How to Create a Spicy Thai Green Curry in Simple English

Thai green curry is one of the most popular dishes from Thailand. It is spicy, creamy, and full of flavor. Whether you want to impress your friends or treat yourself to something delicious, this dish is the perfect choice! Don’t worry if you’re not an expert in cooking — with simple steps and basic ingredients, you can make this famous curry at home.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through how to create a spicy Thai green curry in simple English. Let’s get started!

What Is Thai Green Curry?

Thai green curry is a dish made with green curry paste, coconut milk, vegetables, meat or tofu, and spices. It gets its name from the green chilies used in the curry paste, which give it a vibrant green color and spicy taste. It is often served with steamed rice or flatbread.

This recipe is easy to follow, but if you don’t like spicy food, you can adjust the heat level by reducing the amount of curry paste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients. Here’s what you need to make spicy Thai green curry:

For the Curry:

2 tablespoons of Thai green curry paste (you can buy it from a store or make it at home)
1 can (400 ml) of coconut milk
Chicken, shrimp, or tofu (200-300 g, based on your preference)
Vegetables (like bell peppers, zucchini, green beans, or broccoli)
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (can also use coconut oil)
1-2 kaffir lime leaves (optional, for the aroma)
1 tablespoon fish sauce (for authentic Thai flavor; skip if vegetarian)
1 teaspoon sugar (balances the spice)
Fresh Thai basil leaves (for garnish)

For Serving:

Steamed rice or flatbread

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Chop your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using chicken, cut it into strips. For shrimp, remove the shells. If you prefer tofu, cube it into medium-sized chunks.

Step 2: Heat the Oil and Fry the Curry Paste

In a large pan or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the green curry paste. Stir it for 1-2 minutes until it turns fragrant. This step activates the spices and chilies in the paste.

Step 3: Add Coconut Milk

Slowly pour in the coconut milk while stirring. Make sure the paste blends well with the coconut milk. Let it simmer for a few minutes. You’ll notice the curry starts to look creamy and smells amazing.

Step 4: Cook the Protein

Now, add your protein of choice — whether it’s chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Stir to coat the pieces in the curry sauce. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the protein is fully cooked.

Step 5: Add Vegetables

Once the protein is cooked, add your vegetables to the curry. Stir well and let them cook for 3-5 minutes. You want the vegetables to soften but still have a slight crunch.

Step 6: Season the Curry

Add 1 tablespoon of fish sauce (if using), 1 teaspoon of sugar, and, optionally, the kaffir lime leaves. Taste the curry, and adjust the flavors to your liking. If you want more saltiness, add a little more fish sauce. If it’s too spicy, you can add a splash of coconut milk.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and add fresh Thai basil leaves. Stir them in gently. Basil brings a fresh, herby flavor to the dish. Serve your Thai green curry hot, with steamed rice or flatbread on the side.

Tips for the Perfect Thai Green Curry

Make Your Own Curry Paste (Optional): If you want to go the extra mile, making your own green curry paste can make this dish even more delicious. Blend green chilies, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, shallots, coriander, and spices into a paste.
Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh veggies and herbs make a big difference in the taste. Look for bright green vegetables and fragrant basil leaves.
Adjust Spice Level: Thai green curry can be very spicy. If you prefer less heat, cut down on the curry paste or add extra coconut milk to tone it down.
Experiment with Proteins: You don’t have to stick to chicken or shrimp! You can try beef, pork, or even mix different proteins.
Serve Immediately: Thai green curry tastes best when it’s fresh and hot. Avoid letting it sit too long before serving.

Why Make Thai Green Curry at Home?

Making Thai green curry at home gives you the freedom to customize it. You can adjust the spice level, add your favorite vegetables, or use plant-based proteins like tofu if you’re vegetarian. Plus, it’s cheaper and healthier than ordering from a restaurant!

Final Thoughts

Creating a spicy Thai green curry at home is easier than you think. With some curry paste, coconut milk, and fresh vegetables, you can prepare a dish that’s full of flavor and reminds you of Thailand. Follow the steps above, and don’t forget to put your personal touch on the dish.

So why not go ahead and give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you!

If you enjoyed this recipe or have any questions, leave a comment below. Happy cooking! 😊

How to Create a Spicy Thai Green Curry