5 Ways To Use Curry Powder

Curry powder might not be the most commonly used spice in your pantry, but that's about to change! We have a few creative ways to use curry that you probably haven't thought of yet. But first, a quick history.

What is Curry Anyway?

The word curry is believed to be a British adaptation of the Tamil word kari which simply means sauce. So basically a curry powder is a seasoning that you can make a sauce out of. Yup, it's that simple.

Ok, if you want to delve into the blend of spices we traditionally think of as curry, you'll need turmeric, ginger, mustard, cumin, and black pepper. No, curries aren't always spicy. Depending on the use or flavor you're looking for, the seasoning might also include chiles, garlic, cinnamon, coriander, fenugreek, and more. Curries also vary by region, incorporating local ingredients and flavors. Our Asian curries incorporate bright, citrusy flavors too.

Curry powder is used while cooking to add depth of flavor to a variety of dishes and sauces.

Curry Recipes

Yes, curry powder is used to make curry. If you love Indian takeout, you might not realize how easy it can be to make your own. Curry flavors actually continue to meld and improve over time, which is why they make such great leftovers. So feel free to make these recipes ahead and just (re)heat them for dinner.

Thai Green Chicken Curry
This refreshing and not-too-spicy chicken curry recipe is quicker and tastier than takeout! Our Thai Green Curry adds citrusy heat to a creamy coconut milk sauce that coats each bite. Leave out the chicken or swap it for tofu for a vegan or vegetarian version.

Lemongrass Panang Curry
Panang curry (sometimes spelled phanaeng or phanang) is a favorite from Thailand. Our Spice 'n Easy recipe mix makes it even quicker and easier to get this Thai favorite on your table. Our version of this classic has rich flavor and medium-low heat.

Massaman Curry
This refreshing and not-too-spicy chicken curry recipe is quicker and tastier than takeout! Our Thai Green Curry adds citrusy heat to a creamy coconut milk sauce that coats each bite. Leave out the chicken or swap it for tofu for a vegan or vegetarian version.

Condiments

The warm spices in curry pair extremely well with all sorts of condiments, including both ketchup and mustard. This is a great way to start experimenting with the flavors of curry in a familiar and approachable way. Grab some fries or hot dogs and get creative.

Ketchup: The blend of cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and paprika in our Tikka Masala makes for tasty curry-style ketchup. For a spicier curry catsup, try Vindaloo. 

How To Make Curry Ketchup: Try any of these seasoning recommendations or choose your own seasoning, using a ratio of 1 to 2 Tbsp. to every cup of regular ketchup.

Mustard: Skip the spicy brown mustard, since it already has a strong flavor and slight heat, it's not the best canvas for the nuanced flavors of curry. Instead, pair your curry powder with either yellow or Dijon mustard—Vadouvan spiced mustard was a total hit with our taste-testers.

How To Make Curry Mustard: To get the most out of your spiced mustard, increase your ratio to 2 to 3 Tbsp. seasoning per 1 cup mustard and let the mixture chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors fully develop.

The mildness of mayo makes it the perfect canvas for spices. Add Mild Yellow Curry and a bit of Granulated Garlic for a curry aioli that can pull double duty as a dip or spread. Cambodian Lemongrass Curry will give a bright bite to mayo that will take your turkey sandwich to a new level.

How To Make Curry Mayo: Like ketchup, 1 cup mayonnaise should be mixed with 1 to 2 Tbsp. seasoning, depending on how strong you want the flavor.

Salads

A new spice can liven up a boring salad. Whether you're mixing a bit into your bottled dressing or making a salad or slaw from scratch, a little flavor will surprise and delight with every bite.

Grilled Thai Beef Salad
We're going to let our customer, Nina, describe this one. "Prepared many times. Everyone loves it. The marinated flank steak also makes excellent sandwiches (slice thin, serve on French baguette with green onions, cilantro, pickled Daikon radishes and real mayo). Absolutely delicious."

Bitter Chicory Slaw
The dressing only has five ingredients (including olive oil and salt) but they balance the bitter greens in the salad. You could also use the salad dressing for other salads (chicken salad anyone?).

Sweet Potato Salad with Mango Curry Dressing
This quick and easy summer salad is full of bright fruits and vegetables. But you can also make the Mango Curry Dressing and stash it in the fridge for whatever salad you want to make!

Snacks

A new spice can liven up a boring salad. Whether you're mixing a bit into your bottled dressing or making a salad or slaw from scratch, a little flavor will surprise and delight with every bite.

Lemon Curry Corn Fritters
These easy little fritters make a great appetizer, or serve them with a plate of greens and rice for an Asian-inspired meal. Serve with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream and fresh chopped scallions or chives.

Curried Fruit Dip
This savory and sweet combo is perfect for picnics. Serve with fresh fruit pieces. It's particularly delicious with mango, pineapple, strawberries and bananas. 

Dessert

Curry and dessert might not sound like a perfect pair but trust us, it's actually a great combination. Whether you're a chocolate lover or lean more vanilla, we've got you covered.

Ghost Curry Peanut Butter Brownies
Don't be scared! This takes inspiration from the tried and true chile & chocolate combination. The filling is swirled throughout the brownie batter, so the heat from the Ghost Pepper Chile Powder sneaks up on you depending on the bite you get; use less (or no) Ghost Pepper Chile Powder for a more mild treat.

Ras el Hanout Blondies
This seasoning already has a touch of sweetness but the rich flavors add complexity to blondies, which are sometimes a little cloying and one-note. The Moroccan spices in Ras el Hanout give these sweet dessert bars a savory twist. 

Looking for more curry seasonings? Shop our Curry Collection.