Skip to main content

Mango Curry

This vibrant green mango curry is a beautiful celebration of sour, spicy, and creamy flavours. By using unripe mangoes, the dish achieves a unique tanginess that cuts through the rich coconut milk base, creating a refreshing alternative to traditional vegetable curries. The addition of fresh ginger and green chillies provides a gentle heat, while the vinegar helps to soften the fruit during the marination process.

Technique is key to this vegan recipe, particularly the traditional method of tempering spices in hot oil to release their full aromatic potential. It makes for a sophisticated midweek meal or an impressive side dish for a larger Indian-inspired feast. Serve this fragrant curry with fluffy basmati rice and a sprinkle of crispy fried onions for a satisfying, homemade plant-based dinner.

Video picks

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Mango Curry

  • 2 green, unripe mangoes, peeled and sliced (230g )

  • 4 shallots, thinly sliced (about 80g )

  • 4 Indian or Thai green chillies, halved lengthwise

  • 1 (1-inch) piece ginger, peeled and cut into thin matchsticks

  • 3 cloves garlic, cut into thin matchsticks

  • 3 tablespoons coconut vinegar or white vinegar

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

  • 725ml coconut milk

  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons black mustard seeds

  • 4 dried red chillies, snapped in half

  • 20 curry leaves

  • Fried Onions for garnish (optional)

  • Basmati Rice to serve

In a bowl, combine mangoes, shallots, green chillies, ginger, garlic, vinegar, and salt and mix well. Set aside for 2 hours.

In a large saucepan, combine mango mixture and coconut milk and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until mangoes are softened.

Have a splash guard and measured spices nearby. Heat oil in a small frying pan over medium-high heat until nearly smoking. Immediately reduce heat to medium. (You can test the heat of the oil by dropping in a couple of seeds. The oil is at the correct temperature when the seeds crackle, but do not burn.) Add mustard seeds and temper for a few seconds, until they stop popping. (Cover with the splash guard, if needed.) Add red chillies and curry leaves and cook for 15–20 seconds. Add the tempered spice mixture to the saucepan and stir to combine.

Garnish with fried onions (if using). Serve with rice.

Tempering is a traditional method of extracting optimal flavour from Indian spices, and it is a skill learned with practice! Reducing the heat a little before adding the spices prevents the spices from burning and adding a bitterness to your dish. If they do burn, simply start again with fresh spices.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.