How to Make Authentic Mexican Street Tacos – A Flavor Journey from My Family to YoursThai-green-curry-recipe The first time I had a real Thai green curry, I was seated cross-legged at a tiny street-side table in Chiang Mai, the air filled with sizzling woks, lemongrass, and the hum of mopeds zipping past. That first bite was unforgettable—sweet coconut milk, vibrant green curry paste, earthy basil, and just enough heat to make your eyes water (in the best way). Since then, I’ve been obsessed with recreating that authentic Thai green curry recipe at home.
This dish is about balance—sweet, spicy, salty, and creamy all wrapped into one glorious pot. Whether you’re new to Thai cuisine or a curry connoisseur, this recipe captures the heart of Thailand in a bowl, with ingredients that are easier to find than you think.
Let’s get started on a delicious adventure.
Customizable Heat – Make it mild or fiery depending on your taste
Comforting Yet Light – Rich from coconut milk, yet balanced with lime and basil
Why You'll Love This Authentic Thai Green Curry
Fresh and Flavorful – Packed with herbs and aromatic spices
Versatile – Works with chicken, tofu, shrimp, or veggies
Quick and Easy – Ready in under 40 minutes
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a mound of steaming jasmine or sticky rice.
Add a crisp cucumber salad on the side to balance the spice.
Offer lime wedges and chili flakes so everyone can personalize their bowl.
Thai green curry recipe
Description
For the Green Curry Paste (optional – you can also buy a good-quality pre-made paste):
Ingredients
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2–3 green Thai chilies (adjust to heat preference)
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2 shallots, chopped
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3 garlic cloves
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1 thumb-sized piece of galangal (or ginger), sliced
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1 stalk lemongrass, chopped
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Zest of 1 lime
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1 tsp ground coriander
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1/2 tsp white pepper
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Handful of fresh cilantro (including stems)
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1 tbsp shrimp paste (optional, or substitute miso for vegetarian)
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1 tbsp water (to help blend)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Green Curry Paste
Step 2: Sauté the Paste
Step 3: Add the Coconut Milk
Step 4: Add the Chicken
Step 5: Add Veggies and Simmer
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Traditionally, Thai curry is less creamy than Western versions and leans more on bold herbs and spices. Yet, it has evolved beautifully over the years to balance tradition with global tastes
The Roots of Thai Green Curry
Green curry hails from central Thailand and is one of the “big three” Thai curries—alongside red and yellow. What makes green curry unique is the fresh green chilies used in the paste, which gives it its signature color and heat.
Make It Vegan or Vegetarian
Want a plant-based version? No problem!
Protein Swap: Use tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas instead of chicken.
Fish Sauce Substitute: Use soy sauce, tamari, or vegan fish sauce.
Shrimp Paste Alternative: Try miso or simply omit for a fresher profile.
Pro Cooking Tips for Next-Level Flavor
Use full-fat coconut milk – It delivers the best richness and creaminess.
Don’t skip the sauté – Stir-frying the paste is key to developing flavor.
Add fresh herbs at the end – Basil and lime juice should be added after turning off the heat.
Let it rest – Curry tastes even better after sitting for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Taste often – Balance is everything in Thai cuisine. Adjust fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice to your preference.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze curry (without basil) for up to 2 months. Add fresh basil after reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of coconut milk if it thickens too much.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What makes Thai green curry “authentic”?
Authentic Thai green curry is made using a traditional green curry paste that includes ingredients like green chilies, lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime. It’s cooked in coconut milk and balanced with fish sauce, palm sugar, and Thai basil for that signature depth and aroma.
3. How spicy is Thai green curry?
It’s typically the spiciest of the Thai curries due to fresh green chilies. However, you can adjust the heat by using fewer chilies or adding more coconut milk to mellow the flavor.
4. Can I make Thai green curry vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken with tofu or plant-based protein, use soy sauce instead of fish sauce, and skip the shrimp paste or substitute it with miso in the curry paste.
2. Can I use store-bought green curry paste?
Absolutely! While homemade curry paste offers a fresher and more customizable flavor, a good-quality store-bought paste is a convenient and tasty option. Look for brands like Mae Ploy or Maesri for authenticity.
Why This is the Authentic Thai Green Curry Recipe You Need
What makes this authentic Thai green curry recipe stand out is its balance of tradition and flexibility. From the handmade curry paste to the careful layering of flavor, this is the kind of dish that makes you want seconds—and thirds.
It’s a crowd-pleaser whether you’re hosting a cozy winter dinner or craving something light and tropical during summer