
Thai Coconut Curry is a rich, aromatic dish that uses coconut milk as its creamy base, typically blended with a flavorful curry paste and simmered with proteins and vegetables. Originating from Thailand, it often includes ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and fish sauce. It's a staple in Thai cuisine, known for its balance of spicy, sweet, salty, and sour flavors.
This dish is generally high in fat due to the coconut milk, which is a source of saturated fats, but also provides protein from the main ingredients like chicken, tofu, or shrimp. A typical serving offers a good amount of dietary fiber and essential minerals like potassium and iron, with a calorie range of approximately 300-500 kcal per serving.
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Carbs | 15 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
| Magnesium | 40 mg |
| Phosphorus | 150 mg |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg |
| Folate | 20 mcg |
| Manganese | 1.5 mg |
| Selenium | 10 mcg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
Culturally, the use of coconut milk in Thai curries reflects the tropical abundance of coconut palms in the region and the historical trade routes that brought spices to Southeast Asia. Nutritionally, while coconut milk is high in saturated fat, it contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which are metabolized differently than other fats.