Red Curry Noodles are a bold, comforting, and flavor-packed dish that combines creamy coconut red curry sauce with tender noodles and your choice of veggies or protein. It’s the perfect fusion of Thai-inspired spices and cozy noodle goodness—all made in one pot and ready in under 30 minutes. This dish brings warmth, spice, and soul-satisfying flavor to your table any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy, and full of aromatic Thai curry flavor
- Quick and easy—on the table in 30 minutes or less
- Flexible with veggies, proteins, and noodle choices
- Naturally dairy-free and can easily be made vegan or gluten-free
- Comfort food that feels light and nourishing
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Rice noodles or your favorite stir-fry noodles
- Red curry paste
- Coconut milk (full-fat for richness)
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated
- Onion, thinly sliced
- Bell pepper, thinly sliced
- Carrots, julienned or shredded
- Soy sauce or tamari
- Lime juice
- Brown sugar or maple syrup
- Olive oil or sesame oil
- Fresh basil or cilantro (for garnish)
- Optional toppings: crushed peanuts, chili flakes, green onions
Optional add-ins:
- Tofu, shrimp, or chicken
- Spinach, snow peas, or broccoli
- Sriracha or chili garlic sauce for extra heat
directions

- Cook noodles: Prepare rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse, and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger and cook until fragrant and softened (2–3 minutes).
- Add curry paste and vegetables: Stir in red curry paste and cook for 1–2 minutes. Add bell pepper and carrots, cooking until just tender.
- Make the sauce: Pour in coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5–7 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add noodles: Toss the cooked noodles into the curry sauce, stirring to coat. Simmer for another 1–2 minutes.
- Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs, peanuts, and chili flakes if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes
Variations
- Make it vegan: Use tofu and plant-based curry paste (some contain shrimp paste).
- Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tempeh.
- Use different noodles: Try ramen, soba, or even spaghetti in a pinch.
- Add greens: Spinach, bok choy, or kale make great additions.
- Try green or yellow curry paste: For a different flavor profile.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen the sauce.
Not recommended for freezing, as noodles may become mushy.
FAQs
What’s the best red curry paste to use?
Thai Kitchen and Maesri are widely available and flavorful—just check labels for dietary preferences.
Can I use light coconut milk?
Yes, but full-fat gives a creamier, richer texture.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild to medium heat—adjust curry paste and chili to taste.
Can I prep it ahead?
Yes—make the sauce in advance and cook the noodles just before serving.
Are red curry noodles gluten-free?
Use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce to make it fully gluten-free.
Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely! Add what you have—zucchini, mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn all work well.
What if I don’t have curry paste?
Try a mix of tomato paste, chili flakes, garlic, and ginger for a quick hack—though not quite the same depth of flavor.
Can I serve it cold?
It’s best warm, but leftovers can be eaten cold like a spicy noodle salad.
What goes well on top?
Crushed peanuts, green onions, fresh basil, lime wedges, or a drizzle of sesame oil add great flavor and texture.
Can I make it a soup?
Yes—add more broth or coconut milk to turn it into a red curry noodle soup.
Conclusion
Red Curry Noodles are the ultimate fusion of spice, creaminess, and comfort. With just the right balance of heat, tang, and sweetness, this one-pan wonder delivers bold flavor in every bite—and it’s endlessly adaptable to your cravings and pantry staples. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something cozy and exciting, this dish checks all the boxes.
PrintRed Curry Noodles
These red curry noodles are creamy, slurpy, spicy, and totally comforting. They’re made with Thai red curry paste, coconut milk, and rice noodles—plus veggies and optional protein for a quick weeknight meal that feels restaurant-worthy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Noodles
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
-
1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil
-
2–3 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
-
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
-
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
-
1 tablespoon brown sugar or maple syrup
-
Juice of ½ lime (plus wedges for serving)
-
½ teaspoon chili flakes or sriracha (optional, for heat)
For the Noodles & Veggies:
-
8 oz rice noodles (flat or vermicelli style)
-
1 cup shredded carrots
-
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
-
2 cups baby spinach or chopped kale
-
Fresh cilantro, for topping
-
Optional: tofu, shrimp, or chicken
Instructions
-
Cook the Noodles:
Prepare rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside. -
Make the Sauce:
Heat coconut oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add red curry paste, ginger, and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and chili flakes if using. Simmer gently for 5–10 minutes to allow flavors to blend. -
Add Veggies & Protein:
Stir in carrots, bell pepper, and spinach. Cook for 2–3 minutes until just tender. If adding tofu, shrimp, or chicken, stir in now and cook until done or heated through. -
Combine with Noodles:
Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce is too thick. -
Serve:
Top with fresh cilantro and extra lime wedges. Serve warm.
Notes
-
Adjust spice level by using more or less curry paste.
-
For extra protein, add boiled eggs, tofu, or sautéed shrimp.
-
Sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.