THAI COOKING PASTES · ORGANIC

Mekhala Organic Thai Red Curry Paste

★★★★½ 4.5 / 5
754 reviews on Amazon.com
USDA OrganicVeganGluten-FreeNon-GMOKeto-FriendlyWhole30PaleoNut-Free

Our bestselling Thai Red Curry Paste is your shortcut to a restaurant-quality meal in under 20 minutes. Stone-ground in small batches in Chiang Mai using organic galangal, lemongrass, and dried red chillies — this paste delivers deep, layered Thai flavour with zero compromise. No fish sauce. No MSG. No artificial anything. Just real ingredients, honestly made.

Spice Level 2 / 3
Medium · Bold warmth without overwhelming heat · Double the paste for extra kick
$7.99
100g / 3.5 oz · Glass jar · Approx. 6–8 servings (1–2 tbsp per serving) Also available in multi-packs on Amazon.com

Free from: Fish sauce · Shrimp paste · Gluten · Nuts · MSG · Artificial additives · Sugar · Dairy · Eggs

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT

Traditional Ingredients, Modern Convenience

Mekhala’s Organic Thai Red Curry Paste is built on a foundation of three hero ingredients: galangal, for its distinctive piney, citrusy warmth; lemongrass, which provides the fragrant, fresh top notes that lift the whole dish; and dried red chillies, which deliver deep, slow-building heat and that iconic brick-red colour. These aromatics are stone-ground together with organic shallots, garlic, lime juice, Himalayan pink salt, and a blend of spices — the way curry paste has been made across Thailand for centuries.


Unlike most commercially available pastes, Mekhala contains no fish sauce, no shrimp paste, no preservatives, and no artificial additives. Every ingredient carries USDA Organic certification. The paste is made in small batches at Mekhala’s own production facility in Chiang Mai, Thailand, by a skilled, female-led team for whom this work represents meaningful, stable employment.


The paste comes in a reusable glass jar — not plastic — because Mekhala believes sustainable packaging is non-negotiable, not a nice-to-have. The glass preserves flavour, is odour-neutral, and can be washed and repurposed once the curry paste is gone.


Mekhala was co-founded by Daphne Hedley and Diane Wong, both raised in Singapore — a city whose multicultural food culture deeply shaped their approach. Their mission: make authentic Asian cooking accessible to anyone, anywhere, without compromising on quality, ethics, or the environment.

SIMPLE TO MAKE

Restaurant-quality curry in 3 steps

The secret to getting the best flavor is always Step 1 — frying the paste to release its aromatic oils. Don’t skip it.
1

Sauté the Paste

Fry 1–2 tablespoons of Mekhala Red Curry Paste in 2–3 tbsp of coconut cream over medium heat for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant and the oil separates. This step unlocks the deep flavour of the galangal and lemongrass.

1–2 tbsp paste + 3 tbsp coconut cream
2

Simmer Your Dish

Add your protein or vegetables (tofu, chicken, prawns, sweet potato, mushrooms — anything works). Pour in the remaining coconut milk and a splash of water or vegetable stock. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.

1 can coconut milk · 2–4 servings
3

Serve & Garnish

Serve over jasmine rice or rice noodles. Finish with a squeeze of lime, fresh Thai basil, and a drizzle of coconut cream. Dinner: done. Clean, delicious, and genuinely effortless.

Ready in under 20 minutes
Paste vs. Sauce: This is a concentrated curry paste — not a ready-to-eat sauce. It needs coconut milk (or another liquid) to create the final dish. One jar makes 4–6 full curries when used at 1–2 tablespoons per serving.

Ingredients & Nutrition

WHAT’s INSIDE

Every ingredient is USDA Certified Organic. No fillers. No synthetic additives. No artificial preservatives.
  • Shallots✓ Organic
  • Garlic✓ Organic
  • Lime Juice✓ Organic
  • Dried Red Chilli✓ Organic
  • Galangal✓ Organic
  • Lemongrass✓ Organic
  • Spices ✓ Organic
    (Coriander Seeds, Cumin, Black Pepper)
  • Gluten-Free Soy Sauce ✓ Organic
    (Brown Rice, Soybeans, Salt, Water)
  • Coriander Root✓ Organic
  • Kaffir Lime Leaves✓ Organic
  • Water
✓ No fish sauce. ✓ No shrimp paste. ✓ No MSG. ✓ No refined sugar. ✓ No artificial colouring or preservatives. ✓ Gluten-free. ✓ Nut-free.

Please verify the current label for the most accurate and up-to-date ingredient information.

NUTRITION FACTS

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 teaspoon (6g)
Servings per container: 17

Calories10
Total Fat0g
Saturated Fat0g
Trans Fat0g
Sodium150mg
Total Carbohydrates2g
Dietary Fibre0g
Total Sugars0g
Added Sugars0g
Protein0g

VERSATILITY

Not just for curry

Mekhala Red Curry Paste is a flavour catalyst. Here are six ways to use it beyond the classic curry — each one weeknight-easy.

🍲

Classic Thai Curry

Sauté with coconut cream, add protein and veg, simmer with coconut milk. Ready in 20 minutes.

🍗

Marinade

Mix 2 tbsp paste with olive oil and a squeeze of lime. Marinate chicken, tofu, or fish for 30 mins before grilling or roasting.

🍜

Noodle Soup

Stir 1 tbsp into hot vegetable broth with rice noodles, spinach, and a soft-boiled egg for an instant Thai-inspired soup.

🥗

Salad Dressing

Whisk ½ tbsp with lime juice, sesame oil, and a touch of coconut cream for a bold Asian-inspired salad dressing.

🥦

Roasted Veg

Toss cauliflower, sweet potato, or chickpeas in paste mixed with coconut oil. Roast at 200°C for a deeply flavoured side dish.

🍳

Stir-Fry

Add to a hot wok with oil and your choice of protein and vegetables. A 15-minute weeknight stir-fry with restaurant depth.

COMPLETE YOUR DISH

Pairs well with

Everything you need for a complete Thai red curry is a grocery run away. Here’s what pairs best:

🥥 Full-fat coconut milk 🍚 Jasmine rice 🥜 Extra firm tofu 🍗 Chicken thighs 🍤 Tiger prawns 🍠 Sweet potato 🍄 Oyster mushrooms 🫛 Thai eggplant 🌿 Thai basil 🍋 Fresh lime 🌱 Baby spinach 🥕 Carrot

EXPLORE THE RANGE

Find your perfect Mekhala curry

Not sure which paste is right for you? Each Mekhala curry paste is made from the same organic, vegan, gluten-free base — the difference is in the personality. Here’s how they compare..

Feature 🔴 Red Curry 🟢 Green Curry 🟡 Yellow Curry
Spice Level 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Medium 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Hot 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Mild
Flavour Profile Warming, bold, slightly smoky with citrus lift Fresh, bright, herbaceous and aromatic Mild, earthy, creamy and gently sweet
Key Aromatics Dried red chilli, galangal, lemongrass Fresh green chilli, kaffir lime leaf, Thai basil Turmeric, cumin, coriander, mild chilli
Best Protein Pairing Tofu, chicken thigh, pork, tiger prawns Prawns, fish, tofu, chicken breast Chicken, chickpeas, cauliflower, potato
Best Vegetable Pairing Sweet potato, mushroom, spinach, carrot Aubergine, baby corn, mangetout, courgette Butternut squash, potato, pea, broccoli
Best Used For Curry, marinade, stir-fry, roasted veg Curry, noodle soup, seafood dishes Curry, satay-style sauce, family meals
Ideal For Everyday use · Most versatile Spice lovers · Seafood fans Spice-sensitive · Kids & families

All Mekhala curry pastes are USDA Certified Organic, 100% vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and free from fish sauce, MSG, and artificial additives.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

What people are saying

★★★★½ 4.5 / 5 Based on 754 reviews Amazon.com
★★★★★
5 / 5 ✓ Verified Purchase

A beautiful curry!

Quality ingredients, fantastic flavor, no fillers or additives. Mekhala pastes make a beautiful curry easy.

★★★★★
5 / 5 ✓ Verified Purchase

DELICIOUS — robust taste with good layering of flavors!

This chili paste is absolutely delicious and wonderful. We made a Thai coconut curry dish the other night and it was great. I will say that when adding it to a dish, you'll likely want to scale up the amount you add in significantly if you like a more authentic spice level. This paste is toned more for the average American versus someone who likes authentic Thai spice. That being said, double the recipe use and it's spot on!

★★★★★
5 / 5 ✓ Verified Purchase

Good purchase; good flavor; good shipping

Very good flavor; fast shipping.

★★★★★
5 / 5 ✓ Verified Purchase

Great taste and ingredients

I've purchased this curry paste several times. Great taste and ingredients! A little goes a long way.

★★★★★
5 / 5 ✓ Verified Purchase

The flavor and the heat!

This is REAL red curry paste!! I've had other brands, but this is the real thing! It's all about the flavor and having the right amount of heat.

★★★★★
5 / 5 ✓ Verified Purchase

Great flavor

Love this stuff! Quickly whip together a meal with amazing flavor every time! Highly recommend.

★★★★★
✓ Verified Purchase 5 / 5

So good!

This was delicious with a little bit of added heat.

★★★★★
5 / 5 ✓ Verified Purchase

Lucky find! So delighted

Fast shipping and delivery. Product is as described. This was a hard to find product and I'm so happy I found it here.

★★★★☆
4 / 5 ✓ Verified Purchase

Top Notch — Expensive Red Curry Paste

The flavor and ingredients are top notch. The sodium content is low relative to other options. However, this jar is very small, making it quite expensive per ounce. One star off due to the high cost.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Everything you want to know

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact us — we’d love to help.
How much red curry paste should I use per serving?
For a medium-spiced dish serving 2–3 people, start with 1–2 tablespoons of Mekhala Red Curry Paste. For a richer, more authentic Thai spice level, use 2–3 tablespoons. Because Mekhala is made from real, stone-ground ingredients with no fillers or water, the flavour is concentrated — a little goes a long way. Frying the paste before adding liquid will unlock the full depth of flavour.
Does Mekhala Red Curry Paste contain fish sauce or shrimp paste?
No. Mekhala Organic Thai Red Curry Paste contains absolutely no fish sauce, shrimp paste, or any other animal-derived ingredients. It is 100% plant-based and vegan. This makes it one of the very few authentic Thai red curry pastes on the market that is genuinely safe for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone avoiding shellfish or seafood.
Is Mekhala Red Curry Paste vegan and gluten-free?
Yes to both. Mekhala Red Curry Paste is vegan and gluten-free. It contains no animal products, no gluten-containing grains, and no artificial additives, MSG, or refined sugar. It's also nut-free and dairy-free. If you have a severe allergy, kindly exercise caution nonetheless.
Is Mekhala Red Curry Paste keto-friendly or Whole30 compliant?
Yes. With just 2g of net carbs per serving, 0g added sugars, and 0g fat, Mekhala Red Curry Paste is compatible with ketogenic, Whole30, and paleo diets. It contains no refined sugar, no seed oils, and no fillers — just whole organic ingredients.
Can I use this paste without coconut milk?
Absolutely. While the classic Thai curry uses coconut milk, Mekhala Red Curry Paste is versatile enough to use with oat milk, almond milk, vegetable broth, or even just water for a lighter version. It also works beautifully as a marinade for tofu, chicken, or vegetables, as a stir-fry base, mixed into salad dressings, or stirred through noodle soups.
What is the difference between red, green, and yellow Thai curry paste?
Mekhala offers all three types of Thai curry paste. Our red curry paste is made with dried red chillies and is bold, slightly smoky, and moderately spicy — the most versatile of the three. Our green curry paste uses fresh green chillies and is the spiciest, with a bright, zesty flavor profile. Our yellow curry paste is the mildest, colored by turmeric, with a warm, aromatic, and earthy character. The Red is ideal for classic Thai curry, stews, and marinades.
How long does the paste keep after opening?
Once opened, keep Mekhala Red Curry Paste refrigerated and use within 30 days. For longer storage, freeze the paste in tablespoon-sized portions — it keeps well in the freezer for up to 3 months with no loss of flavour. The reusable glass jar helps maintain freshness and is easy to seal tightly between uses.
Where is Mekhala curry paste made?
Mekhala curry pastes are handcrafted in small batches at the brand's own production facility in Chiang Mai, Thailand. All raw ingredients are sourced from local farmers using regenerative farming practices including crop rotation and cover cropping. The production team is entirely female-led and includes women from the Burmese Shan community, making every jar a genuine act of ethical, purposeful production.
How spicy is Mekhala Red Curry Paste?
Mekhala Red Curry Paste rates 2 out of 3 on our heat scale — medium. It delivers a real, authentic chilli warmth without overwhelming heat, making it accessible for most palates including older children and those sensitive to spice. For extra kick, simply double the amount of paste used. The heat is well-balanced by the bright, fragrant notes of galangal, lemongrass, and lime. If you prefer milder heat, try our Yellow Curry Paste (1/3); for a bolder, hotter curry, our Green Curry Paste (3/3) is the one.
How does Mekhala compare to other red curry paste brands?
The key differences are: Mekhala is USDA Certified Organic, while most other brands use conventionally grown ingredients. Mekhala contains no fish sauce or shrimp paste, making it genuinely vegan — the others are not. Mekhala uses no artificial additives, preservatives, or fillers; conventional brands often include stabilisers and added refined salt. Mekhala comes in a reusable glass jar; conventional brands use plastic tubs or sachets. In terms of flavour, Mekhala is considered more aromatic and complex, reflecting the quality of whole, organic ingredients stone-ground in small batches.
Is this paste nut-free and allergen-safe?
Yes, Mekhala Red Curry Paste is nut-free. It is also free from gluten, dairy, eggs, shellfish, fish, and soy. The paste is produced in a facility that takes allergen management seriously. If you have a severe allergy, please exercise caution nonetheless.
Can I use red curry paste as a marinade?
Yes — it makes an excellent marinade. Mix 1–2 tablespoons with a splash of coconut milk or olive oil and use to marinate tofu, chicken, fish, or vegetables for 30 minutes before grilling, roasting, or pan-frying. The aromatic compounds in the galangal, lemongrass, and chilli deeply penetrate the protein and create a beautiful charred crust when cooked over high heat.

RETAIL

Find Mekhala near you

Mekhala is available at Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, H-E-B, Giant, and select specialty grocery stores across the US. Use the store finder to locate your nearest stockist.

Asian & Women-Founded & Run

Our Philosophy

At Mekhala, we believe in making great products that we want to use for ourselves and our families. And that means doing the very best we can with what is available. 

 

We ask – what is this going to cost? Our health? Our planet? Our viability? 

 

More often than not, it is immensely challenging to find the best balance. Read on here to find out how we’re doing it!