Name: Easy Curry Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger root; 3 tablespoons curry powder; 1 teaspoon white sugar; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 cup chicken stock; ½ cup coconut milk

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 3 reviews

If you are craving a rich, flavorful sauce that can elevate any meal, this Easy Curry Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. Full of warm spices, creamy coconut milk, and a hint of sweetness, it delivers authentic curry flavors without any fuss. Whether you’re pairing it with chicken, vegetables, or rice, this sauce brings a delightful depth that feels both comforting and exotic all at once. Best of all, it comes together in just 20 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner plans.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A stainless steel pan filled with a thick, golden-brown sauce that has swirls of lighter cream mixed in, creating a marbled texture on the sauce surface. A long wooden spoon rests inside the pan, with its curved edge partly submerged in the sauce and the handle extending out of the pan toward the bottom of the image. The pan is placed on a cooling rack with thin metal bars, set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple yet thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color in your Easy Curry Sauce Recipe. Each one plays an essential role in making this sauce both delicious and easy to whip up anytime.

Olive oil: Acts as the perfect base for sautéing, bringing a subtle fruitiness that balances the spices.
Small onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and body to the sauce as it softens and caramelizes.
Garlic (minced): Provides a pungent depth that enhances every savory bite.
Grated fresh ginger root: Lends a fragrant, zesty kick that livens up the curry aroma.
Curry powder: The heart of the recipe, delivering a complex mix of spices for bold flavor.
White sugar: Balances the savory and spicy elements with a subtle sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: Introduces warmth and a slight earthiness that rounds out the spice profile.
Salt: Enhances all other flavors, making sure your sauce sings.
Tomato paste: Brings richness and a lovely reddish hue, deepening the sauce’s flavor.
Chicken stock: Creates a savory liquid base that adds body and umami.
Coconut milk: Infuses creaminess and a subtle tropical sweetness that softens the spices.

How to Make Easy Curry Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it softens and becomes translucent, about 4 minutes. This step creates a sweet, flavorful foundation for your curry sauce.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Ginger

Next, toss in the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger. Cook them just until fragrant, roughly 30 seconds. This quick step awakens those bold, spicy aromas that make curry so irresistible.

Step 3: Toast Spices and Season

Stir in the curry powder, white sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Let the spices toast gently in the pan for about 30 seconds while stirring constantly, releasing their essential oils and intensifying their flavors.

Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Paste and Chicken Stock

Mix in the tomato paste and chicken stock, stirring well to combine. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer. This simmering for about 5 minutes helps the sauce reduce and thicken, making it perfectly saucy.

Step 5: Finish with Coconut Milk

Pour in the creamy coconut milk and gently simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This final touch smooths out the spices and adds that luscious texture everyone adores in a good curry sauce.

How to Serve Easy Curry Sauce Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with two layers: the bottom layer has white, fluffy rice with long grains, and the top layer features a thick, orange-yellow curry with large chunks of tender meat and small pieces of cooked onions mixed in. The curry is shiny and smooth, with green chopped herbs sprinkled over it for color contrast. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface in soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or parsley on top for a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. Toasted cashews or sliced almonds also add delightful crunch and texture contrasts.

Side Dishes

This Easy Curry Sauce pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice, warm naan bread, or even steamed vegetables. Each side complements the sauce’s robust flavor while making the meal hearty and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, use the curry sauce as a flavorful drizzle over roasted vegetable bowls or as a dip for crispy samosas. You can also stir it through chickpeas or lentils for an easy vegetarian main course full of warmth and comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your leftover curry sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy its vibrant flavors throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze this sauce to extend its shelf life. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. Frozen, it maintains its delicious profile for up to 3 months, making batch cooking a breeze.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the sauce over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or stock to restore its creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?

Absolutely! Vegetable stock works perfectly if you prefer a vegetarian version or just want a lighter option. It will keep the sauce flavorful without overpowering the spices.

Is this recipe spicy?

This Easy Curry Sauce Recipe has a mild to moderate level of spice, thanks to the curry powder and cinnamon blend. You can adjust heat by adding chili flakes or hot sauce if you like it spicier.

Can I make this curry sauce vegan?

Yes! Simply replace the chicken stock with vegetable broth, and make sure your curry powder and other ingredients are free of animal products. The coconut milk adds wonderful creaminess to keep it rich and comforting.

How thick should the sauce be?

The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. Simmering it for the recommended time reduces it to the perfect consistency that clings beautifully to your dishes.

Can I add vegetables or meat directly to the sauce?

You can! Adding cooked vegetables, tofu, or pre-cooked meats directly into the sauce to warm through makes for an easy, complete meal. Just be sure not to add raw meats at the end, as they need longer cooking time.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Easy Curry Sauce Recipe enough—it’s a total game changer for quick, flavorful dinners. It’s simple yet versatile, comforting yet exciting, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and soon it’ll become your go-to sauce for brightening up any meal with a touch of spice and warmth.