tbw

Mae Ploy Red Curry Paste

Mae Ploy is a Thai red curry paste in tubs. Here is where stores and sites sell it.

Updated . Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

Asian grocers stock it most often, usually near the coconut milk. Online Thai food shops sell single tubs and cases.

Professional insight

Thai cooks fry this paste in coconut cream first. A busy kitchen buys the large tub.

  • Red cap and red label mark the red curry version.
  • Shrimp paste is inside, so it is not vegan.
  • Salt is high, so season the curry last.
  • A firm, dark paste is normal, not spoiled.

Check the label

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Mae Ploy red curry paste ingredients

Main aromatics
Garlic, dried red chilli, lemongrass
Allergen
Shrimp (crustacean)
Origin
Thailand

Other listed ingredients are shallot, salt, galangal, kaffir lime peel and pepper. Percentages differ slightly between sellers, so read your own tub.

Sizing

Common Mae Ploy pack sizes
PackSuits
50 g sachet or small tubOne or two meals
400 g tubRegular home cooking
1 kg tubLarge families or restaurants

How to use it

  1. 1Heat a little thick coconut cream in a pan.
  2. 2Fry one to two spoons of paste until fragrant.
  3. 3Add meat, tofu or vegetables and stir to coat.
  4. 4Pour in the rest of the coconut milk.
  5. 5Simmer, then taste before adding fish sauce or salt.

Mae Ploy is hot. Start with less paste, then add more after tasting.

Storage

  • Keep unopened tubs in a cool, dry cupboard.
  • Refrigerate after opening and close the lid tightly.
  • Always scoop with a clean, dry spoon.
  • Freeze portions in an ice cube tray for long storage.
  • Throw it out if you see mould or smell sourness.

Common questions

Is Mae Ploy red curry paste vegan?
No. It contains shrimp paste.
Why is the paste oily on top?
Oil from the chilli and spices can separate. Stir it back in.
Can I use it for other dishes?
Yes. Cooks use it in fried rice, soups and marinades.
Does it contain coconut?
No. You add coconut milk yourself when cooking.