How to Make Thai Green Curry Sauce from Scratch
Making Thai green curry sauce from scratch is a delightful venture that brings the authentic flavors of Thailand right into your kitchen. This vibrant sauce is known for its rich and aromatic profile, blending herbs and spices to create a mouthwatering base for various dishes. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to create this delicious sauce.
Ingredients Required
To make Thai green curry sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2-3 green chilies (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lemongrass (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon galangal (or ginger, finely chopped)
- 4-5 cloves garlic
- 1 small shallot, chopped
- 1 tablespoon kaffir lime leaves (or zest of one lime)
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar (palm sugar if available)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by washing all the fresh herbs thoroughly. Remove the stems of the cilantro and basil, and slice the green chilies into halves. If you prefer a milder sauce, remove the seeds from the chilies.
Step 2: Toast the Spices
In a small pan, toast the coriander and cumin seeds over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. This step enhances their flavor. Once toasted, let them cool before grinding into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
Step 3: Blend the Ingredients
In a blender or food processor, combine the cilantro leaves, basil leaves, green chilies, lemongrass, galangal, garlic, shallot, kaffir lime leaves, ground coriander, and cumin. Add the fish sauce, sugar, and a bit of vegetable oil to help the blending process.
Blend until you achieve a smooth paste. You may need to scrape down the sides to ensure everything is well mixed. If the mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to help it blend.
Step 4: Cook the Curry Sauce
In a saucepan, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the blended paste to the pan. Cook the paste for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, allowing the flavors to develop and the paste to become fragrant.
Step 5: Use or Store the Sauce
Your homemade Thai green curry sauce is now ready to be used! This sauce can be combined with coconut milk, vegetables, tofu, or protein of your choice for a delicious Thai green curry. If you’re not using it right away, allow it to cool and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week or freeze for later use.
Conclusion
Making Thai green curry sauce from scratch is simple and rewarding, offering a taste of Thailand that is truly authentic. With fresh ingredients and a bit of time, you can elevate your meals and impress friends and family with this delectable sauce. Enjoy your culinary adventure in creating the perfect green curry!