 and show you how to use it to create delicious meals.

Choosing Your Thai Curry Paste: A Quick Guide

Navigating the world of Thai curry pastes can be simple if you know what to look for. Here are a few practical tips to help you select the right one for your next culinary creation.

1. Understand the Colour Spectrum

The colour of a Thai curry paste is a direct indicator of its primary ingredients and flavour profile.

• Red Curry Paste: Gets its colour and robust heat from a high concentration of dried red chillies. It offers a deep, savoury spice that is rich and complex.
• Green Curry Paste: Made with fresh green chillies, this paste is known for its bright, aromatic and often intense heat. It has a fresh, herbaceous flavour from ingredients like lemongrass and kaffir lime peel.
• Yellow Curry Paste: The mildest of the three, its golden hue comes from turmeric. It is fragrant and warm, with a flavour profile influenced by spices like cumin and coriander, making it less about heat and more about aroma.

2. Check the Curry Paste Ingredients

An authentic Thai curry paste relies on a specific blend of fresh and dried components. When checking the label, look for key curry paste ingredients like lemongrass, galangal (a relative of ginger), kaffir lime peel and shrimp paste. These are the building blocks of genuine Thai flavour. Mae Ploy pastes are known for using this traditional combination, which saves you the trouble of sourcing these items individually.

3. Consider How You'll Use It

While all three pastes are excellent for making curry, their uses don't stop there. The concentrated flavour makes them a fantastic marinade for grilled meats, a base for spicy soups or a flavour booster for stir-fries. A 400g tub offers great value, providing enough paste for several meals. Just remember to store it in the refrigerator after opening to maintain its freshness.

Mae Ploy Curry Paste Picks

Here are our standout selections from the Mae Ploy range, each offering a distinct and authentic taste of Thailand.

Mae Ploy Yellow Curry Paste 400g

Why It Stands Out: This yellow curry paste is celebrated for its mild yet deeply aromatic character. The inclusion of turmeric gives it its signature colour and an earthy warmth, which is balanced by fragrant spices like coriander and cumin. It delivers a rich flavour without overwhelming heat, making it an excellent entry point into Thai curries.

Pros:

• Mild and fragrant flavour profile suitable for all palates.
• Versatile base for curries with chicken and potato, soups or as a marinade.
• Contains a balanced blend of spices for a consistent, authentic taste.

Who is it for? Home cooks new to Thai cuisine, families with children or anyone who prefers a fragrant, less spicy curry.

View Mae Ploy Yellow Curry Paste on Joybuy.co.uk

Mae Ploy Green Curry Paste 400g

Why It Stands Out: The Mae Ploy green curry paste is a true classic, delivering the fresh, fiery and aromatic experience that has made this dish a global favourite. Made with 31% fresh green chilli, its flavour is bright, zesty and herbaceous, with prominent notes of lemongrass and galangal.

Pros:

• Delivers an authentic, spicy and aromatic green curry flavour.
• A concentrated paste, meaning a small amount provides significant flavour.
• Free from artificial additives, relying on high-quality herbs and spices.

Who is it for? Enthusiasts of classic Thai food who enjoy a distinct spicy kick and the fresh, fragrant notes of a traditional green curry.

View Mae Ploy Green Curry Paste on Joybuy.co.uk

Mae Ploy Red Curry Paste 400g

Why It Stands Out: This red curry paste is defined by its deep, robust heat derived from dried red chillies. It’s a versatile and savoury paste that provides a balanced warmth without the sharp, fresh heat of green curry. It's the foundation for many iconic dishes, including red curry with roasted duck and Panang curry.

Pros:

• Rich, complex heat that builds gradually.
• Crafted without MSG, preservatives or artificial colourings.
• Extremely versatile for curries, soups, marinades and dipping sauces.

Who is it for? Cooks who appreciate a bold, savoury spice in their dishes and want a multi-purpose paste for a wide range of Thai recipes.

View Mae Ploy Red Curry Paste on Joybuy.co.uk

How to Make Thai Curry with Mae Ploy Paste

Creating an authentic Thai curry recipe with Mae Ploy is straightforward. The paste does most of the hard work, providing a complex flavour base.

1. Fry the Paste: Heat a tablespoon of neutral oil or a scoop of the thick cream from the top of a can of coconut milk in a wok or saucepan. Add 2-3 tablespoons of your chosen Mae Ploy curry paste and fry for about a minute until it becomes fragrant.
2. Add Coconut Milk: Gradually stir in a 400ml can of coconut milk until the paste is fully dissolved. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Cook Your Protein and Vegetables: Add your choice of sliced chicken, beef, prawns or tofu. Let it simmer for a few minutes before adding vegetables like bamboo shoots, bell peppers and green beans.
4. Simmer and Season: Continue to simmer until the protein is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed with a splash of fish sauce for saltiness or a pinch of palm sugar for balance. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice.

Looking for Other Options?

While Mae Ploy offers a fantastic and authentic starting point, the world of curry pastes is vast and varied. If you're interested in exploring other brands or different types of pastes from around the world, there are many more choices available.

Explore our full range of curry paste products here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mae Ploy Curry Paste

Is Mae Ploy curry paste authentic? Yes, Mae Ploy is produced in Thailand and uses a traditional recipe with classic curry paste ingredients like galangal, lemongrass and shrimp paste. It is widely used in both homes and restaurants to achieve an authentic Thai flavour.

Which Mae Ploy curry is the mildest? The yellow curry paste is the mildest of the three main varieties. Its flavour is more aromatic and warm than spicy, making it a great choice for those sensitive to heat. The red curry paste offers a medium, robust heat, while the Mae Ploy green curry is typically the spiciest due to its high content of fresh green chillies.

Do I need to add anything else to Mae Ploy curry paste? The paste is a concentrated flavour base, not a complete sauce. To make a curry, you will need to combine it with coconut milk, a protein (like chicken or tofu) and vegetables. You may also wish to add a little fish sauce for saltiness or palm sugar for sweetness to balance the final dish to your personal taste.