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Easy Thai Red Curry with Chicken

Easy Thai Red Curry with Chicken
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Easy Thai Red Curry with Chicken is a quick, vibrant, and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich coconut curry sauce infused with fragrant red chili paste and fresh herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, it perfectly balances heat, sweetness, and savoriness, making it an ideal weeknight comfort meal that captures authentic Thai flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Curry Base

  • 2 tablespoons red curry paste
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk (regular or light)
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or palm sugar

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers or bamboo shoots), sliced
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

Finishing Touches

  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or coconut oil)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, chop your chosen vegetables, and gather all your sauces and aromatics to streamline the cooking process.
  2. Cook the Curry Paste: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the red curry paste until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. This step unlocks the paste’s vibrant flavors.
  3. Add the Chicken: Stir in the chicken pieces, coating them well with the curry paste, and cook until they start turning opaque but are not yet fully done.
  4. Pour in Coconut Milk and Simmer: Add the coconut milk slowly while stirring, then bring it to a gentle simmer. This creates the creamy base that carries the spice and seasoning.
  5. Season the Curry: Mix in fish sauce and brown sugar, adjusting quantities to taste. These ingredients balance the savory and sweet profiles perfectly.
  6. Add Vegetables and Cook Through: Throw in your vegetables, allowing them to soften but still retain some crunch, typically for 5-7 minutes.
  7. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Lime: Turn off the heat and stir in fresh basil leaves and a squeeze of lime juice for fragrance and acidity.

Notes

  • Use authentic Thai red curry paste for best flavor.
  • Do not overcook the chicken to keep it tender.
  • Toast the curry paste first to enhance aroma and depth.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice to balance flavors.
  • Add fresh basil leaves at the end to preserve their bright flavor.
  • Substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
  • Adjust spice level by varying the amount of curry paste or adding fresh chilies.
  • Use gluten-free fish sauce and curry paste to maintain a gluten-free dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai red curry, chicken curry, easy Thai recipe, quick dinner, gluten-free Thai curry, coconut curry, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/easy-thai-red-curry-with-chicken/