Green Curry


 Cuisine: Thai  Type: Entree

Green Curry : Entree in Thai cuisine - Recipe, Calorie Info, Healthy alternatives & more on EatM3
 Representative image. Recipe yield may differ

 Amounts


 Ingredient
 Amount (g)
Green Curry Paste
2 tablespoons (28)
Coconut Milk
1 cup (240)
Chicken (Or Tofu)
1 cup (240)
Thai Eggplant
1 cup (150)
Bamboo Shoots
1 cup (120)
Green Beans
1 cup (125)
Kaffir Lime Leaves
4 leaves (2)
Thai Basil Leaves
1 cup (20)
Fish Sauce
2 tablespoons (30)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (12)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Vegetable Oil
2 tablespoons (28)
 Totals
35 oz (1,000 g)

 Calories 


 Ingredient
 Calories (kcal)
Coconut Milk
400
Green Curry Paste
100
Chicken Breast
165
Eggplant
35
Bamboo Shoots
20
Green Beans
30
Bell Peppers
25
Kaffir Lime Leaves
5
Thai Basil Leaves
5
Fish Sauce
15
Sugar
20
Vegetable Oil
120
Rice
150
 Totals
1,090 kcal

 Steps 


1. Heat a large saucepan or wok over medium heat.
2. Add vegetable oil and swirl it around to coat the bottom of the pan.
3. Add green curry paste and stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Slowly pour in coconut milk while continuously stirring to combine with the curry paste.
5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Add your choice of protein (such as chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu) and stir to coat it with the curry sauce.
7. Cook the protein for about 5-8 minutes until it is partially cooked and absorbs the flavors.
8. Add vegetables of your choice, such as sliced bell peppers, bamboo shoots, baby corn, or Thai eggplant.
9. Stir everything together and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the protein is fully cooked.
10. Taste the curry and adjust the seasoning by adding fish sauce or salt for saltiness, sugar for sweetness, or lime juice for acidity.
11. If desired, add Thai basil leaves or kaffir lime leaves for an extra layer of flavor. Stir them in and cook for another minute.
12. Remove the curry from heat and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to further develop.
13. Serve the green curry hot with steamed jasmine rice or noodles.
14. Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves or sliced red chili for added freshness and heat.
15. Enjoy your homemade green curry, savoring the rich and aromatic flavors of Thai cuisine.

 Substitutions 


Substitutions/Alterations for Green Curry in Thai Cuisine:

1. Green Curry Paste:
- Substitute with 1 tablespoon of Thai green curry powder mixed with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Adjust the amount based on your desired level of spiciness.

2. Thai Eggplant:
- Substitute with regular eggplant or zucchini, cut into small pieces.
- Adjust cooking time as regular eggplant or zucchini may cook faster than Thai eggplant.

3. Kaffir Lime Leaves:
- Substitute with 1 teaspoon of lime zest.
- Add the lime zest towards the end of cooking to retain its flavor.

4. Thai Basil:
- Substitute with Italian basil or mint leaves.
- Add the substitute herb towards the end of cooking to preserve its freshness.

5. Galangal:
- Substitute with fresh ginger or ginger paste.
- Use half the amount of galangal called for in the recipe as ginger has a stronger flavor.

6. Fish Sauce:
- Substitute with soy sauce or tamari sauce.
- Adjust the quantity according to your taste preference.

7. Coconut Milk:
- Substitute with 1 cup of heavy cream mixed with 1/4 cup of water.
- This substitute may result in a slightly different flavor and texture.

8. Thai Chilies:
- Substitute with any spicy chili pepper of your choice.
- Adjust the quantity based on your desired level of spiciness.

Note: It is important to remember that these substitutions may alter the overall taste and authenticity of the dish. Adjustments to cooking time and seasoning may be necessary to achieve the desired flavor profile.

 Pairings 


- Jasmine rice
- Pad Thai
- Tom Yum soup
- Mango sticky rice
- Thai iced tea
- Papaya salad
- Spring rolls
- Coconut milk-based desserts
- Grilled seafood or fish
- Thai-style fried rice
- Thai beef salad
- Chicken satay
- Thai-style noodles
- Thai-style omelette
- Fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil

 Upgrades 


1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish with fresh Thai basil leaves, thinly sliced red chili peppers, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
- Serve the green curry in a hollowed-out pineapple or coconut shell for an impressive tropical presentation.
- Use a squeeze bottle to create artistic swirls or patterns with coconut milk on top of the curry.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a handful of julienned kaffir lime leaves for an extra citrusy aroma and flavor.
- Roast or grill the vegetables (such as bell peppers, eggplant, or zucchini) before adding them to the curry for a smoky and charred taste.
- Incorporate a tablespoon of smooth peanut butter to add richness and depth to the curry sauce.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Replace regular chicken with succulent pieces of grilled or pan-seared lobster tail.
- Substitute regular coconut milk with coconut cream for a thicker and creamier texture.
- Include delicate and buttery scallops or jumbo prawns as an additional seafood option.

Remember to adjust the cooking time and method accordingly to accommodate any changes made to the recipe. Enjoy your next-level dining experience with these enhancements!

 Diet Restrictions 


- Use light coconut milk instead of regular coconut milk to reduce the calorie and fat content.
- Reduce the amount of oil used for sautéing the curry paste to lower the overall fat content.
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the curry to add more fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Use lean protein sources like skinless chicken breast, tofu, or shrimp instead of fatty cuts of meat.
- Limit or omit the use of fish sauce to reduce sodium content.
- Add herbs and spices like lemongrass, ginger, and garlic for flavor instead of relying solely on salt.
- Serve the curry with brown rice or cauliflower rice instead of white rice to increase fiber and reduce carbohydrate intake.
- For gluten-free diets, ensure that the curry paste and other condiments used are free from gluten-containing ingredients.
- Adjust the spiciness level according to personal preferences, especially for individuals with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux issues.
- If following a vegan or vegetarian diet, omit animal-based ingredients and use plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh.

 Healthy Choices 


1. Use lean protein: Replace high-fat meats like beef or pork with leaner options such as chicken breast or tofu.
2. Increase vegetable content: Add a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and zucchini to boost fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
3. Reduce coconut milk: Use light coconut milk or a combination of coconut milk and vegetable broth to lower the overall fat content.
4. Limit added sugar: Minimize or omit sugar or sweeteners in the curry paste or sauce to reduce unnecessary calories.
5. Opt for whole grains: Serve the green curry with brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients.
6. Control sodium levels: Choose low-sodium soy sauce and be mindful of the amount used to avoid excessive sodium intake.
7. Add herbs and spices: Enhance flavor with fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or mint, and use spices like ginger or turmeric for their potential health benefits.
8. Use healthy oils: Cook with heart-healthy oils like olive or avocado oil instead of traditional oils high in saturated fats.
9. Portion control: Enjoy the green curry in moderation, focusing on balanced servings of protein, vegetables, and whole grains.
10. Customize toppings: Instead of fried or high-fat toppings, garnish with chopped nuts, fresh herbs, or a squeeze of lime for added taste and nutrition.

 Shortcuts 


1. Use store-bought green curry paste instead of making it from scratch.
2. Substitute chicken thighs for more expensive cuts of meat like beef or shrimp.
3. Opt for canned coconut milk instead of fresh coconut, it's more convenient and cost-effective.
4. Use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones to save time on chopping and prep.
5. Skip the traditional Thai eggplant and use regular eggplant as a substitute.
6. Replace kaffir lime leaves with lime zest for a similar citrusy flavor.
7. Use regular basil instead of Thai basil, it's more readily available and cheaper.
8. Add a small amount of sugar to balance the flavors if you don't have palm sugar.
9. Use vegetable broth instead of making your own stock to save time and effort.
10. Cook the curry in a pressure cooker or slow cooker for a hands-off approach that saves time.