5 Massaman Curry Paste Substitutes That Work Wonders

Massaman curry paste is one of those ingredients that feels like magic in a jar (a Thai curry paste with Persian influences, typically made from dried chilies, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, and peanuts). We've been mid-recipe, ready to make something amazing, only to realize-no paste.

Classic.

It's a bit of a curveball, but don't worry, there are options. We've improvised enough times to know what works and what doesn't.

From homemade blends to store-bought alternatives, there are simple solutions to keep things on track. Here's what to use if you're all out of Massaman curry paste and still craving that rich, bold flavor.

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5 Easy Substitutes for Massaman Curry Paste

Here are our top five substitutes for Massaman curry paste, ranked in order of preference. Try one or try them all-we promise they're all worth a shot!

1 - Red Curry Paste

It brings a similar heat and complexity, though it's spicier and a bit less sweet; for different heat levels, see red pepper flakes alternatives for heat.

You can tone down the heat by using slightly less paste. Try starting with a 1:1 substitution and adjust to taste.

Red curry paste combines red chilies (Capsicum annuum), garlic, lemongrass, and galangal, giving it a bold flavor. Add a touch of ground cinnamon and cardamom to mimic the warmth of Massaman.

This tweak makes it surprisingly close.

2 - Yellow Curry Paste

For a similarly sweet flavor, reach for yellow curry paste. Its bold spices and natural sweetness make it our top recommendation to substitute for Massaman curry paste.

Yellow curry paste has a milder spice level than red or green varieties, but you can add more heat with some added chili flakes or cayenne pepper (start with ¼ to ½ teaspoon cayenne per tablespoon of paste).

Yellow curry paste contains many of the same ingredients as Massaman, like lemongrass and galangal; pair it with sweet onions when cooking (see yellow onion swaps for sweeter flavor).

3 - Panang Curry Paste

If you've ever been stuck without Massaman curry paste, Panang curry paste is a strong backup. It has a rich and slightly nutty flavor.

It's a bit thicker and creamier compared to others thanks to its heavy peanut influence (Arachis hypogaea).

Add a pinch of cinnamon and cardamom to bring it closer to the Massaman vibe. Use the same amount of Panang curry paste that your recipe calls for Massaman.

Keep in mind, Panang is a touch spicier, so dial it back slightly if you prefer a milder result.

The sweet and warm profile works so well in curries, stews, or sauces; for similar warm spice mixes, see Madras curry powder options for bolder heat.

Panang may not be identical, but it nails the job in most dishes.

4 - Homemade Massaman Curry Paste

While not everyone has all the ingredients on hand, it's totally possible to make Massaman curry paste at home. If you're committed to this as your go-to flavor, it might be worth making a larger batch and keeping it in the fridge.

The base involves blitzing spices, herbs, and aromatics like shallots (a member of the Allium family) and garlic. There are many recipes out there that add more layers of flavor with shrimp paste or dried shrimp.

If you can't find some of the less common ingredients or aren't sure about using them, don't worry! Even the most basic homemade versions still work well as substitutes for store-bought Massaman curry paste.

5 - Green Curry Paste (with adjustments)

Last but not least, if you're really stuck, green curry paste can be used as a substitute for Massaman. The key here is to adjust the flavor and consistency.

Green curry paste contains fewer spices than other varieties, so start by using more of it in your recipe (try 1.25-1.5 times the amount). You'll also want to add some ground cinnamon and cardamom to mimic the flavors of Massaman.

If the texture is too thin, blend in some peanut butter or coconut milk to thicken it up. This will give it a similar creaminess to traditional Massaman curry paste.