Yellow Curry Vs Red Curry (Which Should You Buy?)

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Curry is a generic name for a particular type of spicy dish, usually garnished with chilies, lemongrass, shallot, garlic, and other ingredients. The most common types of curry are yellow curry, green curry, and red curry, typically found in Thai restaurants.

When it comes to yellow curry vs red curry, they both have a lot of similarities; hence, they’re often compared to each other than other types of curries. Actually, yellow curries appear yellowish after preparation, while red curries are spicier and quite reddish.

The ingredients used in preparing curries vary by recipe, and they have different tastes. This article details the differences and similarities between red and yellow curries.

What is Yellow Curry?

Yellow curry is a typical dish made with various ingredients such as turmeric, vegetables, garlic, herbs, and many more (depending on the recipe). The yellowish hue is caused due to turmeric.

The ingredients used in yellow curies deliver several essential nutrients to the body. Also, the taste of yellow curries is distinctive, thanks to the many dried spices being added to the meal.

While making yellow curry pastes, it is advisable to wear hand gloves and an apron to avoid getting your clothes stained by Tumeric.

What is Red Curry?

Yellow Curry Vs Red Curry

Just as yellow curry, red curry is a type of spicy dish made with a wide range of hot chilies, vegetables, and other ingredients (as required).

Red curries are pretty spicier than yellow curries and they are hotter too (due to the presence of more chilies).

It appears reddish because the paste is prepared with several red chilies. In a bid to reduce the hotness of the chilies, chefs typically add coconut milk to red curries.

Well, you can use mild hot chilies if you don’t want to feel serious heat when eating your red curry. It also has a unique taste and it’s a healthy meal for everyone.

Yellow Curry Vs Red Curry: Major Differences

 Yellow CurryRed Curry
ColorYellowishReddish
Major IngredientsTurmeric, Curry Powder, Coconut MilkHot red chilies, tomatoes, garlic

Mere looking at the dishes, you could distinguish between the two due to the colors. The main difference between these two spicy dishes is the color; one appears yellowish while the other looks reddish.

Red curries are made with more red chilies than other types of curries. Some people include tomatoes in red curries to further bring out the color. In contrast, curry powder and turmeric are added to yellow curries to bring out the color.

Red curries are the commonest type of curries; regardless, you can find both red and yellow curries in many restaurants (mostly restaurants the sell Thai foods).

In short, yellow curries have turmeric and curry powder in them, while red curries have tomatoes and red chilies in them.

Similarities Between Yellow Curry and Red Curry

Typical ingredients you’d find in the recipe for making either of these curries include a variety of hot peppers, garlic, lemongrass, cumin, shallot, curry powder, chili powder, coriander, and turmeric.

Nevertheless, the ingredients to use depends on the chef preparing the curry. Coconut milk may be added to these curries to tone down the hotness if extremely hot chilies like ghost pepper or Carolina reaper are used.

Which Should You Buy?

There are quite different factors to decide which of these curries is best for you. Firstly, your preference comes into play; some people prefer yellow curries because of the inclusion of turmeric, while people that love hot, spicy dishes prefer red curries.

Well, both curries are tasty and healthy for everyone. You can actually get the recipe and make them at home.

You can buy the ingredients from your local market. If you want the dish itself, you’d have to go to a restaurant that offers intercontinental meals.

What More?

There are many other types of curries, but these two are the commonest you’d find in restaurants. They are healthy and highly nutritious.