Thai Green Curry is one of Thailand’s most iconic and aromatic dishes, celebrated for its vibrant green colour, fragrant herbs, and perfectly balanced flavours. Known locally as Gaeng Keow Wan, this curry brings together fresh green chillies, creamy coconut milk, and fragrant herbs to create a dish that is both comforting and bold.
Deeply rooted in Thai culinary tradition, green curry reflects the country’s emphasis on balance — combining heat, sweetness, saltiness, and freshness in every bite. Unlike heavier curries, Thai Green Curry remains light yet flavourful, making it a popular everyday meal across Thailand as well as a global favourite.
This Thai Green Curry recipe is designed for home cooks who want authentic flavour without unnecessary complexity. With clear steps and accessible ingredients, it delivers restaurant-quality results while remaining beginner-friendly.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Curry Paste (or substitute with store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons Thai green curry paste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Curry
- 500 g chicken breast or thigh, sliced
- 400 ml coconut milk
- 200 ml chicken stock or water
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar (palm sugar preferred)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 courgette, sliced
- 100 g green beans, trimmed
- 2 kaffir lime leaves, torn
- 1 handful Thai basil leaves
Optional Ingredients
- Bamboo shoots
- Thai eggplant
- Red chillies for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
- Add the green curry paste and stir for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in half of the coconut milk and cook gently, stirring until the oil begins to separate slightly.
- Add the sliced chicken and stir to coat evenly with the curry paste.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is just cooked through.
- Add the remaining coconut milk and chicken stock, stirring to combine.
- Bring the curry to a gentle simmer.
- Add the vegetables, starting with the firmer ones such as green beans and courgette.
- Simmer for 8–10 minutes until vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
- Stir in the fish sauce, sugar, and kaffir lime leaves.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Remove from heat and gently fold in the Thai basil leaves.
- Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice.
Cooking Tips & Variations
- Use full-fat coconut milk for the best flavour and texture.
- Avoid boiling the curry vigorously, as this can split the coconut milk.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more or less curry paste.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with tofu and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
- Seafood such as prawns or fish also works beautifully in this curry.
- Fresh Thai basil adds authenticity, but sweet basil can be used if unavailable.
What to Serve With Thai Green Curry
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Coconut rice
- Thai cucumber salad
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Crispy spring rolls
Storage & Reheating
Thai Green Curry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or coconut milk if the sauce thickens too much. This curry also freezes well for up to 2 months, although fresh herbs are best added after reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thai Green Curry very spicy?
Thai Green Curry is moderately spicy, but the heat level can be adjusted by controlling the amount of curry paste used.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, the flavours develop beautifully over time, making it ideal for meal prep.
What protein works best?
Chicken is most common, but tofu, prawns, or fish are excellent alternatives.
Final Thoughts
Thai Green Curry is a perfect example of Thai cuisine’s elegance and balance. With its creamy coconut base, fragrant herbs, and gentle heat, this dish delivers bold flavour without overwhelming the palate. Whether you’re exploring Thai cooking for the first time or expanding your recipe collection, this authentic Thai Green Curry deserves a place in your kitchen.
