Curry in a hurry: 20 curry recipes you can make in 20 minutes

Curry Week is coming up (6–12 October), so why not swap your takeaway for a homemade feast?

Cooking a curry from scratch might sound daunting – with shelves stacked high with spices and choices between tomato, coconut or cream bases, it can feel tricky to know where to start. But it doesn’t have to be complicated.

We’ve rounded up 20 of our quickest curry recipes, all ready in just 20 minutes. Packed with flavour, they’ll reach the table faster than a delivery order – and taste even better.

From fiery Indian-style dishes to fragrant Thai-inspired soups, plus plenty of vegetarian, meat and fish options, there’s something for every taste.

Once you’ve chosen your perfect curry, take it to the next level with our best side dishes to serve with curry – from fluffy rice and breads to crisp salads and chutneys.

For more inspiration, explore our curry recipes from around the world, or if you prefer gentler flavours, check out our best mild Indian curries – full of depth without the heat.

Need a hand balancing spice? Our guide on how to make a curry less spicy has plenty of tips. And when you’re ready to turn up the heat, try our most popular curry recipes – the dishes our readers cook again and again.

1. Coconut & squash dhansak

This fuss-free vegetarian curry is ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner. Seasonal squash, hearty lentils and a handful of spinach come together in a rich dhansak that’s just asking to be scooped up with pillowy naan. No wonder it’s racked up over 350 five-star reviews from the Good Food community – it’s a keeper.

Discover more meat-free curry inspiration with our vegetarian curry recipes.

2. Spicy prawn curry

This easy three-step prawn curry is perfect for two. Juicy prawns are gently simmered in a fragrant, coconut-based sauce for a dish that feels special yet comes together in minutes. Naturally gluten-free, it’s a brilliant midweek option that doesn’t compromise on flavour.

Discover more warming seafood dishes with our prawn curry recipes.

3. Super-quick fish curry

This speedy curry makes the most of sustainable white fish and a clever shortcut – shop-bought curry paste – to get dinner on the table in just 15 minutes. That’s probably faster than deciding what to order from your local takeaway. With only eight ingredients, it’s light on effort, kind to your budget and big on flavour.

Make the most of fish with our fish curry recipes, perfect for absorbing intense flavours.

4. Thai curry noodle soup

Curries aren’t just for serving over rice – try this Thai green curry noodle soup instead. Made with a punchy curry paste, chewy udon and any veg you’ve got knocking about, it’s a flexible, flavour-packed midweek winner.

Noodles are the ultimate speedy staple – toss them in a hot wok or simmer in a fragrant broth with our collection of quick and easy noodle recipes.

5. Tamarind prawn curry

Short on time? Prawns are your best friend – they cook in just 2-3 minutes. Try them in this tamarind prawn curry, a healthy, low-fat option that the whole family will enjoy.

Discover more easy weeknight family dinners, from hearty pasta bakes to one-pots that require minimal washing.

6. Spinach & chickpea curry

Chickpeas to the rescue! These little powerhouses of plant-based protein make this one-pot vegan curry hearty, healthy and satisfying. It’s low in fat, light on the calories and – best of all – leaves you with barely any washing up. Weeknight win.

Read our guide on the benefits of eating more beans and pulses before checking out more ways with chickpeas for cost-effective meals using these storecupboard staples.

7. Easy leftover chicken curry

Got leftover roast chicken from the weekend? Skip the dry sandwiches and turn it into this flavour-packed leftover chicken curry instead. We’ve added sugar snaps for crunch, but feel free to toss in whatever veg you’ve got hanging around – it’s a brilliant way to give your Sunday roast a tasty new twist.

Explore more chicken curry recipes, from timeless favourites like korma and madras to slow-cooker versions you can leave to simmer and enjoy when you get home.

8. Paneer-stuffed pancakes

Enjoy curried paneer as a pancake filling for a budget-friendly and comforting dinner that's both delicious and fun. Paneer is a vegetarian cheese, but if you can't find it, then any semi-hard cheese, such as halloumi, will do. Spoon over mango chutney for a sweet touch to finish.

Check out more paneer recipes to make the most of this fresh cheese.

9. Red Thai salmon curry

This red Thai salmon curry keeps things simple with shop-bought curry paste, but you can turn up the heat by adding as much chilli as you like. The recipe is also brilliantly flexible, halve it for a cosy dinner for one (with tomorrow’s lunch sorted) or double it to feed a crowd of eight with ease.

Discover more Thai red curry recipes. We have high-protein options as well as vegetarian and vegan recipes.

10. Prawn laksa curry bowl

Come in from the cold and warm up with a steaming bowl of prawn laksa. With only a little chopping and everything else going straight into one pot, it’s ready in just 15 minutes – so quick your hands might still be cold when you’re wrapping them round the bowl.

11. Curried mango & chickpea one-pot

This spiced mango, red cabbage, spinach and chickpea salad makes a speedy packed lunch for one. Fresh, colourful and full of flavour, it also delivers three of your 5-a-day – a healthy boost that doesn’t skimp on taste.

Bored of the same old sandwich for lunch? Check out our quick lunch ideas for work to give your packed lunch a new lease of life.

12. Microwave garam masala vegetable curry

This easy garam masala vegetable curry is made entirely in the microwave, saving you time and keeping things energy-efficient. Want more tips on cutting cooking costs? Explore our guide to energy-efficient cooking, along with our Cook Smart podcast episode featuring Mallika Basu.

13. Katsu curry wrap

Enjoy your favourite katsu curry in a handy wrap – ready in minutes with just four ingredients. With golden, crispy chicken and plenty of flavour, it’s a simple supper that doubles up as a brilliant packed lunch. Make it ahead, wrap it up and you’ve got an easy grab-and-go option.

Discover more recipes that stretch further with our dinners that make great lunch leftovers.

14. Speedy lamb & spinach curry

Using a tender cut of lamb, such as lean lamb steak, means this curry cooks in no time – no long stewing is required, just a quick stir-fry. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect piled onto fluffy pilau rice or scooped up with a warm paratha.

15. Saag paneer kedgeree

Bring two Indian-inspired favourites together with this paneer and kedgeree mash-up. Quick, easy and full of flavour, it’s a vibrant veggie dinner that also gives you two of your 5-a-day.

Classics always have their place, but giving them a fresh spin can be just as fun. Try our mash-up recipes, including twists on chilli con carne, twists on fish pie and twists on spaghetti bolognese.

16. Easy prawn green curry rice bowl

Need a dish that feels special enough for date night but only takes 20 minutes to pull together? This prawn green curry rice bowl is just the thing. With a little help from microwave sticky rice and a jar of green curry paste, it tastes like you’ve been cooking for hours – but only you’ll know the secret.

Whether it’s date night or you simply want to avoid leftovers, try our easy date night dinners for flavourful dishes for two.

17. South Indian aloo masala (dosa stuffing)

Tuck into these soft dosa (rice-flour pancakes) filled with spiced Indian potatoes for a comforting vegan supper that’s naturally gluten-free.

Discover more dinnertime menu options that skip the gluten with our gluten-free dinner recipes.

18. Nutty chicken curry

Whip up this nutty, creamy chicken curry with just 10 ingredients – the secret’s in the peanut butter and Greek yogurt. It’s already a hit with the Good Food community, with over 130 cooks praising how easy it is. Give it a go and see why it’s such a favourite.

Whether you’re team smooth or crunchy, put peanut butter to work in both sweet and savoury dishes with our collection of peanut butter recipes.

19. Fish tikka on garlic naan

Marinate white fish in tikka masala paste, then grill and serve with warm chapatis or naan for a speedy Indian-inspired supper that’s big on flavour with minimal effort. While the fish is cooking, chop together a quick tangy tomato kachumber salad for extra freshness, and add a spoonful of raita – homemade or shop-bought – to keep things cool.

20. Prawn & aubergine curry

Pair aubergine and prawns for an easy yet memorable midweek dinner for two. Fry the aubergine until golden, then add aromatics and tomatoes to simmer for 10 minutes before tossing in the prawns. Finish with a swirl of coconut yogurt for creaminess, and top with lime and coriander for a fresh, zesty lift.

Perfect your aubergine dishes with our helpful guide on how to cook aubergine, then check out more aubergine recipes.

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