Green curry paste can feel like the secret weapon of any flavorful Thai dish. But what happens when a recipe calls for it and you’re out? Don’t panic—there are simple substitutions that can still bring bold and balanced flavors to your meals.
These swaps aren’t just about saving the day. They’re about showing you how to unlock flavor in unexpected ways. Whether you’re whipping up something quick or crafting a slow-simmering curry, there’s a substitute ready to work wonders.

5 Simple Swaps for Green Curry Paste
Each of these options can fill in for green curry paste without missing out on taste. It’s all about balancing heat, freshness, and those herbaceous notes that give green curry its signature punch.
1. Red Curry Paste – A Bolder Cousin
Red curry paste is a sibling to green curry paste, sharing a similar base of ingredients like garlic, lemongrass, and galangal. It’s spicier, thanks to red chilies, and has a slightly deeper, smokier flavor compared to the fresh, zesty zing of green curry paste.
To tone down the spice and match it more closely to green curry’s flavor, you can add a few extra herbs like cilantro or Thai basil. Squeeze in some lime juice for that bright, citrusy kick. Use about the same amount of red curry paste as green curry paste in your recipe, but taste as you go. For more details on versatile curry pastes, explore red curry paste substitutes to see how else they can work in your dishes.
2. Yellow Curry Paste – The Milder Swap
Yellow curry paste brings turmeric to the forefront, giving it an earthy, warm flavor that’s milder than both green and red curry pastes. Although less herbal, it still works as a substitute when paired with fresh ingredients like chopped basil, kaffir lime leaves, or even a handful of chopped cilantro.
Use yellow curry paste when you prefer something less spicy but still aromatic. It’s particularly good in recipes with coconut milk that bring out its creamy richness. For every tablespoon of green curry paste, replace with one tablespoon of yellow, and adjust to taste. Check out yellow curry paste substitutes for more creative ideas.
3. Homemade Green Curry Paste – Your Fresh Option
Making your own green curry paste from scratch may sound intense, but it’s easier than you think. With a blender or food processor, you can combine green chilies, garlic, shallots, lemongrass, kaffir lime zest, and a few spices like cumin and coriander. Add a teaspoon of shrimp paste or soy sauce to simulate the savory umami notes from store-bought versions.
Homemade paste allows you to customize the spice level or tweak the herb balance to suit your liking. Plus, it gives you the freshest possible flavor. Store your batch in an airtight container, and it’ll stay good in the fridge for up to a week. If you don’t have all the ingredients, see alternatives in these green curry paste substitutes so you can work with what’s on hand.
4. Thai Green Chili Sauce – A Zippy Substitute
Thai green chili sauce packs a tangy punch similar to green curry paste. While it lacks the depth of spices and herbs, it compensates with intense heat and citrusy acidity.
If you’re using chili sauce, balance it out by adding fresh herbs like cilantro, Thai basil, or even mint. A splash of coconut milk or stock can also help mimic the creamy texture and mellow the heat. Start with a teaspoon or two, then adjust based on your heat tolerance. For uses beyond curries, find more options like green chili sauces in chili sauce substitutes that help keep meals exciting.
5. Green Harissa – The Unexpected Hero
Green harissa might not be Thai, but it shares a lot of flavor notes with green curry paste. Made with green chilies, garlic, lemon, and herbs like cilantro or parsley, it’s a North African sauce that can effortlessly shift its talents to South Asian dishes.
Use harissa when you want something fresh, mildly spicy, and herb-heavy. Add a splash of fish sauce or lime juice to bring it closer to Thai cuisine. Substitute at a 1-to-1 ratio, and keep tasting as you go to get the balance just right. Discover more ideas with harissa substitutes to expand your pantry’s versatility.

Kimberly Baxter is the proud owner of the food blog Eatdelights.com. A self-proclaimed foodie, Kimberly loves to cook and share her recipes with others. She has been blogging about food since 2010 and has amassed a following of loyal readers.
Her recipes are creative, delicious, and easy to follow. In addition to her blog, Kimberly also enjoys writing for other publications.