Dive into the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine with this delightful green curry recipe. Perfect for those who crave a balance of spice and creaminess, this dish combines tender chicken and a medley of vegetables, all enveloped in a rich coconut milk base. The aromatic green curry paste and fresh basil leaves add layers of complexity, making it a truly satisfying meal. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is a fantastic way to explore the exotic tastes of Thailand in your own kitchen.
When preparing this green curry, you might find that some ingredients are not staples in every household. Green curry paste is a key component, providing the dish's signature flavor and heat. It can usually be found in the international aisle of most supermarkets. Fish sauce, another essential ingredient, adds a unique umami depth and is often located near the soy sauce. Fresh basil leaves are best for this recipe, offering a fragrant finish, and can be found in the produce section.
Ingredients For Green Curry Recipe
Vegetable oil: Used for sautéing, it helps to cook the curry paste and other ingredients evenly.
Green curry paste: A blend of green chilies, herbs, and spices that forms the base of the curry's flavor.
Coconut milk: Provides a creamy texture and balances the spiciness of the curry paste.
Mixed vegetables: Adds color, texture, and nutrition to the dish; you can use any combination you prefer.
Chicken breast: Sliced thinly, it cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the curry.
Fish sauce: A salty, savory condiment that enhances the umami taste of the curry.
Sugar: Balances the flavors by adding a touch of sweetness.
Basil leaves: Fresh leaves add a fragrant and slightly sweet note to the curry.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
when preparing this green curry, it's essential to balance the flavors to achieve that authentic taste. start by tasting the green curry paste before adding it to the dish, as the heat level can vary between brands. if you prefer a milder curry, use less paste, or add more coconut milk to mellow the spice. when adding the fish sauce, do so gradually, tasting as you go, to ensure it enhances the dish without overpowering it. finally, gently bruise the basil leaves before adding them to release their aromatic oils, elevating the overall flavor profile of the curry.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
vegetable oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil complements the coconut milk in the dish and adds a subtle coconut flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the green curry.
green curry paste - Substitute with red curry paste: Red curry paste can be used if you prefer a slightly different flavor profile. It will add a bit more heat and a different color to the dish.
coconut milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used for a lighter version of the curry, though it will alter the creaminess and flavor slightly.
chopped mixed vegetables - Substitute with zucchini and bell peppers: These vegetables hold up well in curry and absorb the flavors nicely, adding a fresh crunch.
sliced chicken breast - Substitute with tofu: Tofu is a great vegetarian alternative that absorbs the flavors of the curry well and provides a similar protein content.
fish sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can be used as a vegetarian alternative to fish sauce, providing a similar umami flavor.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener, adding a slightly different sweetness and depth of flavor.
fresh basil leaves - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can be used for a different herbal note, offering a fresh and citrusy flavor to the curry.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
Allow the green curry to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can alter the texture and flavor.
Transfer the green curry into an airtight container. Choose a container size that minimizes excess air space to help preserve the freshness of the dish.
Store the green curry in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within 3 to 4 days. This will keep the chicken and vegetables fresh and flavorful.
For longer storage, consider freezing the green curry. Portion it into individual servings in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. This makes it easy to thaw only what you need.
Label the containers with the date of preparation. This ensures you use the green curry within 2 to 3 months for optimal taste and quality.
When ready to enjoy your frozen green curry, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the texture of the chicken and vegetables.
Reheat the green curry gently on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and to prevent the coconut milk from separating.
If the green curry appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of coconut milk or water to reach your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Sometimes, a little extra fish sauce or a pinch of sugar can revive the flavors after storage.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves just before serving to add a burst of freshness and aroma to your reheated green curry.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Gently reheat your green curry on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent the coconut milk from separating. Add a splash of water or coconut milk if the curry appears too thick.
Use the microwave for a quick option. Place the green curry in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even heating.
For a more aromatic experience, reheat your green curry in a saucepan with a lid. This method helps retain the fragrance of the basil leaves and the rich flavors of the curry paste. Keep the heat low and let it simmer gently.
If you have a steamer, place the green curry in a heatproof dish and steam it for a few minutes. This method helps maintain the texture of the mixed vegetables and the tenderness of the chicken.
For those with a slow cooker, set it to the warm setting and let the green curry heat gradually. This is perfect for when you have time and want to keep the dish warm for an extended period without overcooking.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle, used for heating the oil, cooking the curry paste, and simmering the coconut milk.
Stirring spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring the curry paste, coconut milk, chicken, and vegetables to ensure even cooking.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the precise amount of vegetable oil, fish sauce, and sugar for the recipe.
Knife: A sharp tool used for slicing the chicken breast and chopping the mixed vegetables.
Cutting board: A flat surface on which you can safely chop and slice the chicken and vegetables.
Rice cooker: An appliance used to cook rice, which is served alongside the green curry.
Serving spoon: A large spoon used for serving the finished green curry onto plates or bowls.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prep ingredients in advance: Chop all vegetables and slice the chicken breast ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Use store-bought curry paste: Opt for a quality green curry paste from the store to save time on making it from scratch.
Cook rice simultaneously: Start cooking the rice while preparing the curry to have everything ready at the same time.
Batch cook: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.
One-pot cooking: Use a large saucepan to minimize cleanup and keep everything in one place.
Green Curry Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
- 1 cup Green curry paste
- 1 can Coconut milk 400 ml
- 2 cups Mixed vegetables chopped
- 1 cup Chicken breast sliced
- 1 tablespoon Fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 1 handful Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the green curry paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
- Add the chicken and cook until it's no longer pink.
- Add the mixed vegetables and cook until tender.
- Stir in the fish sauce, sugar, and basil leaves. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Serve hot with rice.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Dish
I suggest you try these favourites too!
- Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers Recipe1 Hours
- Vegetarian Quesadillas Recipe25 Minutes
- Vegetable Ratatouille Recipe1 Hours
- Stuffed Bell Peppers With Quinoa Recipe45 Minutes
- Stuffed Bell Peppers With Quinoa And Veggies Recipe45 Minutes
- Spiced Carrot And Ginger Soup Recipe45 Minutes
- Sautéed Vegetables Recipe25 Minutes
- Roasted Eggplant Recipe40 Minutes
- Quinoa And Vegetable Soup Recipe45 Minutes
- Mediterranean Vegetable Skewers Recipe30 Minutes
- Herbed Quinoa Salad Recipe30 Minutes
- Grilled Portobello Mushrooms Recipe25 Minutes
Leave a Reply