How to Make Authentic Thai Green Curry
Thai green curry, known as ‘Kaeng Khiao Wan’ in Thailand, is a fragrant and flavorful dish that showcases the rich culinary traditions of Thai cuisine. By following this simple guide, you can create an authentic Thai green curry right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a delightful Thai green curry, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons green curry paste
- 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk
- 500 grams of chicken, beef, or tofu, sliced
- 1 cup of Thai eggplants, quartered
- 1 cup of bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup of green beans, trimmed
- 2-3 fresh kaffir lime leaves
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian option)
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- Fresh Thai basil leaves for garnish
- Steamed jasmine rice for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Start by slicing your choice of meat or tofu into bite-sized pieces. Wash and chop the vegetables accordingly. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb the delicious flavors of the curry.
2. Cook the Curry Paste
In a large pot or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the green curry paste and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. This step is crucial as it releases the aromatic oils from the paste.
3. Add Coconut Milk
Pour in half of the coconut milk and stir well. Let it simmer for a few minutes, mixing until the curry paste is fully incorporated.
4. Add the Protein
Add your chicken, beef, or tofu to the pot. Stir the mixture to coat the protein in the curry paste and let it cook for about 5 minutes until it starts to cook through.
5. Incorporate Vegetables and Simmer
Next, add the remaining coconut milk along with the kaffir lime leaves, eggplants, bell peppers, and green beans. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the protein is fully cooked.
6. Season the Curry
To enhance the flavor, add fish sauce and palm sugar. Adjust these according to your taste—more fish sauce for saltiness, more sugar for sweetness, balancing the flavors that are hallmark traits of Thai cuisine.
7. Garnish and Serve
Remove the curry from heat, and stir in fresh Thai basil leaves. Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice. Enjoy the explosion of flavors, from the freshness of basil to the creamy richness of coconut milk!
Tips for the Best Thai Green Curry
- If you prefer more heat, you can add sliced green chilies when sautéing the curry paste.
- Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like zucchini or snow peas.
- Using fresh ingredients whenever possible enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute fish sauce with soy sauce and use tofu or an assortment of vegetables.
Making authentic Thai green curry at home is easier than you think and allows you to customize it according to your taste preferences. Enjoy this delicious and aromatic dish with family and friends for a truly satisfying meal.