Can You Freeze Curry Paste? How To Freeze Curry Paste
Curry paste is one of those ingredients that can be incredibly useful to have in the cupboard or fridge.
The problem is that many recipes only need a few tablespoons, leaving you with most of a jar that can sit unused for weeks.
If you enjoy making homemade curries, you might be wondering whether you can freeze curry paste so you can use it another time.
The good news is yes, you can freeze curry paste.
Freezing curry paste is a great way to reduce waste and means you always have the beginnings of a tasty curry ready to use.
Does Curry Paste Freeze Well?
Yes, curry paste freezes well.
Because curry paste contains a concentrated mixture of spices, herbs, chillies and other ingredients, freezing has very little effect on the overall flavour.
You may notice a slight change in texture after defrosting, but once it has been added to your curry sauce this usually isn’t noticeable.
Can You Freeze Different Types Of Curry Paste?
Most types of curry paste can be frozen successfully.
This includes:
- Thai curry paste
- Thai red curry paste
- Thai green curry paste
- Indian curry paste
- homemade curry paste
- supermarket curry paste
Can You Freeze Thai Curry Paste?
Yes, you can freeze Thai curry paste.
Thai curry pastes are often made with ingredients such as chillies, garlic, ginger, lemongrass and spices, and freezing is a great way to preserve them.
Whether you have red, green or yellow Thai curry paste, the freezing method is the same.
Can You Freeze Green Curry Paste?
Yes, you can freeze green curry paste.
Green curry paste is made using green chillies, which give it its distinctive colour and flavour.
Freezing green curry paste means you can easily make a Thai green curry whenever you fancy one without needing to use an entire jar at once.
Can You Freeze Homemade Curry Paste?
Yes, homemade curry paste can be frozen.
In fact, freezing homemade curry paste is one of the best ways to save time.
If you enjoy making curry paste from scratch, it often makes sense to prepare a large batch and freeze portions ready for future meals.
This is something I love about freezer cooking — doing a little extra preparation once can make busy evenings much easier.
Can You Freeze Patak’s Curry Paste?
Yes, you can freeze Patak’s curry paste.
Like other supermarket curry pastes, it can be frozen if you don’t think you will use the whole jar before it needs using.
Freezing it in small portions is especially useful because most curry recipes only need a few spoonfuls at a time.
How To Freeze Curry Paste
The best way to freeze curry paste is in portions.
Most people won’t want to defrost an entire jar every time they make a curry, so freezing smaller amounts makes much more sense.
Freeze Curry Paste In Ice Cube Trays
This is my favourite method.
- Spoon curry paste into a silicone ice cube tray.
- Leave a small gap at the top as the paste may expand slightly.
- Cover and freeze until solid.
- Remove the frozen cubes and transfer them into a freezer bag or container.
- Label and date before returning to the freezer.
Each cube is usually around the perfect amount for adding to a curry.
A quick tip: use a dedicated ice cube tray for curry paste
While silicone ice cube trays work really well for freezing curry paste, I would recommend having one specifically for savoury ingredients.
Curry paste contains strong spices such as turmeric and chilli which can stain some ice cube trays, especially white plastic ones. You probably won’t want your next batch of ice cubes tasting faintly of curry!
A cheap silicone tray kept just for freezing things like curry paste, pesto, herbs or sauces can be a really useful freezer tool.
Freeze Curry Paste In Small Containers
You can also freeze curry paste in small freezer-safe tubs.
Simply:
- Divide the curry paste into portions.
- Place into freezer-safe containers.
- Leave room at the top.
- Label and date.
- Freeze until needed.
How Long Can You Freeze Curry Paste For?
For the best flavour, use frozen curry paste within around three months.
It will usually still be safe to eat after this time if it has remained frozen, but the flavour may not be quite as strong.
How To Defrost Curry Paste
The easiest way to defrost curry paste is to remove the amount you need and allow it to thaw in the fridge.
However, if you have frozen it in small portions, you can often add it straight into a pan while cooking.
The heat from the dish will help it melt into the sauce.
Can You Cook With Frozen Curry Paste?
Yes, you can cook with frozen curry paste.
Small portions of frozen curry paste are particularly useful because they can be added straight into a pan with your other curry ingredients.
Just make sure it has heated through properly before serving.
Final Thoughts
Freezing curry paste is a simple way to stop a half-used jar being forgotten at the back of the fridge.
Whether you use a supermarket curry paste or make your own from scratch, freezing it in small portions means you always have the start of a quick homemade curry ready to go.
It is one of those little freezer tricks that can save both money and food waste.
More Foods You Can Freeze
You might also like:
- Can You Freeze Butter Chicken?
- Can You Freeze Lentil Curry?
- Can You Freeze Chillies?
- Can You Freeze Miso Paste?
Looking for more ways to make the most of your freezer?
Browse our Can You Freeze It? hub for hundreds of freezing guides covering fish, meat, dairy products, fruit, vegetables and everyday leftovers.
