A Creamy, Fragrant Thai Classic Bursting with Bold Flavor
Thai Green Curry, known as Gaeng Khiao Wan, is one of Thailand's most beloved dishes. Made with fragrant green curry paste, creamy coconut milk, tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and aromatic Thai basil, this comforting curry offers the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, salty, and savory flavors.
Served over steamed jasmine rice, this authentic Thai favorite is a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly easy to prepare at home.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
✔ Authentic Thai flavors
✔ Rich and creamy coconut curry
✔ Ready in about 40 minutes
✔ One-pan meal
✔ Perfect for meal prep
✔ Easily customizable
✔ Better than takeout
✔ Naturally gluten-free (with gluten-free fish sauce)
About This Recipe
Green Curry originated in central Thailand and is famous for its vibrant green color, which comes from fresh green chilies blended into the curry paste. Combined with coconut milk, fish sauce, palm sugar, and fresh herbs, it creates a rich yet balanced sauce that's both comforting and incredibly flavorful.
Traditional Thai Green Curry is often served with jasmine rice to soak up every drop of the aromatic sauce.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Thai
Course: Main Course
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
Curry
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons Thai green curry paste
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced
- 2 cans (13.5 oz each) coconut milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup bamboo shoots, drained
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 2 teaspoons palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
For Serving
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced red chili (optional)
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Wooden spoon
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Stir in the green curry paste and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 2
Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned.
Step 3
Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth.
Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 4
Add the bell pepper, zucchini, bamboo shoots, fish sauce, and palm sugar.
Simmer for about 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Step 5
Stir in the Thai basil just before serving.
Step 6
Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice with lime wedges and fresh cilantro.
Chef's Tips
- Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest curry.
- Fresh Thai basil adds authentic flavor.
- Adjust the amount of curry paste to control the spice level.
- Let the curry simmer gently to develop its flavors.
Variations
Shrimp Green Curry
Replace the chicken with shrimp.
Vegetarian Green Curry
Use tofu and extra vegetables.
Beef Green Curry
Substitute thinly sliced beef.
Extra Spicy
Add sliced Thai bird's-eye chilies.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thai Green Curry spicy?
It usually has a medium spice level, but you can adjust it by adding more or less curry paste.
Can I use store-bought curry paste?
Yes. A high-quality Thai green curry paste works very well.
What's the difference between green and red curry?
Green curry is generally made with fresh green chilies and has a brighter, herbaceous flavor, while red curry uses dried red chilies and tends to be richer.
Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely. The flavors become even better the next day.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 33 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fat: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Jasmine Rice
- Thai Spring Rolls
- Thai Iced Tea
- Fresh Cucumber Salad
- Mango Sticky Rice
- Papaya Salad (Som Tam)
Final Thoughts
Thai Green Curry is the perfect combination of creamy coconut milk, fragrant herbs, warming spices, and tender chicken. Every spoonful delivers the bold, balanced flavors that have made Thai cuisine famous around the world. Whether you're cooking for family or impressing guests, this authentic curry is guaranteed to become a favorite.
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