Yellow curry is known for its creamy texture, warm spices, and comforting flavor. Made with coconut milk and turmeric-based curry paste, it is one of the mildest Thai curries but also one of the richest. If you are watching your calorie intake, you may wonder: how many calories are in yellow curry?
The answer depends on ingredients, portion size, and how it is prepared. This guide explains the calorie content of yellow curry, what affects it, and how to enjoy it in a lighter way without losing flavor.
- Yellow Curry: What It Is, Ingredients, and How to Make It
- Curry Calories: How Many Calories Are in Curry (By Type) + Takeout Portion Estimates
- Biryani Calories: How Many Calories Are in Biryani (By Portion)
- Street Food Calories: A Complete Guide to Calories, Nutrition, and Health Impact
What Is Yellow Curry?
Yellow curry is a Thai curry made from a paste of turmeric, mild dried chilies, garlic, and spices, simmered in coconut milk to create a creamy, gently spiced sauce. Compared with green and red curry, yellow curry is less spicy and more rounded in flavor, with earthy warmth from turmeric and natural sweetness from coconut milk. It is commonly prepared with chicken, seafood, tofu, or vegetables and served as a main dish, often with rice. From a nutritional perspective, yellow curry’s calorie content is driven primarily by coconut milk, cooking oil, protein choice, and portion size, which is why its energy value can vary widely between homemade and restaurant versions.
How Many Calories Are in Yellow Curry?
A typical serving of yellow curry (about 1 cup or 240 g) contains: Approximately 350–550 calories
This range varies based on:
- Amount of coconut milk
- Type of protein
- Added oil or sugar
- Portion size
- Whether rice is included
Yellow curry is calorie-dense mainly because of coconut milk, which is high in fat.
Calories in Yellow Curry by Type
Chicken Yellow Curry
One cup of chicken yellow curry contains: 400–550 calories
Main contributors:
- Coconut milk
- Chicken thighs
- Curry paste
- Cooking oil
Chicken curry tends to be higher in calories because both coconut milk and meat add fat and protein.
Vegetable Yellow Curry
One cup of vegetable yellow curry contains: 250–400 calories
Lower because:
- No meat fat
- More fiber from vegetables
- Can use less coconut milk
Vegetable versions are the lightest option if prepared with moderate coconut milk.
Shrimp or Seafood Yellow Curry
One cup of seafood yellow curry contains: 300–450 calories
Shrimp is naturally low in fat, but coconut milk still dominates the calorie count.
Tofu or Vegan Yellow Curry
One cup of tofu yellow curry contains: 300–450 calories
Calories come mostly from:
- Coconut milk
- Tofu
- Added oil
This version is filling but can be made lighter with reduced-fat coconut milk.
Calories in Yellow Curry with Rice
Rice adds significant calories to a meal.
Typical additions:
- 1 cup jasmine rice: about 200 calories
- 1 cup brown rice: about 215 calories
So a full plate of: Yellow curry + rice = 550–750 calories per meal
Portion control matters more than the curry itself.
Why Yellow Curry Is High in Calories
Yellow curry is calorie-rich mainly because of its ingredients:
Coconut Milk
- Coconut milk contains high levels of fat, especially saturated fat.
- One cup of full-fat coconut milk can contain 400+ calories.
Cooking Oil
Frying curry paste in oil adds extra fat.
Sugar
Palm sugar or brown sugar adds small but noticeable calories.
Starchy Vegetables
Potatoes and carrots increase total carbohydrate content.
Is Yellow Curry Healthy?
Yellow curry can be nutritious when balanced properly.
It provides:
- Protein from meat or tofu
- Fiber from vegetables
- Antioxidants from turmeric
- Healthy fats from coconut
However, it can be high in:
- Saturated fat
- Calories
- Sodium
Healthiness depends on how often and how much you eat.
How to Reduce Calories in Yellow Curry
Use Light Coconut Milk
Light coconut milk cuts fat nearly in half while keeping creaminess.
Increase Vegetables
Adding more vegetables and fewer potatoes or meat lowers calorie density.
Choose Lean Protein
Better options:
- Chicken breast
- Shrimp
- Tofu
Avoid fatty cuts like chicken skin or pork belly.
Reduce Oil
Use minimal oil when frying curry paste.
Skip Added Sugar
Natural sweetness from coconut milk is often enough.
Low-Calorie Yellow Curry Version
A lighter version of yellow curry can be made with:
- Light coconut milk
- Chicken breast or tofu
- Extra vegetables
- Minimal oil
This can reduce calories to: 200–300 calories per cup
It keeps the same spice profile with fewer fats.
Yellow Curry vs Other Curries (Calories)
Yellow Curry vs Green Curry
Green curry is usually:
- Spicier
- Slightly lower in calories if it uses less coconut milk
Yellow curry is:
- Creamier
- Often higher in calories
Yellow Curry vs Red Curry
Red curry has similar calories to yellow curry but can be higher if more oil is used.
Yellow Curry vs Indian Curry
Indian curries without coconut milk may be lower in fat but higher in oil or butter.
How Portion Size Affects Calories
Portion size is the biggest factor.
- Small bowl (½ cup): 175–275 calories
- Standard bowl (1 cup): 350–550 calories
- Large restaurant portion (2 cups): 700–1,000 calories
Restaurants often use more coconut milk and oil than home cooking.
Best Ways to Eat Yellow Curry on a Diet
- Use a small rice portion
- Choose vegetable-heavy curry
- Eat slowly
- Avoid creamy appetizers
- Pair with fresh salad
This keeps the meal satisfying without excess calories.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yellow Curry Calories
How many calories are in homemade yellow curry?
Homemade yellow curry ranges from 250 to 500 calories per cup, depending on coconut milk and protein.
Is yellow curry fattening?
It can be if eaten in large portions because of coconut milk and rice.
Is yellow curry keto-friendly?
It can be, if served without rice and with low-carb vegetables.
Does yellow curry have fewer calories than butter chicken?
Usually yes, especially if butter chicken contains cream or butter.
Can yellow curry be part of a healthy diet?
Yes, in moderate portions and with lighter ingredients.
Conclusion
Yellow curry is rich, comforting, and full of spice but it is also calorie-dense because of coconut milk and oil. A typical serving contains between 350 and 550 calories, and rice can push the total much higher. By adjusting ingredients and portion size, yellow curry can fit into a balanced diet without losing its signature flavor.
Understanding the calorie content of yellow curry allows you to enjoy it wisely: not as a food to avoid, but as a dish to balance.
