If you’re looking for a dish that combines rich flavors with a comforting, warming sauce, then look no further than this Easy Thai-Inspired Steak Curry. With tender strips of NY Strip Steak simmered in a luscious coconut milk sauce infused with vibrant red curry paste and fresh vegetables, this recipe is a delightful take on traditional Thai flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this dish comes together in a snap and packs a punch of flavor.
Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

This Easy Thai-Inspired Steak Curry is not only incredibly tasty but also visually stunning with its vibrant colors. The combination of juicy steak, fresh vegetables, and creamy coconut milk creates a dish that is both satisfying and comforting. It’s a one-pot meal that makes cleaning up a breeze, and the aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s cooking is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Plus, it can easily be customized based on your preferences or what you have on hand, making it a flexible option for various diets.
Ingredient List
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil
- 1 pound NY Strip Steak, cut into strips
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 2 (15-oz) cans full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tsp fish sauce (optional)
- 4 Tbsp red curry paste
- 1 tsp sea salt, to taste
- Thai basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
What’s in the Gear List
- Large skillet or wok: For sautéing the steak and vegetables.
- Sharp knife: To easily cut the steak and chop vegetables.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Serving bowls: To present your delicious curry.
Directions: Easy Thai-Inspired Steak Curry

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cutting the NY Strip Steak into strips. Chop the onion, carrots, zucchini, and red bell pepper, and mince the garlic and ginger. Having everything prepped in advance will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
Step 2: Sauté the Steak
In a large skillet or wok, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak strips and season with a pinch of sea salt. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the steak is browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, carrots, zucchini, and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Pour in the full-fat coconut milk and add the red curry paste. Stir until the curry paste is fully dissolved into the coconut milk. If you’re using fish sauce, add it at this stage. Stir well to combine.
Step 5: Combine Steak and Sauce
Return the browned steak strips to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the rich sauce. Let the curry simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the steak to cook through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more sea salt if necessary.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once the steak is cooked through and the sauce is thickened to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Easy Thai-Inspired Steak Curry hot, garnished with fresh Thai basil leaves if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice or rice noodles.
Better-for-You Options

- Swap the NY Strip Steak for chicken breast or tofu for a lighter option.
- Use low-fat coconut milk to reduce calories and fat content.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or snap peas for more nutrients.
- Serve over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier grain alternative.
Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them
To ensure your Easy Thai-Inspired Steak Curry turns out perfectly, here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
- Overcooking the steak: Be careful not to overcook the steak when sautéing. It will continue to cook in the sauce, so aim for medium-rare or medium doneness.
- Too spicy: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less red curry paste and add more to taste.
- Watery sauce: If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer longer to thicken it up.
- Not enough flavor: Always taste and adjust the seasoning at the end; sometimes it needs a pinch more salt or a splash more fish sauce.
Leftovers & Meal Prep
This Easy Thai-Inspired Steak Curry makes excellent leftovers! Store any unused portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of coconut milk if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also prepare this dish in advance and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
Troubleshooting Q&A
What if my curry is too spicy?
If your curry has turned out spicier than you expected, try stirring in a bit more coconut milk to mellow the heat, or add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavors.
Can I use other meats besides steak?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with chicken, shrimp, or even plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly depending on the protein used.
What should I serve with this curry?
This Easy Thai-Inspired Steak Curry pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice, basmati rice, or rice noodles. You can also serve it with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it for up to 3 months.
You Might Also Like
Wrap-Up
This Easy Thai-Inspired Steak Curry is sure to become a favorite in your household. With its combination of tender steak, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful sauce, you’ll find it hard to resist going back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends and family, this dish is guaranteed to impress. So grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a taste of Thailand in your own kitchen!

Easy Thai-Inspired Steak Curry
Ingredients
For the Curry:
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil
- 1 pound NY Strip Steak, cut into strips
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 2 (15-oz) cans full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tsp fish sauce (optional)
- 4 Tbsp red curry paste
- 1 tsp sea salt, to taste
- Thai basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Directions:
- Start by cutting the NY Strip Steak into strips. Chop the onion, carrots, zucchini, and red bell pepper, and mince the garlic and ginger. Having everything prepped in advance will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak strips and season with a pinch of sea salt. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the steak is browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, carrots, zucchini, and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the full-fat coconut milk and add the red curry paste. Stir until the curry paste is fully dissolved into the coconut milk. If you’re using fish sauce, add it at this stage. Stir well to combine.
- Return the browned steak strips to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the rich sauce. Let the curry simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the steak to cook through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more sea salt if necessary.
- Once the steak is cooked through and the sauce is thickened to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Easy Thai-Inspired Steak Curry hot, garnished with fresh Thai basil leaves if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice or rice noodles.
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Sharp Knife
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving bowls
Notes
- Swap the NY Strip Steak for chicken breast or tofu for a lighter option.
- Use low-fat coconut milk to reduce calories and fat content.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or snap peas for more nutrients.
