Thai Green Curry Recipe (with Video)

Thai Green Curry Recipe: Thai green curry is a fragrant and flavorful dish that brings the authentic taste of Thailand to your kitchen. Known for its creamy coconut-based sauce infused with fresh herbs and spices, this dish is a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate restaurant-quality Thai green curry at home, this guide will take you through the entire process, step by step.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

• Uses fresh, authentic ingredients
• Easy-to-follow steps for beginners
• Customizable spice level and ingredients
• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers

Ingredients Needed for Thai Green Curry

Main Ingredients for the Curry

To make a delicious Thai green curry, you will need:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 400g chicken breast (sliced thinly) or tofu for a vegetarian option
• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp Thai green curry paste (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian option)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 cup Thai eggplants (quartered) or zucchini
• ½ cup bamboo shoots
• ½ cup bell peppers (red or yellow, sliced)
• ½ cup fresh Thai basil leaves
• 2-3 kaffir lime leaves (torn)
• 1-2 red chilies (sliced for garnish)
• Juice of ½ lime

Ingredients for the Green Curry Paste

If you prefer to make your own curry paste, you will need:

• 3-4 green Thai chilies (adjust to spice preference)
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1-inch piece of galangal or ginger
• 2 stalks lemongrass (finely chopped)
• 1 tsp shrimp paste (optional)
• 1 tbsp coriander seeds (toasted and ground)
• 1 tbsp cumin seeds (toasted and ground)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
• ½ cup fresh Thai basil leaves
• Zest of 1 lime
• 1-2 tbsp water (to blend smoothly)

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

• ½ tsp turmeric powder for extra color
• 1 tsp soy sauce for deeper umami flavor
• ½ cup snow peas for extra crunch

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Thai Green Curry

Step 1 – Preparing the Green Curry Paste from Scratch

1. Toast coriander and cumin seeds in a dry pan until fragrant.
2. Add all the ingredients for the green curry paste into a blender.
3. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed.

Step 2 – Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables

1. Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
2. Add the green curry paste and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add chicken slices and cook until lightly browned.

Step 3 – Simmering Everything in Coconut Milk

1. Pour in half of the coconut milk and stir well.
2. Add chicken broth, kaffir lime leaves, and Thai eggplants.
3. Let it simmer for 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 4 – Adjusting the Seasoning and Flavor

1. Stir in fish sauce, brown sugar, and the rest of the coconut milk.
2. Add bamboo shoots and bell peppers.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra fish sauce or sugar if needed.

Step 5 – Final Touches and Serving

1. Turn off the heat and add fresh Thai basil leaves.
2. Garnish with sliced red chilies and a squeeze of lime juice.
3. Serve hot with jasmine rice.

Tips for Making the Best Thai Green Curry

Choosing the Right Ingredients

• Use fresh Thai basil and kaffir lime leaves for an authentic taste.
• Select high-quality coconut milk for a creamy texture.

How to Get the Perfect Consistency

• Simmer gently to avoid splitting the coconut milk.
• If too thick, add a splash of water or broth.

Adjusting Spice Levels to Suit Your Taste

• Remove chili seeds for a milder curry.
• Add extra chilies if you prefer a spicier dish.

Serving Suggestions for Thai Green Curry

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Thai Green Curry

• Steamed jasmine rice
• Thai sticky rice
• Fresh cucumber salad

Garnishing Ideas for an Authentic Look

• Chopped cilantro
• Extra Thai basil leaves
• Lime wedges

How to Store and Reheat Thai Green Curry

Storing Leftovers Properly

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Best Methods for Reheating Without Losing Flavor

• Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of coconut milk.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Thai Green Curry

Overcooking the Vegetables

• Add soft vegetables towards the end to keep them fresh.

Using the Wrong Type of Coconut Milk

• Use full-fat coconut milk for a rich, creamy texture.

Not Balancing the Flavors Properly

• Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

FAQs about Thai Green Curry Recipe

1. What is Thai Green Curry?

Thai Green Curry is a fragrant and creamy curry made with green curry paste, coconut milk, vegetables, and a protein like chicken, tofu, or shrimp. It’s known for its rich, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor.

2. What makes Thai Green Curry green?

The vibrant green color comes from fresh green chilies, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and other herbs blended into the curry paste. Some recipes also include fresh basil or coriander for extra greenness.

3. Is Thai Green Curry spicy?

Yes, Thai Green Curry is typically spicy due to the green chilies in the paste. However, you can adjust the heat level by using fewer chilies or adding more coconut milk to balance the spice.

4. What can I substitute for Thai green curry paste?

If you don’t have green curry paste, you can make a homemade version using green chilies, garlic, shallots, lemongrass, ginger, coriander, and lime zest. Alternatively, you can use yellow or red curry paste, but the flavor will differ.

5. What protein works best with Thai Green Curry?

Chicken, shrimp, beef, tofu, and even chickpeas work well in Thai Green Curry. The choice depends on your dietary preference.

6. Can I make Thai Green Curry vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Simply replace fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari, and use tofu, mushrooms, or other plant-based proteins instead of meat.

7. How do I thicken Thai Green Curry?

To thicken the curry, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the liquid. You can also add more coconut cream for a richer texture.

8. What vegetables go well in Thai Green Curry?

Common vegetables include bell peppers, eggplant, zucchini, snow peas, and bamboo shoots. You can customize it based on what you have on hand.

9. What is the best way to serve Thai Green Curry?

Thai Green Curry is best served with steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce.

10. How long does Thai Green Curry last in the fridge?

It stays fresh for 3–4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Conclusion

Thai green curry is a simple yet flavorful dish that can be easily made at home. By following these steps and tips, you can enjoy an authentic Thai meal with fresh ingredients and bold flavors.