Phad Pong Karee – Thai Yellow Curry Stir-Fry Recipe
1. Introduction
If you’ve ever sat down at a bustling Thai seafood restaurant, chances are you’ve spotted Phad Pong Karee on the menu. Known as Yellow Curry Stir-Fry, this dish is rich, aromatic, and irresistibly comforting. Traditionally made with crab, but also delicious with chicken, shrimp, or tofu, it blends the fragrant flavors of Thai yellow curry powder with eggs, onion, celery, and creamy evaporated milk.
Unlike a typical curry, this dish is stir-fried — meaning it’s quick to prepare, loaded with texture, and has a silky sauce that clings beautifully to your choice of protein.
In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to make Phad Pong Karee at home: from choosing the best ingredients, step-by-step cooking, variations, and serving tips.
2. Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Protein of choice (crab, chicken, shrimp, or tofu): Crab is the classic choice, but chicken and shrimp work just as well. Tofu makes a great vegetarian option.
- Yellow curry powder: The heart of this dish, providing warmth and fragrance.
- Eggs: Scrambled into the sauce, adding richness and thickness.
- Onion & Celery: For crunch and freshness.
- Bell Peppers (optional): Add sweetness and color.
- Garlic: Enhances depth and aroma.
- Evaporated milk (or half-and-half): Creates the signature creamy curry sauce.
- Soy sauce & Oyster sauce: For umami flavor balance.
- Fish sauce (optional): Adds authentic Thai saltiness.
- Sugar: Just a touch balances the curry spices.
- Cooking oil: Neutral oil like sunflower or vegetable oil works best.
Substitutions:
- Use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk for a creamier, dairy-free version.
- For vegan/vegetarian, skip the eggs and fish sauce, and double up on tofu and vegetables.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Clean and cut your protein (crab, chicken, shrimp, or tofu). Slice onions, celery, and bell peppers.
- Make the Curry Sauce Base: In a bowl, whisk together yellow curry powder, evaporated milk, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and 2 eggs.
- Heat the Wok: Add oil over medium-high heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Cook the Protein: Add your choice of crab, chicken, or shrimp. Stir-fry until just cooked through.
- Add the Vegetables: Toss in onions, celery, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Pour in the Curry Mixture: Stir continuously so the eggs scramble lightly and the sauce becomes silky and golden.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced chili, and serve hot with jasmine rice.
Tip: Don’t overcook the eggs—they should be soft and creamy, blending into the sauce.
4. Tips and Variations
- Seafood Option: Use crab or prawns for a restaurant-style Thai dish.
- Chicken Option: Slice chicken thinly for quick, even cooking.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace proteins with tofu and add mushrooms or baby corn.
- Spice Boost: Add fresh chili paste or Thai bird’s eye chilies for heat.
- Coconut Twist: Use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk for a richer, creamier taste.
5. Serving Suggestions
Phad Pong Karee is best served with:
- Steamed jasmine rice to soak up the curry sauce.
- Cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
- As part of a Thai dinner spread with dishes like Phat Phak Boong (morning glory stir-fry) or Tom Yum soup.
Presentation tip: Garnish with cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced red chili for a restaurant-style look.
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or milk if sauce thickens.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as the curry sauce with eggs may separate.
7. Recipe Notes
- Can be prepped ahead by mixing the curry sauce ingredients in advance.
- Works best in a wok for authentic texture, but a deep skillet also works.
- Fresh crab meat makes this dish extra special, but frozen crab or chicken are great budget-friendly alternatives.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 32g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
| Cholesterol | 180mg |
| Calcium | 90mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Thai
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 400g protein (crab, chicken, shrimp, or tofu)
- 2 tbsp yellow curry powder
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup evaporated milk (or coconut milk)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 stalk celery, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp fish sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp oil
Instructions:
- Prep protein and vegetables.
- Mix curry powder, milk, eggs, sauces, and sugar.
- Heat oil, sauté garlic.
- Stir-fry protein until cooked.
- Add vegetables and cook 2–3 minutes.
- Pour curry mixture, stir until sauce thickens.
- Garnish and serve with rice.
Notes:
- For vegan, use tofu, omit eggs and fish sauce.
- Don’t overcook the eggs—they should stay creamy.
🏷️ Diet Tags
- Dairy-Free (with coconut milk)
- High-Protein
- Gluten-Free (use tamari instead of soy sauce)
🌿 Health Benefits
- Rich in protein for muscle support.
- Curry spices provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Vegetables add fiber and essential vitamins.
10. FAQs
Q1: What makes Phad Pong Karee different from Thai curry?
It’s stir-fried rather than simmered, with eggs scrambled into the sauce for a creamy texture.
Q2: Can I make this dish without eggs?
Yes, but the sauce won’t be as rich. For vegan, skip eggs and use coconut milk.
Q3: What protein works best?
Crab is traditional, but chicken, shrimp, and tofu are excellent alternatives.
Q4: Is it spicy?
It’s mild compared to red or green curry, but you can adjust heat with chilies.
Q5: Can I prepare it ahead?
Yes, mix the curry sauce base in advance and stir-fry when ready to serve.
11. Final Thoughts
Phad Pong Karee is a wonderful balance of comfort and excitement. It has the creaminess of curry, the quick cooking style of a stir-fry, and the versatility to fit any protein or dietary preference.
Whether you’re making it with fresh crab for a special occasion or with chicken for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Try it out and share your experience—I’d love to hear how your version turned out!