Main Course · Dinner · Thai ·

Thai Crab Curry with Kaffir Lime and Coconut Cream

Name: Thai Crab Curry with Kaffir Lime and Coconut Cream
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons; Onion, 1 medium, finely chopped; Garlic, 4 cloves, minced; Ginger, 1 thumb-sized piece, grated; Thai red curry paste, 2 tablespoons; Turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon; Ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon; Coconut milk, 400 ml; Fresh crab meat, 500 g; Fish sauce, 2 tablespoons; Palm sugar, 1 tablespoon; Kaffir lime leaves, 5 leaves, torn; Thai basil leaves, Fresh; Lime, 1, cut into wedges; Jasmine rice, Cooked

Dive into the exotic flavors of Thailand with this luxurious crab curry, elevated by the aromatic notes of kaffir lime and the rich creaminess of coconut milk.

5(166 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·September 9, 2025

Thai Crab Curry with Kaffir Lime and Coconut Cream — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Crab Curry Base

For the Spice Paste

For the Main Curry

For Garnishing and Serving

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 529 kcal
Protein: 29.7 g
Carbs: 50.1 g
Fat: 23.7 g
Fiber: 1.7 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2116 kcal
Protein: 118.9 g
Carbs: 200.4 g
Fat: 94.7 g
Fiber: 6.6 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Vegetable oil 2 tablespoons	240	0	0	27	0
Onion 1 medium, finely chopped	44	1.2	10.3	0.1	1.9
Garlic 4 cloves, minced	18	0.8	4	0.1	0.2
Ginger 1 thumb-sized piece, grated	9	0.2	2	0.1	0.2
Thai red curry paste 2 tablespoons	25	0.5	4	1	0.5
Turmeric powder 1 teaspoon	8	0.2	1.4	0.2	0.5
Ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon	4	0.2	0.8	0.2	0.2
Coconut milk 400 ml	552	5.6	14	57.2	0
Fresh crab meat 500 g	460	95	0	7.5	0
Fish sauce 2 tablespoons	10	1.6	0.4	0	0
Palm sugar 1 tablespoon	60	0	16	0	0
Kaffir lime leaves 5 leaves, torn	1	0	0.3	0	0.1
Thai basil leaves Fresh	1	0.1	0.2	0.1	0
Lime 1, cut into wedges	20	0.5	7	0.2	1.9
Jasmine rice Cooked	640	12	140	1	2

These estimates are based on typical values and are not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Spice Paste

1
Combine spices
In a small bowl, mix Thai red curry paste, turmeric powder, and ground cumin to form a smooth paste.
2
Let flavors meld
Set aside to let the flavors meld.
3
Prep ingredients
Ensure all other ingredients are prepared and within reach.

Preparing the Curry Base

1
Heat oil
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2
Sauté aromatics
Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
3
Cook spice paste
Incorporate the prepared spice paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
Tip: Do not let the spice paste burn; it could turn bitter. Pro Tip: Make extra spice paste and refrigerate for your next curry dish.

How to Make Thai Crab Curry with Kaffir Lime and Coconut Cream

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Curry Infusion
Pour in the coconut milk and bring it to a gentle simmer.
2
Crab Envelopment
Add the crab meat, fish sauce, palm sugar, and kaffir lime leaves. Stir gently.
3
Flavor Enhancement
Allow spices to infuse the curry by simmering.