This is quite possibly one of the most simple takeout dishes that can very easily be replicated in the comfort of your own kitchen … and faster than you could have it delivered! This Chicken Thai Red Curry takes less than 20 minutes to cook and with simple ingredients and ease of preparation, you will want to make it again and again. I highly recommend the Thai red curry paste linked in the ingredients – the paste you choose matters and will make a big difference to the end result of your recipe. I love making my own marinades and sauces, but good-quality curry pastes are inexpensive and are a great way to add depth of flavour to a meal quickly. This meal can easily be made vegetarian by leaving out the chicken completely, or you can substitute it for firm tofu. The vegetables are also customisable; use any vegetables you like that are in season (although the combination of tender eggplant/aubergine, green beans and bursting grape/baby roma tomatoes is my absolute favourite!). Serve over steamed rice for a quick and easy, comforting meal.
4makrut (kaffir) lime leaves, finely sliced (optional, see note 2)
1tspfish sauce
1tspsugar
1eggplant (aubergine), roughly diced
300g(10½oz)boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
125g(1cup)green beans, trimmed and cut into 3 cm (1¼ inch) lengths
100g(¾cup)grape (baby roma/plum) tomatoes
15g(½cup)Thai basil leaves (optional, see note 2, can be substituted with regular basil)
Steamed jasmine rice, to serve
Crispy fried shallots, to serve
Lime wedges, to serve
Instructions
(keeps your screen active)
Cook the curry paste – Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-based pan over medium–high heat. Add the garlic and ginger and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add the curry paste and stir for a further 30 seconds.
Build the sauce – Add the chicken stock, coconut milk, makrut lime leaves (if using), fish sauce and sugar. Bring to the boil, then add the eggplant. Reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
Add the chicken – Add the chicken and cook for a further 3 minutes or until the chicken changes colour from pink to white.
Add the veggies – Add the green beans and cook for a further 3 minutes.
Add the grape tomatoes and basil (if using) and cook for a further 2 minutes.
Serve – Serve with steamed jasmine rice, a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Nutrition information
Nutrition Facts
Chicken Thai Red Curry
Amount per Serving
Calories
470
% Daily Value*
Fat
36
g
55
%
Saturated Fat
21
g
131
%
Trans Fat
0.01
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
10
g
Cholesterol
73
mg
24
%
Sodium
296
mg
13
%
Potassium
869
mg
25
%
Carbohydrates
19
g
6
%
Fiber
6
g
25
%
Sugar
10
g
11
%
Protein
21
g
42
%
Vitamin A
5590
IU
112
%
Vitamin C
14
mg
17
%
Calcium
103
mg
10
%
Iron
6
mg
33
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Note 1 – For a mild spice level use 1–2 tablespoons of curry paste, for medium use 3–4 tablespoons, for hot use 4–6 tablespoons. Freeze any leftover red curry paste for up to 2 months in a reusable sandwich bag or airtight container. Thaw on the kitchen counter for 30 minutes before using; it can be added directly to the pan, frozen; just ensure you cook it until it is completely warmed through. Note 2 – Makrut (kaffir) lime leaves and basil create an authentic flavour profile when they are added to this Thai red curry. They can however be expensive ingredients depending on your location. I more often than not leave them out and the results are equally delicious.
MAKE AHEAD
Prepare the Chicken Thai Red Curry as per the recipe. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.
LEFTOVERS
Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.Source – Recipe inspired by Thai Red Chicken Curry from Delicious magazine.
This one is on me. If feeding a toddler resd notes before adding a full half cup of red chili paste. Mom brain for the win. He will be having nuggets lol
My favourite thing about this dish is how the flavour just keeps developing as you eat it. I don’t normally love a red Thai curry, but this will definitely be on repeat in our house!
For recipes labelled ‘gluten-free’ or ‘dairy-free’, the ingredients included in the recipe are typically gluten- or dairy-free. However, it is the user’s responsibility to carefully check the ingredient panels on the specific brands of products purchased and used. Simple Home Edit cannot be held responsible for any adverse reactions.
Vidya says:
I made this tonight swapping chicken with tofu as my protein. Works so well and is delicious!
Nicole says:
A very clever tweak, Vidya … so glad it was a hit! Nic x
Jacqueline says:
Hi there, I can’t work out where the link is to the curry paste you recommend? Is it still there? 🙂
Nicole says:
Hi Jacqueline, I use either Ayam or Maesri brands, but I find Ayam is milder and therefore more suitable for little eaters. Nic x
Haley Brickert says:
This one is on me. If feeding a toddler resd notes before adding a full half cup of red chili paste. Mom brain for the win. He will be having nuggets lol
Nicole says:
Hi Haley, oh dear! 😲🤣
Kellie says:
I love a Thai red curry and this is absolutely delicious quick and easy!!!
Courtney Bielenberg says:
My favourite thing about this dish is how the flavour just keeps developing as you eat it. I don’t normally love a red Thai curry, but this will definitely be on repeat in our house!
Courtney says:
Quick, easy and delicious!