What can I add to a jar of curry sauce?
In this brief guide, we will answer the question “What can I add to a jar of curry sauce?”, and list down a number of things you can add to make the curry sauce better. We will also share tips on how to make the perfect Thai curry at home.
What can I add to a jar of curry sauce?
You can add the following things to a jar of curry sauce to make it better.
- If it is bland, spice it up with chili powder or cayenne pepper.
- You can also use fresh chilies split in half to spice up the curry sauce.
- If you are using chicken, use chicken on the bone.
- Go for chicken thighs as they are tender and more juicy.
- Marinate the chicken a day before so that it is flavorful.
- Use ghee or butter instead of using cooking oil.
- You can add a little bit of garam masala to it for some added head.
- If you have some fresh herbs like coriander or parsley, chop them up and use them before serving the curry.
- Consider using coconut milk or coconut cream for a smooth and rich texture.
- Add lemon juice.
- Add sugar to balance out the bitterness if any.
- Add tomato puree.
- Caramelize onions and fry ginger and garlic, then add the curry sauce.
Sometimes, when you buy a jar of curry sauce it may taste bland or might not have a flavor according to your liking. Do not worry though, you can try using one or more of the things listed above to make it taste better.
How to make the perfect Thai curry?
Follow these tips to make the perfect Thai curry and you will definitely not go back to your old ways.
Use homemade curry paste
Use homemade curry paste for best results because it will be fresh and will have ingredients according to your own liking. It will also be free of any preservatives. In case you do not have the time or the ingredients to make your own curry paste, then buy one curry paste jar from a store.
Use only fresh ingredients
Store-bought fried or frozen ingredients such as lemongrass or other vegetables are not as fresh and have a worn out flavor. Go down to the farmer’s market and buy fresh, aromatic ingredients.
Toast the spices
Toast the dry spices before adding them to the curry. Toasting them makes them more aromatic and flavorful. It also adds a bit of a smoky flavor to the curry.
Turmeric
If fresh turmeric is easily available to you, then consider using that instead of ground turmeric. Fresh turmeric is more flavorful and adds a vibrant color to the curry.
Use a pestle and mortar
Rather than grinding up the spices in a food processor, use a pestle and mortar to pound them. Now this may be a hectic job but trust me, the end result will be worth it.
Use coconut milk
Take off the top layer of coconut milk and then heat it until it splits up or curdles. Use this instead of oil for frying the paste. It will not only enhance the flavor but also improve the texture of the curry.
Use caramel
Instead of adding sugar directly for sweetness, consider caramelizing it first. You can also caramelize onions for sweetness.
Choose your protein
Chicken goes well with Thai curries but you can also use pork, prawns, beef or salmon. Choose whichever protein works best for you.
A well balanced curry
A well balanced curry is the one in which all flavors are equal. Taste your curry once all the ingredients have been added and then make adjustments.
Garnish it
For the finishing touches, add chopped up chillies, parsley or basil. They are aromatic and also add great flavor. They also add vibrant colors to the final dish.
Eat it the next day
For the best flavor, make the curry a day before and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat and eat it the next day. Curry tastes better the next day because it gets time to release all its flavors overnight.
Learn how to perfect your curry here.
Other FAQs about Curry that you may be interested in.
Differences Between Indian and Thai Curry
Can I use curry powder in place of curry paste?
Can I put warm curry in the fridge?
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “What can I add to a jar of curry sauce?”, and listed down a number of things you can add to make the curry sauce better. We also shared tips on how to make the perfect Thai curry at home.
