Savor the Exotic: Authentic Thai Green Curry Recipe

Thai Green Curry is a savory, creamy, coconut-y (is that a word?) curry that is packed with flavour. It is one of the easiest dishes to make at home, especially if you’re using store-bought green curry paste. There are a lot of options available in the market when it comes to good, authentic green curry pastes, but I recommend Real Thai and Pantai as those are the ones that I have personally tried. As long as you use a good quality curry paste, your curry will turn out to be almost as good as if you used freshly made curry paste.

Thai Green Curry in 30 Mins

As you embark on this culinary voyage through Thai Green Curry, you're not just cooking a dish – you're creating a sensory experience that transports you to the bustling streets of Thailand. From its aromatic herbs to the velvety coconut milk, every ingredient tells a story of tradition and passion. So, dive in, unleash your inner chef, and relish the harmonious symphony of flavors that only Thai Green Curry can deliver.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Thai

Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

• 1 pan
• 1 stove

Ingredients

  

• 50 gam green curry paste (~3 tbsp + 1 tsp)
• 2  stalks of dried lemongrass
• 200 ml thick coconut milk
• 250 gam chicken thighs, cut into 2 inch cubes
• 3/4 tbsp fish sauce
• 1/2  cup  chicken stock
• 2  small eggplants, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1  medium carrot, sliced diagonally
• 1  small red bell pepper, cut into thin slices
• 3/4 tsp  sugar
• 2  small green chillies, slit into halves*
• 3  tbsp  refined oil
• Coriander leaves, to garnish

Instructions

 

• Heat oil in a medium sized kadai or wok.
• Add the green curry paste and lemongrass stalks and fry on medium low heat until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Don’t let the paste burn.
• Add half of the coconut milk and fry for about 2 to 3 minutes until oil starts to separate from the mixture.
• Add the chicken pieces and fish sauce. Stir to mix.
• Add the chicken stock, the remaining coconut milk and sugar.
• Turn the heat to medium high and cook for 3 minutes or until the mixture comes to a boil.
• Add the vegetables and stir to combine. 
• Cover and cook for around 8 to 10 minutes until the vegetables are cooked.
• Add the green chillies and mix. Check the seasoning and add more sugar or fish sauce if needed.
• Turn off the heat and let the curry sit covered for about 10 minutes. This will allow to curry to thicken and become more creamy.
• Serve, garnished with chopped coriander leaves.

Video

Notes

• If you’re replacing the fish sauce with soy sauce, add 1 tsp of the soy sauce first, check for seasoning and then add more if needed.
• If you want a spicier curry, you can add more green chillies.
• Use 1 tsp lemon juice to substitute the lemongrass.

Keyword Main Course

Nutritional Ingredients of Thai Green Curry

• Coconut Milk: Coconut milk adds creaminess to the curry and provides healthy fats that promote satiety and brain health.
• Green Chilies: Green chilies bring a mild to moderate level of spiciness and are rich in vitamins A and C, promoting immunity and metabolism.
• Herbs (Basil, Kaffir Lime Leaves, Lemongrass): These aromatic herbs add depth to the curry while providing antioxidants and essential oils that aid digestion.
• Protein (Chicken, Shrimp, Tofu): Protein sources such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu contribute to muscle health and repair, and help maintain a feeling of fullness.
• Vegetables (Bell Peppers, Eggplant, Peas): A medley of vegetables adds vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber that support overall health and digestion.
• Curry Paste: Thai curry paste contains spices like coriander, cumin, and turmeric, which offer anti-inflammatory benefits and aid digestion.
• Fish Sauce: Fish sauce enhances the savory profile of the curry and contributes to a small amount of sodium.
• Lime Juice: Lime juice not only adds tanginess but also provides vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts immunity.
• Sugar (optional): A small amount of sugar may be used to balance flavors; however, its quantity can be adjusted to personal preference.
• Jasmine Rice: While not part of the curry itself, serving Thai Green Curry with jasmine rice provides carbohydrates for energy and fiber for digestion.

Serving Suggestions for Thai Green Curry

• Fragrant Jasmine Rice: A classic choice, jasmine rice is the perfect canvas to soak up the flavorful curry. Its mild, slightly sweet aroma harmonizes beautifully with the aromatic herbs and spices in the dish.
• Coconut Rice: For an extra touch of indulgence, opt for coconut rice. Its creamy texture and subtle coconut undertones complement the coconut milk-based curry magnificently.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or Thai basil leaves on top of the curry before serving. Their vibrant colors and herbaceous flavors add a burst of freshness to each bite.
• Pickled Vegetables: The tanginess of pickled cucumbers, carrots, or shallots balances the richness of the curry. It offers a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate.
• Thai Condiments: Serve Thai Green Curry with condiments like sliced green chilies, lime wedges, and fish sauce on the side. Diners can adjust the heat and flavors to their liking.
• Thai Iced Tea: Quench your thirst with a glass of Thai iced tea. Its sweet, milky taste provides a cooling contrast to the spiciness of the curry.
• Fresh Fruit Platter: End your meal on a sweet note with a platter of fresh tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and papaya. Their natural sweetness complements the savory curry.
• Crispy Spring Rolls: Add a delightful crunch to your meal with crispy Thai spring rolls. The contrast in textures creates a satisfying balance.
• Coconut Water: For a light and refreshing beverage, serve chilled coconut water. Its natural electrolytes are a perfect match for the richness of the curry.
• Mango Sticky Rice: Indulge in a classic Thai dessert – mango sticky rice. The creamy coconut rice pairs beautifully with the exotic sweetness of ripe mango.

FAQs of Thai Green Curry

• What is Thai Green Curry’s spice level? Thai Green Curry is mildly spicy. Adjust the amount of green chili to control the heat according to your preference.
• Can I make it vegetarian? Absolutely! Swap chicken or shrimp with tofu or a medley of your favorite vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.
• How do I store leftovers? Refrigerate the curry in an airtight container. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove, and add a splash of coconut milk to restore its creaminess.
• Is it gluten-free? Yes, Thai Green Curry is typically gluten-free. However, ensure that the curry paste and other ingredients you use are also gluten-free.
• Can I freeze leftover curry? Yes, you can freeze leftover curry in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.