Thai Red Curry with Chicken and Vegetables
This Thai Red Curry with Chicken and Vegetables recipe brings authentic Thai flavors to your kitchen with a creamy coconut milk base, vibrant spices, and fresh vegetables. Easy to prepare and highly customizable, it offers a rich, aromatic, and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Curry Base
- 2–3 tablespoons Thai red curry paste (adjust to taste)
- 400ml coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1–2 teaspoons brown sugar or palm sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 small zucchini, sliced
- 100g bamboo shoots, sliced
Aromatics and Herbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- Handful fresh Thai basil or cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and slice vegetables uniformly for even cooking. Mince garlic and ginger to release their full flavors.
- Fry the Curry Paste: Heat vegetable or canola oil over medium heat in a pan. Add the Thai red curry paste and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, unlocking the paste’s rich spices.
- Add Chicken and Aromatics: Add the chicken pieces to the pan and stir to thoroughly coat with the curry paste. Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking until the chicken begins to brown slightly.
- Pour in Coconut Milk: Slowly pour in the coconut milk while stirring gently to combine it with the curry paste and chicken. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Add the chopped bell pepper, carrot, zucchini, and bamboo shoots. Stir in fish sauce and brown sugar. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender but retain some crispness.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs and Lime: Turn off the heat and stir in fresh Thai basil or cilantro leaves along with a squeeze of fresh lime juice to add brightness and aroma.
Notes
- Use quality curry paste for authentic flavor.
- Do not overcook vegetables; keep them crisp and vibrant.
- Taste frequently and adjust sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice incrementally for balanced flavors.
- Prepare all ingredients ahead of time for a smooth cooking process.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Thai red curry, chicken curry, Thai recipe, coconut milk curry, spicy curry, healthy Thai meal, easy Thai dinner