Gaeng Khiao Wan
Thai Green Curry
Aromatic and creamy Thai green curry featuring tender chicken simmered in coconut milk with a vibrant green curry paste and tender Thai eggplant. This classic dish is known for its complex flavors and comforting richness.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Chicken thigh
- 3 tbsp Green curry paste(Use a good quality store-bought paste or homemade for best flavor.)
- 800 ml Coconut milk(Two 400ml cans. Use full-fat for richness. Separate the thick cream from the top of one can for the initial frying step.)
- 1 cup Thai eggplant(If unavailable, substitute with regular eggplant cut into small cubes.)
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves(Essential for the signature aroma and flavor. Do not substitute with Italian basil.)
- 1-2 tbsp Fish sauce(Adjust to taste. Provides saltiness and umami.)
- 1-2 tsp Palm sugar(Adjust to taste. Balances the spice and saltiness. Can substitute with brown sugar.)
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil(Optional, for frying the paste if coconut cream is very thin.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the coconut milk: Open one can of coconut milk and carefully scoop out the thick cream that has risen to the top into a separate bowl. Reserve the remaining thinner milk.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 2
Fry the curry paste: Heat a wok or large pot over medium-high heat. Add the reserved thick coconut cream. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the oil begins to separate from the cream, about 3-5 minutes. This process is called 'cracking' the coconut cream and is crucial for flavor development. Add the green curry paste and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until very fragrant and the paste darkens slightly. If the mixture seems too dry, add the tablespoon of vegetable oil.
⏱️ 5-8 minutes - 3
Add the chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the wok. Stir-fry, coating them in the curry paste mixture, until they are lightly browned and sealed on all sides. This should take about 5 minutes.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Simmer the curry: Pour in the remaining thinner coconut milk from both cans. Add the prepared Thai eggplant. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the eggplant is soft but not mushy.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 5
Season and finish: Stir in the fish sauce and palm sugar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed – it should be a balance of salty, sweet, and spicy. Finally, stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves just before serving. Cook for only about 30 seconds more, until the basil wilts slightly. Do not overcook the basil.
⏱️ 1 minute - 6
Serve: Ladle the hot green curry into bowls. Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice.
⏱️ N/A
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For authentic flavor, use the thick cream from the top of the coconut milk can to fry the curry paste. This step helps to 'crack' the coconut milk, releasing its fragrant oils.
- ✓Using freshly made green curry paste will significantly enhance the flavor, but a good quality store-bought paste is a convenient alternative.
- ✓Add the Thai basil leaves at the very end of cooking, just before serving. Overcooking will diminish their fresh, aromatic quality.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a vegetarian/vegan version, substitute chicken with firm tofu or a mix of vegetables like bell peppers, bamboo shoots, and green beans. Ensure your curry paste is vegan-friendly.
- Substitute chicken thigh with thinly sliced beef sirloin or pork tenderloin. Adjust cooking time accordingly.