Picture this: it’s a weeknight, the sun is setting, and you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Easy Green Curry Paste can be the magic you seek. Pair it with fragrant jasmine rice, tender chicken, succulent shrimp, or fresh vegetables. The options are endless.
You can also mix it into soups for that delightful kick or use it as a marinade for grilled tofu. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you lived without it.
What is Easy Green Curry Paste?
Green curry paste is a traditional Thai spice blend. It typically includes fresh herbs, spices, and chilies, blended into a fragrant paste. What makes this version ‘easy’ is the accessibility of ingredients. No special trips to obscure Asian markets. Nope. Everything you need is at your local grocery store or close enough.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works simply because of its balance. The heat from the green chilies meets the sweetness of palm sugar. Each ingredient complements the others, creating a bold taste without overwhelming the palate. Moreover, it allows flexibility. You can adjust the spiciness. Want it hotter? Toss in more chilies. Prefer something milder? Reduce them.
What You’ll Need to Make This Dish
Here’s your shopping list:
6 Thai green chilies (don’t panic; they’re not as spicy as they look!)
4 green cayenne chili peppers
5 garlic cloves (the more, the merrier)
2 red shallots
2 stalks of lemongrass
1 small piece of palm sugar
Fresh cilantro (stems and roots included)
1 kaffir lime leaf
2 tablespoons of freshly grated galangal (an exotic cousin to ginger)
Ground spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric)
Fermented shrimp paste (for that authentic umami flavor)
Water (to adjust the paste’s consistency)
How to Make Easy Green Curry Paste?
In a nutshell, making this paste is a blend of chopping, grinding, and mixing. The key here is to keep everything fresh and vibrant to give life to your dishes. Now, let’s delve into the step-by-step instructions to awaken the chef in you.
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Rinse the chilies, peel the garlic, and chop the shallots. Remove the tough outer layer of lemongrass and chop it finely. The fresher the ingredients, the better your paste will taste.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
In a food processor, add the garlic, shallots, lemongrass, green chilies, and the grated galangal. Next, toss in the chopped coriander roots and stems. That earthy flavor will transform your paste.
Step 3: Add the Spices
Now, sprinkle in the ground coriander, cumin, and turmeric. These spices enhance the curry and add a layer of warmth to your flavors. Don’t forget to add that crumbly shrimp paste!
Step 4: Incorporate Sweetness and Citrus
Grate the palm sugar and finely slice the kaffir lime leaf, then throw it into your mix. The sweetness is essential, as it balances the heat. Add the lime zest too; it brightens everything up.
Step 5: Blend Again
Pulse the ingredients in the food processor until a smooth paste forms. If it’s too thick, add a little water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Taste Test
This is a crucial point. Taste your paste and adjust as necessary. Maybe you need more chilies or a bit more sugar? This is your chance to personalize your creation.
Tips for Making Easy Green Curry Paste
Freshness Matters: Use the freshest ingredients you can find; it makes a huge difference.
Adjust the Heat: Start with fewer chilies if you’re unsure. You can always add more later.
Batch It Up: Make a larger batch and store the excess for later use.
Blender Alternative: If you don’t have a food processor, a mortar and pestle gives a more authentic texture.
Experiment: Feel free to experiment with non-traditional ingredients for a unique twist.
How to Store Leftovers?
You can store your leftover green curry paste in an airtight container. If refrigerated, it’ll last up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing it in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a zip-lock bag. With this method, your paste can last for up to three months!
Nutrition Information
A serving of this green curry paste is low in calories while packing in flavors and nutrients. Here’s a quick breakdown per tablespoon:
Calories: 30
Total Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 1g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: Varies (depends on the shrimp paste used)
How Would I Recommend Serving Easy Green Curry Paste?
1. With Coconut Milk: The classic approach! Mix the paste with coconut milk for a rich sauce to accompany chicken or seafood. Just simmer for a few minutes, and you’ve got a meal.
2. In Stir-Fried Vegetables: Sauté your favorite veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots with a couple tablespoons of the paste. It brightens up the dish and makes a stunning side.
3. As a Marinade: Try this paste as a marinade for proteins. Coat chicken, tofu, or shrimp, letting it sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking. The flavors permeate beautifully.
4. In Soups: Add a spoonful of the paste to soups for a kick of flavor. It’s excellent in a chicken soup base.
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients if Not Available?
Ground Ginger for Galangal: If you can’t find fresh galangal, minced ginger is a suitable substitute. It won’t have the exact flavor but will work in a pinch.
Lime Juice for Kaffir Lime Leaf: If kaffir lime leaves are hard to track down, adding a splash of fresh lime juice can mimic that citrusy zing you need.
Soy Sauce for Fermented Shrimp Paste: For a vegetarian option, consider using a little soy sauce for umami richness.
Brown Sugar for Palm Sugar: Use brown sugar if palm sugar is unavailable. It will add the necessary sweetness without compromising too much on flavor.
Conclusion
In the end, making your Easy Green Curry Paste is about embracing flavors, enjoying the process, and having a bit of fun in the kitchen. It’s a delightful way to bring a taste of Thailand to your home. With a few simple ingredients and some straightforward steps, you’re set to impress yourself and any guests.
Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, painting your culinary canvas with this colorful paste will elevate your dishes. Now, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to dive into the vibrant experience of cooking. Your taste buds will thank you!
You’ll also like the following recipes!
Easy Green Curry Paste – Affordable Food Ideas
Cooking can often feel overwhelming. With numerous recipes out there, finding one that’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor can be like searching for a needle in a haystack. That’s where the concept of Easy Green Curry Paste comes in. This vibrant, aromatic paste is a game-changer. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or fumbling with a spatula, you’ll find joy in creating something extraordinary using basic ingredients.
Why is it called easy? The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients don’t require a treasure hunt in exotic markets. This isn’t just any recipe. This is a story of flavors, easy to achieve, and rich in tradition. I can’t wait to share my journey of culinary exploration with you.
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
-
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Rinse the chilies, peel the garlic, and chop the shallots. Remove the tough outer layer of lemongrass and chop it finely. The fresher the ingredients, the better your paste will taste.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
-
In a food processor, add the garlic, shallots, lemongrass, green chilies, and the grated galangal. Next, toss in the chopped coriander roots and stems. That earthy flavor will transform your paste.
Step 3: Add the Spices
-
Now, sprinkle in the ground coriander, cumin, and turmeric. These spices enhance the curry and add a layer of warmth to your flavors. Don't forget to add that crumbly shrimp paste!
Step 4: Incorporate Sweetness and Citrus
-
Grate the palm sugar and finely slice the kaffir lime leaf, then throw it into your mix. The sweetness is essential, as it balances the heat. Add the lime zest too; it brightens everything up.
Step 5: Blend Again
-
Pulse the ingredients in the food processor until a smooth paste forms. If it's too thick, add a little water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Taste Test
-
This is a crucial point. Taste your paste and adjust as necessary. Maybe you need more chilies or a bit more sugar? This is your chance to personalize your creation.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 5
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 30kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 2g4%
- Total Carbohydrate 4g2%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Protein 1g2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Freshness Matters: Use the freshest ingredients you can find; it makes a huge difference.
- Adjust the Heat: Start with fewer chilies if you’re unsure. You can always add more later.
- Batch It Up: Make a larger batch and store the excess for later use.
- Blender Alternative: If you don’t have a food processor, a mortar and pestle gives a more authentic texture.
- Experiment: Feel free to experiment with non-traditional ingredients for a unique twist.
