Name: Easy Plantain Curry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Southeast Asian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp oil; 1 shallot, minced; 2 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 tbsp finely chopped ginger; 3 tbsp red curry paste; 6 cremini mushrooms, sliced; 1 (13.5-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk; 1/2 cup water; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tbsp vegan fish sauce (or soy sauce); 1 small pak choy (bok choy), cleaned; 2 medium plantains; 1 tbsp lime juice; 2 tsp lime zest (from one lime); fresh cilantro to garnish; 2 tbsp oil (for frying plantains)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 15 reviews

If you’re looking to whip up something that brings bold flavors and comforting warmth to your table, this Easy Plantain Curry Recipe is an absolute must-try. Vibrant, creamy, and packed with a delicious mix of spices, fresh herbs, and tender plantains, this curry offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re a seasoned curry fan or just diving into plantains, this dish is surprisingly simple to make yet deeply satisfying in every bite.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a flat lay of fresh cooking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. In the top left corner, there is a white plate holding smooth brown mushrooms. Next to it, on the right, are two ripe plantains with one partially peeled, revealing a soft yellow inside and dark brown spots on the skin. Below the mushrooms, vibrant green bok choy leaves with white stalks stretch diagonally. Moving clockwise, there are two lime wedges with bright green skin and juicy flesh. A small white bowl with amber liquid, likely honey, sits in the center left. A little below and to the right, a white bowl holds a dollop of bright red paste. Below this is a gray-rimmed white bowl filled with creamy white coconut milk or similar liquid. Two cloves of garlic rest just above the bowl, and fresh green cilantro leaves are at the top right corner. A fresh yellow ginger root with its irregular texture is placed to the bottom right of the coconut milk bowl, and an orange shallot sits at the bottom edge. The overall look is colorful, fresh, and organized, perfect for a recipe setup. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering all your essentials before starting will make this dish smooth and enjoyable to prepare. Each ingredient plays a pivotal role, from the creamy coconut milk lending a luscious texture to the fragrant lime zest brightening every spoonful. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand to nail this recipe:

1 tablespoon oil: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola to sauté your aromatics without overpowering flavors.
1 shallot (minced): This adds a sweet onion flavor that forms the curry’s flavorful base.
2 cloves of garlic (minced): Garlic brings its classic pungency that uplifts the whole dish.
1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger: A fresh kick of warmth and brightness that’s essential for any curry.
3 tablespoon red curry paste: This is the heart of the dish, packing in the rich, spicy undertones.
6 cremini mushrooms (sliced): They add meaty texture and earthy depth.
1 13.5-ounce can full-fat coconut milk: Creamy and slightly sweet, it rounds out the curry’s heat beautifully.
½ cup water: Helps to balance the consistency without watering down flavors.
1 tablespoon sugar: Just enough sweetness to contrast the spices.
1 tablespoon vegan fish sauce (or soy sauce): A savory, umami boost that enhances the curry’s complexity.
1 small pak choy (cleaned): Adds a fresh, leafy crunch and vibrant green color.
1 tablespoon lime juice: Brings bright, tangy freshness to the final dish.
2 teaspoon lime zest (from one lime): Intensifies the citrus notes without extra acidity.
Fresh cilantro to garnish: For a fragrant, herbaceous finish.
2 tablespoon oil: For frying the plantains to golden perfection.
2 medium plantains: These sweet, starchy fruits are the star of the show and offer a unique twist in a curry.

How to Make Easy Plantain Curry Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating your oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until it shimmers. Toss in the minced shallot, garlic, and ginger, letting them gently cook for 2 to 3 minutes. This step builds a fragrant and flavorful foundation that is absolutely essential for a curry that sings.

Step 2: Add the Red Curry Paste

Stir in the red curry paste, allowing it to combine with the sautéed aromatics. Keep it moving in the pot for another 2 minutes so the paste’s spices and chili oils fully awaken and mingle with the garlic, ginger, and shallot base.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms

Introduce sliced cremini mushrooms to the pot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently. The mushrooms soak up all the lovely flavors, adding that satisfying texture that balances the smooth curry sauce nicely.

Step 4: Pour in Coconut Milk and Seasonings

Next, pour in the full-fat coconut milk along with half a cup of water to create a luscious broth. Add sugar for a touch of sweetness and vegan fish sauce or soy sauce to pack in savory umami goodness. Stir it all gently to combine.

Step 5: Simmer the Curry

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble uncovered for about 10 minutes to thicken slightly and deepen the flavors. While this simmers, you’ll want to prepare the plantains.

Step 6: Fry the Plantains

Peel your plantains and cut them into 4 to 5 slices about 1 ⅓ inches thick. Heat two tablespoons of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, fry the plantain slices for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Set aside once done.

Step 7: Add Your Greens

Trim and clean your pak choy leaves thoroughly, patting them dry to avoid extra water diluting the curry. Toss these vibrant greens into the pot and simmer for another 3 to 4 minutes. This adds a lovely crunch and fresh color dimension.

Step 8: Incorporate the Plantains and Finish

Finally, nestle the fried plantains into the curry and let the whole thing simmer for a further 5 minutes. Just before serving, stir in the lime juice, lime zest, and sprinkle chopped cilantro on top. This finishing touch brightens and elevates the whole dish beautifully.

How to Serve Easy Plantain Curry Recipe

The image shows a white bowl with a brown thin rim filled with a bright orange curry. Inside the curry, there are five pieces of grilled yellow plantains with brown char marks, some green spinach leaves, small slices of brown mushrooms, and fresh green cilantro leaves scattered on top. The orange curry looks creamy with a smooth texture. A wooden spoon with a silver tip rests on the bowl's edge. Around the bowl, on a white marbled surface, there are small white bowls with red spices and green herbs, a piece of bread, some green cilantro on a wooden board, and a beige cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro is a must for that signature fresh herbal note, but you could also sprinkle some toasted peanuts or a few thin sliced red chilies for added texture and a subtle kick. A tiny drizzle of extra lime juice right before serving never hurts either.

Side Dishes

This curry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up the luscious sauce perfectly. For a gluten-free or low-carb option, cauliflower rice is a tasty alternative. Crisp naan or flatbread also make excellent companions for scooping and savoring every drop.

Creative Ways to Present

For a vibrant dinner party, serve the curry in individual curry bowls garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Layer the plantains on top decoratively or place a mound of rice in the center framed by the curry around it for visual impact. The colorful presentation will naturally draw people to the table eager to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This curry keeps beautifully for up to four days refrigerated in an airtight container. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier. Just be sure to store the fried plantains alongside, as they hold their texture well when refrigerated.

Freezing

You can freeze this Easy Plantain Curry Recipe by storing it in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. The coconut milk and spices freeze well, though plantains can become softer when thawed. To minimize texture changes, consider freezing plantains separately and adding fresh when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your curry gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to warm it evenly. Adding a splash of water or coconut milk can help loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if possible, as slower reheating preserves the curry’s full flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use green plantains instead of ripe ones?

Absolutely! Green plantains offer a starchier, less sweet flavor that works well if you prefer a less sugary curry. Just note that the texture will be different—firmer and more potato-like—but still delicious.

Is this recipe vegan friendly?

Yes, it is! Using vegan fish sauce or soy sauce keeps the curry plant-based while providing that savory umami kick. Coconut milk is naturally vegan, making this recipe great for vegan and vegetarian diets alike.

Can I substitute pak choy with other greens?

Definitely. Spinach, kale, or Swiss chard make fantastic alternatives. Just add them towards the end of cooking so they wilt but stay bright and fresh.

How spicy is this curry?

The red curry paste provides a moderate heat level, but you can easily adjust by adding more or less paste according to your spice preference. Remember that the coconut milk tempers the spice, creating a beautifully balanced dish.

Can I prepare this recipe in under 30 minutes?

While the recipe is designed for about 50 minutes total, with some prep efficiency, experienced cooks could trim it closer to 30 minutes. Frying plantains while the curry simmers helps speed things up. However, allowing simmer time gives the best flavor development.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Plantain Curry Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s approachable for cooks of all levels, packed with vibrant flavors, and offers that perfect harmony of creamy, spicy, sweet, and tangy elements. Give it a try for your next cozy dinner—you might just find a new favorite to cherish and share with friends and family.

Easy Plantain Curry Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need