Chip Shop Curry Sauce

Who doesn’t love a good chip shop curry sauce to drench their chips and sausage in?

Overhead shot of chip shop curry sauce in a steel flat tray with two sliced sauces sitting the in the middle.

Chip Shop Curry Sauce: A Taste of British Comfort Food

When you think of classic British takeaway, one dish instantly comes to mind: fish and chips. But alongside this iconic meal is another beloved staple—chip shop curry sauce. With its warm, mildly spiced flavor, this sauce is a nostalgic favorite, often ladled over crispy chips or used as a dipping sauce for fried snacks. If you’ve ever wondered about the origins and how to recreate this mouthwatering condiment at home, you’re in for a treat. Here’s everything you need to know about chip shop curry sauce, along with a chef-approved recipe to enjoy it in your own kitchen.

What is Chip Shop Curry Sauce?

Chip shop curry sauce is a uniquely British sauce that pairs beautifully with the country’s famous fish and chips. It’s a mild, slightly sweet curry sauce that has a smoother consistency compared to traditional Indian curries, often featuring a base of onions, apples, and mild curry spices. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savoury, and the simplicity is what makes it so loved across the UK.

A Brief History of Chip Shop Curry Sauce

Chip shop curry sauce emerged in the mid-20th century, blending influences from the British love for Indian cuisine with the more straightforward needs of a quick takeaway condiment. The post-war years saw the rise of “Anglo-Indian” cuisine, with milder versions of curry being introduced to British palates. Over time, the convenience of chip shop curry sauce, with its comforting yet exotic flavours, made it a go-to choice alongside chips, pies, and fried fish.

Why Make Chip Shop Curry Sauce at Home?

While you can easily pick up a jar of pre-made curry sauce from supermarkets, nothing beats the taste and satisfaction of making it from scratch. Not only is homemade curry sauce fresher and free from preservatives, but it also gives you the freedom to adjust the flavors to suit your taste—whether you prefer a little more heat or a touch more sweetness.

With just a few spices, vegetables, and some basic cooking techniques, you can whip up this sauce in under 30 minutes. Our chef-led recipe guarantees an authentic chip shop curry sauce experience right at home.

How to Serve Chip Shop Curry Sauce

Though the sauce is traditionally served with chips, its uses go beyond the classic pairing. Here are some creative ways to enjoy it:

  • Drizzle over crispy fish fillets: Complement your fish and chips with a generous pour of curry sauce.
  • Dip fried snacks: Use the sauce as a dip for chicken nuggets, sausages, or even onion rings.
  • Pour over rice or noodles: It makes a great, easy sauce for a quick meal.
  • Mix with stir-fried vegetables: Add a new twist to your weeknight dinners by using this sauce as a base for stir-fries.

Conclusion: The Best Chip Shop Curry Sauce Recipe for Your Kitchen

Making chip shop curry sauce at home is a delightful way to bring a taste of British takeaway to your kitchen. With this simple, chef-approved recipe, you can recreate the iconic flavours of the chip shop, whether you’re serving it with chips, fish, or something entirely different.

Print

Chip Shop Curry Sauce

  • Author: Fallow
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 200ml vegetable oil
  • 35g whole coriander
  • 5g whole fenugreek
  • 15g garam masala
  • 15g curry powder mild
  • 100g Tomato puree
  • 80g peeled garlic
  • 125g whole ginger
  • 250g caramelised onion
  • 100g fresh coriander (can be just stalks)
  • 50ml lemon juice
  • 500ml reduced chicken stock
  • 100ml whipping cream
  • 150ml tomato ketchup
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat 100ml of the oil in a heavy pan
  2. Put the rest of the oil in a blender, add the garlic, ginger, caramelised onions and coriander stalks and blitz to a rough paste
  3. Next toast the whole spices until golden and fragrant, then add the ground spices and tomato paste, stirring all the time
  4. Add the paste from the blender
  5. Pour in the stock and simmer very gently for about 15 minutes making sure it doesn’t reduce too much
  6. Add the cream and bring back to the boil. Add the ketchup and salt to taste.
  7. Pass the sauce through a fine chinois to give a smooth finish
  8. Serve with chips and/or sausages!

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