Thai curry puffs, also known as Karipap, are delicious and flaky pastries filled with a flavorful curry filling.

These golden brown treats are a popular snack in Thai cuisine and can be found in Thai restaurants or street food stalls.

These will make a tasty and different finger food appetizer for your next get-together or just to snack on at home!

Here’s the scoop on the best way to make Thai curry puffs at home.

What are Thai Curry Puffs?

Karipaps are a type of snack that originated in Malaysia and have become popular in Thai cuisine.

Curry puffs are filled with a flavorful curried mixture of ingredients, usually made with meat and vegetables, into a puff pastry dough.

These delicious curry empanadas are then baked, deep-fried, or air-fried until crispy and golden brown.  In this case, we are going to bake them.

Why Homemade Thai Curry Puffs?

This Southeast Asian recipe works because it uses a combination of curry powder and Thai curry paste to create a rich and aromatic filling.

This recipe shows you how to make the dough for your puffs but if you choose to buy puff pastry sheets at the grocery store, these will also successfully encase the seasoned filling, creating a flaky and crispy exterior.  

The baking method ensures that the puffs are cooked evenly and become golden brown. 

Homemade Thai Curry Puffs Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
• 1 cup ground chicken or beef
• 1/2 cup potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup carrots, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

Preparation

Puff pastry dough recipe

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold diced butter and use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
2. Gradually add the water, a little at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth.  
3. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cooking

1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened and fragrant.
3. Add the Thai red curry paste and cook for another minute, continue to stir.
4. Add the ground chicken or beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
5. Stir in the diced potatoes, carrots, and peas.
6. Add the soy sauce, coconut milk, and fish sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.  Stir to coat all the ingredients in your curry sauce.
8. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
9. Roll out the chilled dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness using a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough.
10. Spoon a tablespoon of the cooked curry filling onto each dough circle depending on the size you prefer for your puffs. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges by pressing them together with a fork.  You are going to want to crimp the edges of the dough together in order to seal your curry puff.
11. Place the filled uncooked curry puffs at room temperature on the prepared baking sheet.
12. Brush each puff with a beaten egg to give them a golden color.
13. Place your sheet of puffs in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.  Or continue to cook until the curry puffs are golden brown and crispy.

Serving

Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.  Enjoy your homemade Karipaps as a delicious snack or appetizer!

To save extras, enclose them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge.

Reheat by either placing them on a baking sheet and baking them until warm, in the air fryer, or even simply using the microwave. 

Thai Curry Puff Recipe Ingredient Notes

• Puff pastry sheets: You can use store-bought puff pastry or make your own flaky puff pastry dough.
• Curry filling: The filling can be made with a combination of meat, vegetables, and curry paste. You can use potato, sweet potato, peas, or any other fillings of your choice.  Curry chicken filling is the most popular but any combination of ingredients is sure to be enjoyed.
• Curry powder and Thai curry paste: These spices add flavor and depth to the filling. Adjust the amount based on your preference for spiciness.
• Coconut milk: This ingredient adds creaminess to the filling and balances out the flavors.

Tips and Variations 

Buying puff pastry sheets 

If you are looking to cut some preparation time down an easier option is to buy your puff pastry sheets at the grocery store.

Follow any cooking instructions the labeling has and follow along with this recipe to enjoy delicious flaky Thai curry puffs.

Vegan Thai curry puffs 

If you prefer vegan cuisine, not a problem!

You can find vegan puff pastry dough at the grocery store and make a vegan version by filling your puffs with your preferred filling of vegetables as well as your favorite meat substitute.

Deep frying

Deep frying the puffs involves immersing them in hot oil until they become golden brown and crispy.

Simply heat vegetable, canola, or peanut oil in a deep pot or fryer over medium-high heat.

Place the puffs in fresh using tongs or a spoon. Cook until golden brown which should take about 3-4 minutes.  

Flip them in between minutes to ensure they are frying evenly.

Air frying

You can also air fry the curry puffs if you prefer a healthier cooking method.  

Preheat your air fryer to around 375°F (190°C). Place the prepared puffs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave enough space for the hot air to circulate. C

Cook for approximately 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Adjust the cooking time based on your air fryer’s instructions and personal preference.

Final Thoughts

This take on Thai curry puffs is a delicious and flavorful dish that you can enjoy anytime.

It is a savory pastry that is crunchy on the outside and filled with a tasty curry filling, often made with a combination of vegetables, meat, and spices. 

You can make this recipe customized to suit different taste preferences, allowing for variations in the filling and level of spiciness.

The Karipap is a great option for those who enjoy bold flavors and a satisfying snack or appetizer for your next gathering!

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