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Thai Red Curry Paste Calories
Spicy, aromatic, Asian cuisine, vegan
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 tablespoon (medium) of Thai Red Curry Paste (18 g) has 22 calories. That works out to 120 calories per 100 g. It contains 3.2 g of carbs, 0.5 g of protein, 0.8 g of fat and 0.7 g of fiber. Its 171 µg of Vitamin A covers 19% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 30 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Thai Red Curry Paste Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 tablespoon (medium) · 18 g
22
KCAL / 18G
Carbs
3.2g
· 1% DV
Protein
0.5g
· 1% DV
Fat
0.8g
· 1% DV
Fiber
0.7g
· 3% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 58% · Protein 9% · Fat 33%
Thai Red Curry Paste nutrition facts table · 1 tablespoon (medium) (18 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 22 kcal | |
| Total fat | 0.8 g | 1% |
| Saturated fat | 0.2 g | 1% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 324 mg | 14% |
| Total carbohydrate | 3.2 g | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.7 g | 3% |
| Protein | 0.5 g | 1% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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How Many Calories in 1 Tablespoon of Thai Red Curry Paste?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon (medium) | 18 g | 22 kcal |
| 1 teaspoon (small) | 6 g | 7 kcal |
| 1 ounce (medium) | 28 g | 34 kcal |
| 2 tablespoon (large) | 36 g | 43 kcal |
| 1 pack (small) | 50 g | 60 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 120 kcal |
| 1 pack (large) | 100 g | 120 kcal |
| 1 cup (large) | 120 g | 144 kcal |
Calculated from 120 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thai Red Curry Paste
What is Thai red curry paste made of?
Thai red curry paste is typically made with red chilies, garlic, shallots, lemongrass, galangal, and spices. Recipes differ, so the flavor and heat can vary between brands and homemade versions.
How do you use Thai red curry paste?
Fry Thai red curry paste briefly in a little oil, then stir in coconut milk and your choice of vegetables, meat, or seafood. This releases its aroma and helps the paste blend evenly into the curry sauce.
How much Thai red curry paste should I use for a curry?
Start with about one tablespoon of Thai red curry paste for a pot of curry, then taste and add more if needed. Its saltiness and heat vary by product, so adding it gradually is easier than trying to tone down an overly strong curry.
Is Thai red curry paste spicy?
Yes, Thai red curry paste is usually spicy, though the heat varies by recipe and brand. If you are unsure how hot yours is, start with a small amount and add more after tasting the sauce.
What is the difference between Thai red and green curry paste?
Thai red curry paste is generally made with dried red chilies, while green curry paste usually uses fresh green chilies and herbs. Red curry tends to taste deeper and warmer; green curry is often fresher and more herbal.
When should you add coconut milk to Thai red curry paste?
Add coconut milk after briefly frying Thai red curry paste in oil. Stir the two together until smooth before adding the main ingredients; this helps spread the paste's flavor through the sauce.
How can you make a Thai red curry made with Thai red curry paste less spicy?
Add more coconut milk or mild vegetables to a curry made with Thai red curry paste to soften its heat. You can also use less paste next time; adding sugar may balance the flavor but will make the dish sweeter.
What can I use instead of Thai red curry paste?
There is no exact substitute for Thai red curry paste. A red curry powder blend can work in a pinch, or you can combine chili, garlic, ginger, and lime zest for a similar aromatic base, though the result will taste different.
How should you store Thai red curry paste after opening?
Keep opened Thai red curry paste in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator. Use a clean, dry spoon each time and wipe the rim before closing the jar to help maintain its quality.
Can you freeze Thai red curry paste?
Yes, Thai red curry paste freezes well. Divide it into small portions in a sealed container or ice-cube tray, so you can thaw only the amount needed for a recipe.
Thai Red Curry Paste Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
Vitamin A
171µg · 19% DV
Vitamin C
6.84mg · 8% DV
B6
0.03mg · 2% DV
Vitamin K
2.16µg · 2% DV
Minerals
Sodium
324mg · 14% DV
Copper
0.02mg · 2% DV
Potassium ⭐
58mg · 2% DV
Manganese
0.03mg · 1% DV
Thai Red Curry Paste Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Thai Red Curry Paste
To burn the 22 calories in 1 tablespoon (medium) (18 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
What is Thai Red Curry Paste?
Thai Red Curry Paste is a concentrated Thai seasoning made by pounding red chillies with aromatics such as lemongrass, galangal, garlic and shallot. It is used as a flavour base rather than served on its own, and recipes vary between makers.
Its vivid heat and fragrant, citrusy notes bloom when briefly fried in oil, then simmered with coconut milk. In Thailand it is commonly used in curry dishes with vegetables, tofu, meat or seafood; elsewhere, it also adds depth to soups and quick weeknight stews. The paste is punchy, so start with a small spoonful and adjust to taste. It contributes flavour with modest protein, and pairs well with rice and plenty of vegetables for a more balanced meal.
How Nutritious Is Thai Red Curry Paste?
Nutrient density
Medium
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Is Thai Red Curry Paste Processed?
NOVA 3
Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Thai Red Curry Paste Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Thai Red Curry Paste Good For?
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
✓ Suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Thai Red Curry Paste Fat Profile
SATURATED
0.2g
MONOUNSATURATED
0.22g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.23g
Omega 6:3 ratio 3:1
Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.