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Curries

Thai Red Curry with Chicken

แกงเผ็ดไก่

Gaeng Phet Gai

A fragrant red coconut curry with chicken, bamboo shoots, basil and kaffir lime leaves.

Prep15 min
Cook30 min
Total45 min
Serves4
DifficultyBeginner
SpiceMedium
Central Thailand Contains Meat Approx. cost: 220–320 THB
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      About this dish

      A fragrant red coconut curry with chicken, bamboo shoots, basil and kaffir lime leaves.

      Nutrition per serving

      Calories400 kcal
      Protein28.5 g
      Carbohydrates9.7 g
      Fat28.9 g
      Saturated fat22.4 g
      Fibre3.4 g
      Sugar6.2 g
      Sodium637 mg

      Nutrition values are estimates per serving and may vary with brands, portions and substitutions.

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      Smart substitutions

      Substitutions can make the recipe easier, safer or suitable for a dietary need, but they may change the authentic flavour.

      Fish Sauce

      Flavour: light soy sauce plus a pinch of seaweed

      Allergy: coconut aminos

      Dietary: vegan fish sauce

      Palm Sugar

      Flavour: light brown sugar

      Allergy: maple syrup

      Dietary: coconut sugar

      Thai Basil

      Flavour: holy basil or Italian basil

      Allergy: another fresh herb

      Dietary: holy basil

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      Ingredients

      Preparation notes

      Measure and prepare every ingredient before starting. Thai cooking often moves quickly once the pan is hot.

      Method

      1. 1

        Fry paste

        Cook curry paste in coconut cream until fragrant.

      2. 2

        Add chicken

        Add chicken and coat in paste.

      3. 3

        Simmer

        Add remaining coconut milk and bamboo shoots; simmer until cooked.

      4. 4

        Season

        Add fish sauce, sugar and lime leaves.

      5. 5

        Finish

        Stir in basil just before serving.

      What it tastes like

      Creamy, aromatic, savoury and moderately spicy.

      Make it milder

      Reduce fresh chillies and chilli paste, remove seeds, and serve extra chilli separately.

      Ingredient substitutions

      Use readily available equivalents while preserving the balance of salty, sweet, sour and aromatic flavours.

      Vegetarian alternative

      Replace meat or seafood with firm tofu, mushrooms or mixed vegetables and use vegetarian sauces.

      Common mistakes

      Overcrowding the pan, using low heat for stir-fries, and adding all seasoning at once instead of tasting and adjusting.

      Serving the dish

      Serve freshly cooked with steamed jasmine rice or the traditional accompaniment named in the recipe.

      Garnishes

      Fresh herbs, lime wedges or sliced chilli as appropriate.

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      Cooking and allergy notice

      Cooking times and ingredient quantities are approximate. Ensure meat, seafood and eggs are thoroughly cooked, follow safe food-handling guidance, and adjust ingredients for allergies or dietary requirements.