Yellow Curry Pork, known in Thailand as Gaeng Kari Moo, is a rich and comforting Thai curry made with tender pork, creamy coconut milk, potatoes, and aromatic yellow curry paste. Infused with warm spices such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander, this golden curry delivers a mild heat and a beautifully balanced flavor that appeals to both curry enthusiasts and newcomers to Thai cuisine.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or special family meals, Yellow Curry Pork is delicious when served with steamed jasmine rice or warm Thai roti.

What is Yellow Curry Pork?

Yellow Curry Pork is a Thai curry influenced by Indian and Malay cooking traditions. The yellow curry paste gives the dish its distinctive golden color and fragrant aroma. Combined with coconut milk, potatoes, onions, and pork, it creates a hearty curry that is rich, mildly spicy, and deeply satisfying.

Unlike green or red curries, yellow curry focuses more on warm spices and creamy textures than intense heat.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and creamy coconut curry
  • Tender and flavorful pork
  • Mild spice level suitable for the whole family
  • Easy to prepare at home
  • Perfect comfort food
  • Authentic Thai flavors

Ingredients

For the Curry

  • 500 g pork shoulder or pork loin, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tablespoons Thai yellow curry paste
  • 400 ml coconut milk
  • 1 cup pork or chicken stock
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 large onion, cut into wedges
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For Seasoning

  • 1½ tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon palm sugar
  • 1 teaspoon tamarind paste (optional)

Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Sliced red chili
  • Lime wedges

Equipment Needed

  • Large wok or saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Serving bowl

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Step 1: Sauté the Curry Paste

Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large saucepan over medium heat.

Add the yellow curry paste and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Pour in about half of the coconut milk and stir until the paste blends into a smooth sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Pork

Add the pork pieces to the curry mixture.

Stir well to coat every piece with the curry paste.

Cook for 4–5 minutes until the pork begins to brown lightly.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Liquid

Add:

  • Cubed potatoes
  • Onion wedges
  • Remaining coconut milk
  • Stock

Bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Simmer the Curry

Reduce the heat to low.

Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

The pork should become tender and the potatoes should be fully cooked.

The curry sauce will gradually thicken.

Step 5: Season the Curry

Add:

  • Fish sauce
  • Palm sugar
  • Tamarind paste (optional)

Stir thoroughly and simmer for another 3–5 minutes.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

The finished curry should have a balanced combination of sweet, salty, creamy, and aromatic flavors.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the curry to a serving bowl.

Garnish with:

  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Sliced red chili

Serve hot with jasmine rice and lime wedges.

Chef's Tips

  • Pork shoulder provides the most tender and flavorful result.
  • Use full-fat coconut milk for a rich, authentic curry.
  • Simmer gently to keep the coconut milk smooth.
  • Allow the curry to rest for a few minutes before serving.
  • Fresh curry paste delivers the best flavor.

Variations

Yellow Curry Pork with Carrots

Add sliced carrots for extra sweetness and color.

Spicy Yellow Curry Pork

Increase the amount of yellow curry paste or add fresh Thai chilies.

Pineapple Yellow Curry Pork

Add fresh pineapple chunks during the final 10 minutes of cooking for a sweet and tangy variation.

Mixed Vegetable Curry

Include bell peppers, peas, cauliflower, or green beans for added nutrition.

Health Benefits

This dish provides:

  • High-quality protein from pork
  • Healthy fats from coconut milk
  • Potassium from potatoes
  • Antioxidants from turmeric and spices
  • Essential vitamins and minerals

Serving Suggestions

Yellow Curry Pork pairs perfectly with:

  • Steamed jasmine rice
  • Coconut rice
  • Thai cucumber salad
  • Roti bread
  • Fresh spring rolls
  • Stir-fried vegetables

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freeze for up to 2 months if desired.

Reheat gently on the stovetop until warmed through.

Final Thoughts

Yellow Curry Pork (Gaeng Kari Moo) is a delicious Thai comfort dish that combines tender pork, creamy coconut milk, fragrant spices, and hearty vegetables into one satisfying meal. Its mild heat and rich flavor make it an excellent choice for family dinners, gatherings, or anyone looking to explore authentic Thai cuisine.

Serve it with fluffy jasmine rice and enjoy the warm, aromatic flavors of Thailand in every bite.