Why is green curry not vegan? The hidden animal products explained

December 13, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2024 study, searches for vegan versions of popular dishes have increased by over 30%. So why is green curry not vegan in its traditional form? The primary reason is the inclusion of animal-derived ingredients like shrimp paste and fish sauce, which are fundamental to its authentic flavor profile.

Quick Summary

Traditional green curry contains hidden animal products like shrimp paste and fish sauce. These ingredients provide the characteristic savory, umami flavor but make the dish non-vegan. Many store-bought pastes are also not vegan, requiring careful label-reading.

Key Points

Hidden Animal Products: Traditional green curry is not vegan primarily because its core ingredients include shrimp paste and fish sauce.
Curry Paste Culprit: Many store-bought green curry pastes, especially imported ones from Thailand, contain shrimp paste for flavor.
Flavoring Agent: Fish sauce is commonly used to season the curry sauce, adding a critical salty and umami flavor.
Vegan Alternatives: Plant-based substitutes like miso paste, dried shiitake mushrooms, and soy sauce can replicate the umami and savory taste.
Dining Out: When ordering at a restaurant, it is essential to explicitly ask if the green curry paste and sauce are free of shrimp paste and fish sauce, as chefs may not consider them non-vegan.
Homemade Guarantee: Making green curry from scratch with certified vegan ingredients is the best way to ensure it is completely plant-based.

The Core Culprits: Shrimp Paste and Fish Sauce

In authentic Thai cuisine, the signature taste of green curry is built upon a delicate balance of flavors, including the savory, pungent taste known as 'umami.' For those following a vegan diet, this umami is traditionally derived from animal products, making the dish non-vegan.

Shrimp Paste (Kapi)

Shrimp paste, or 'kapi,' is a fermented paste made from ground, salted shrimp, and it's a foundational ingredient in many traditional Thai curry pastes. Many popular, imported brands of curry paste contain shrimp paste and are therefore not vegan. However, vegan-friendly versions are becoming more widely available.

Fish Sauce (Nam Pla)

Beyond the paste itself, the final curry sauce is often seasoned with fish sauce, a liquid condiment made from fermented fish. This adds a salty, savory, and powerfully umami flavor. Even if a restaurant offers a "vegetable green curry," it is crucial to ask if fish sauce is used.

The Vegan-Friendly Alternatives

For a plant-based version, there are several swaps to achieve a rich and satisfying green curry. The coconut milk base and vegetable fillings are naturally vegan. The main focus is replacing animal-based seasonings.

Veganizing the Green Curry Paste

Soybean paste (Miso): Miso paste offers a comparable umami boost to shrimp paste.
Dried Shiitake Mushrooms: These provide a deep, earthy umami flavor.
Homemade Paste: Creating your own paste ensures complete control.

Substituting Fish Sauce

Soy Sauce or Tamari: These provide necessary saltiness and umami. Tamari is gluten-free.
Vegan Fish Sauce: Some brands make a bottled sauce mimicking fish sauce using ingredients like seaweed.

Comparison: Traditional Green Curry vs. Vegan Green Curry


Feature	Traditional Green Curry	Vegan Green Curry
Curry Paste Base	Often contains shrimp paste (kapi).	Uses vegan alternatives like miso, dried mushrooms, or a homemade paste.
Sauce Seasoning	Typically seasoned with fish sauce.	Uses soy sauce, tamari, or a dedicated vegan fish sauce substitute.
Umami Source	Primarily from shrimp paste and fish sauce.	Derived from fermented soy products, mushrooms, and other plant-based boosters.
Risk of Hidden Ingredients	High, especially when ordering at restaurants without specific vegan clarification.	Low, if using certified vegan products and making with plant-based ingredients.
Customization	Flavor profile is more fixed based on traditional ingredients.	Highly customizable.
Availability	Widely available but requires due diligence for veganism.	Available with certified vegan products or by making from scratch.

How to Ensure a Vegan Green Curry at a Restaurant

When dining out, asking the right questions is key. Always assume standard green curry is not vegan and communicate your dietary needs clearly. Simply ordering a vegetable-based curry is not enough.

For tips on ordering vegan green curry at a restaurant, including asking about the curry paste and seasoning, see {Link: Rainbow Plant Life https://rainbowplantlife.com/vegan-thai-green-curry/}.

The Evolution of Vegan Thai Cuisine

As plant-based eating has grown, Thai cuisine has adapted. It's naturally rich in vegetables and herbs, making it suitable for vegan adaptation. The shift towards vegan versions shows growing awareness. Many store-bought curry pastes now clearly label themselves as vegan. This evolution makes vibrant green curry flavors more accessible.

Conclusion

Traditional green curry is not vegan due to shrimp paste in the curry paste and fish sauce for seasoning, which provide authentic umami flavor. However, it's easier than ever to enjoy a delicious vegan green curry. Use vegan-friendly curry pastes and swap fish sauce for soy sauce. When dining out, a clear conversation with staff is essential.

To learn more about replicating umami in vegan cuisine, check out this guide on {Link: Hot Thai Kitchen https://hot-thai-kitchen.com/vegan-green-curry/}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Traditional green curry contains shrimp paste in the base curry paste and is often seasoned with fish sauce, both of which are animal-derived products.

No, not all green curry paste is non-vegan. While many traditional brands contain shrimp paste, some commercial brands are now produced specifically for the vegan market and omit animal products. Always read the ingredient list carefully.

Shrimp paste, or 'kapi,' is a pungent condiment made from fermented, ground shrimp. It is used to provide a deep, savory, umami flavor that is a cornerstone of authentic Thai cuisine.

It is not enough to ask for no meat. You must specify that you need the dish to be vegan and ask if the curry paste and sauce contain shrimp paste or fish sauce, as these are animal products not considered 'meat' by some cooks.

Common vegan substitutions for fish sauce include soy sauce, tamari (a gluten-free option), or specialized vegan fish sauces made from seaweed or other plant-based ingredients.

The most reliable way to check is to read the ingredients label. Many explicitly vegan brands will state 'vegan' or 'no animal products' on the packaging. Ingredients like 'shrimp paste' should be avoided.

To replicate the flavor, focus on umami. Use high-quality vegan curry paste (or homemade), substitute fish sauce with a combination of soy sauce and miso paste, and incorporate rich-tasting ingredients like dried shiitake mushrooms.