Green Curry Paste Recipe (2024)

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by Mike Hultquist · · 8 Comments · Jump to Recipe

This homemade green curry paste recipe is easy to make and huge on flavor, and will have you making quick and easy curries anytime you want. The perfect blend of spices!

Green Curry Paste Recipe (1)

It's curry time in the Chili Pepper Madness kitchen today, my friends, but we're not talking any curry. We're talking Green Curry, a curry most people don't think of when it comes to curry.

There's one big secret to making your green curry the best it can be. That secret is - Green Curry Paste!

Yes!

If you have a great green curry paste recipe, your curries will not only come out with wonderful flavor, but you'll be able to whip them together in practically no time for quick and easy weeknight meals. All the flavor is built right into the curry paste. It's so good!

Sure, you can run to the grocery store and grab some, but this is better than any store bought curry paste.

Green Curry Paste Recipe (2)

Make yourself a big batch of this stuff and freeze it in portions. Pop it out of the freezer and make green curry anytime you'd like. This particular green curry paste has the perfect balance of fresh herbs, spices and seasonings, though it is very easily adjustable to your own flavor preferences.

Let's talk about how to make green curry paste, shall we? Gather up your ingredients, my friends!

Green Curry Paste Recipe (3)

Green Curry Paste Ingredients

  • Spicy Chili Peppers. I used average sized jalapeno peppers and a serrano pepper, though Thai green chilies are great, or serrano peppers for hotter curry.
  • Lemongrass Stalk. Minced. If you can't find lemongrass, use lemongrass paste. It works great as well.
  • Shallot. Chopped. Or use the equivalent white onion, though pungent red onion is a nice addition, too.
  • Garlic Cloves. Chopped.
  • Galangal. Chopped. Ginger is an acceptable substitute for galangal, which can be hard to find, though it isn't a perfect replacement. It is still very good, though.
  • Cilantro. Chopped. Use the stems for more pronounced cilantro flavor.
  • Thai Basil. I often switch this up for fresh basil, as I prefer the flavor. Spinach is a great substitute as well for the vibrant green color and flavor.
  • Coriander Seeds.
  • Cumin Seeds.
  • White Peppercorns. Or use white pepper.
  • Fish Sauce.
  • Shrimp Paste.
  • Lime Juice.
  • Salt.
Green Curry Paste Recipe (4)

How to Make Green Curry Paste - the Recipe Method

Add all of the ingredients to a food processor or blender. Process them until a thick green curry paste forms nice and uniformly.

Green Curry Paste Recipe (5)

Alternatively, you can use a mortar and pestle to grind the ingredients together. I often use my molcajete.

Adjust for salt and spices. Use as needed.

Boom! Done! Look at how thick the past is!

So herbaceous and filled with wonderful seasonings. HUGE on flavor, my friends. Now you're ready to make some amazing green curry!

Green Curry Paste Recipe (6)

Recipe Tips & Notes

  • The Peppers. I typically use jalapeno peppers in my green curry paste, as they have a nice level of heat that isn't overpowering for most people. If you feel these will be too hot, cut back on the jalapenos or core them out to remove most of the heat. Or, use milder peppers. If you'd like a hotter green curry paste, use serrano peppers, spicy green Thai peppers, or even hotter. Try this with habanero peppers or ghost peppers for some real heat!
  • Limit the Liquids. You'll want to keep the liquids to a minimum so your green curry paste doesn't come out too soupy or watery. The ingredients really break down into a nice and thick paste, so if you're concerned, limit the amount of lime juice used at the start and add it in later a bit at a time. Or use lime zest instead.
  • Other Ingredients. This isn't the only way to make green curry paste. You can sub in other of your favorite ingredients, like black pepper, coconut milk, other fresh green chilies, Thai red chilies, or kaffir lime leaves. The choice is yours, though this is my favorite green curry paste recipe.

Storage & Leftovers

Storing yourGreen Curry Pastein anairtight containerin the fridge may allow you to store it for several weeks to a few months. To maximize the storage life, make sure to refrigerate it promptly.

Green Curry Paste Recipe (7)

That's it, my friends. I hope you enjoy my green curry paste recipe. Let me know if you make it. It's perfect for stir fries or making your favorite Thai green curry anytime!

Try Some of My Other Popular Recipes

  • Green Curry
  • Red Curry Paste
  • Panang Curry Paste (Prik Gaeng Panang)
  • Massaman Curry Paste
  • Homemade Yellow Curry Paste
  • Curry Pastes from Around the World
  • Curry Hot Sauce
  • Homemade Curry Powder
  • Curry Recipes
Green Curry Paste Recipe (8)

Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.

Green Curry Paste Recipe (9)

Print

Green Curry Paste Recipe

This homemade green curry paste recipe is easy to make and huge on flavor, and will have you making quick and easy curries anytime you want. The perfect blend of spices!

Save Recipe

Course: Main Course, sauce

Cuisine: American, Indian, Thai

Keyword: chili peppers, curry, curry paste, spicy

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes

Calories: 8kcal

Author: Mike Hultquist

Servings: 16 tablespoons

Tap or hover to scale

Ingredients

  • 5 medium sized green chili peppers I used jalapeno peppers, though Thai green chilies are great, or serrano peppers for hotter curry
  • 1 stalk lemongrass minced (or use 2 tablespoons prepared lemongrass paste)
  • 1 shallot chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chopped galangal or use ginger
  • 1/2 cup cilantro chopped, stems included
  • 1/2 cup Thai basil or use fresh basil or spinach
  • 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon white peppercorns or use white pepper
  • 3 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon shrimp paste
  • Juice from 1 small lime
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  • Add all of the ingredients to a food processor or blender. Process them until a thick green curry paste forms nice and uniformly.

  • Alternatively, you can use a mortar and pestle to grind the ingredients together. I often use my molcajete.

  • Adjust for salt and spices. Use as needed.

Notes

Heat Factor: Medium. You can dial back on the heat with milder peppers, or increase the heat with more jalapeno peppers or hotter peppers.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 8kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 277mgPotassium: 37mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 91IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 9mgIron: 1mg

Green Curry Paste Recipe (10)

Did You Enjoy This Recipe?I love hearing how you like it and how you made it your own. Leave a comment below and tag @ChiliPepperMadness on social media.

Green Curry Paste Recipe (11)

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply

  1. Amber says

    Any sugguestion on how to make this vegan?

    Reply

    • Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says

      Amber, you can use soy sauce and mushrooms in place of the fish sauce, and miso and/or a fermented bean paste in place of the shrimp paste.

      Reply

  2. Stan says

    Thank you for your awesome RECEIPE.

    I make chillie paste in large quantity and I bottle and sell.

    It's too hot because i only use like 3kg green chillies crushed. Braise with a mixture of tamarind and vinegar.

    Taste is perfect. Too hot. How can I reduce the heat of the chillies. How can I make more without adding more chillies. PLEASE EXPLAIN

    STAN

    Reply

    • Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says

      Stan, yes, you can make a double batch but omit the peppers, then combine them. This will reduce the overall heat. Please let me know how it turns out for you.

      Reply

  3. Jim Webb says

    Green Curry Paste Recipe (12)
    Bloody lovely. Best Thai green curry paste ever ......

    Reply

    • Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says

      Thanks, Jim! Glad you enjoyed it! BIG flavor for sure.

      Reply

  4. Shah says

    Hi-Thank you very much for the email offering a eonderful receipy, Please advise some organic preservative to extend shelve life up to 6-8 months

    Reply

    • Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says

      Shah, you can add citrus or vinegar to lower the pH/up the acidity for longer storage. Shoot for 3.5 or lower for home storage. You can process it in a water bath. It also freezes nicely. You can also try to dehydrate it and rehydrate it later.

      Reply

Green Curry Paste Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How to use store-bought green curry paste? ›

Probably the most common use for Thai curry paste is in curries and stews. Cook the curry paste in a little oil first to bring out its flavors, then coat proteins — like chicken, pork, or tofu — and vegetables with the warmed paste before slow cooking until everything is flavorful and tender.

How to make green curry paste taste better? ›

Most recipes just add unrefined sugar for sweetness, but by caramelising it in the pan first, you get a deeper flavour. Plus, it creates an intense heat to cook the curry paste and seal the chicken.

How much curry paste should I use? ›

The amount of curry paste you use for one batch of curry depends on the strength of your paste and your personal spice tolerance, so taste the paste before you start! If it's really strong, start with about 2 tablespoons of paste for a batch of curry for four.

How do you use curry paste in a recipe? ›

You can use it in a marinade or as a rub for chicken, fish, or beef. Mixing it with vinegar or yogurt will result in a tasty salad dressing. What's more, adding curry paste at the beginning of cooking can help you build flavor in soups and stews.

Do you add water to curry paste? ›

The paste is mixed with coconut milk or water plus vegetables, meat or seafood, then served up on a bed of jasmine or sticky rice. You can also use Thai curry paste in warming soups and sizzling stir fries.

What is the secret to good Thai curry? ›

The secret to making amazing Thai curries is to use plenty of aromatics, like onion, ginger and garlic. Choose full-fat coconut milk for its richness (you won't regret it!). Stirring in just a little bit of rice vinegar and sugar adds tons of complexity.

Why is my green curry paste bitter? ›

Your curry can taste bitter if the spices and garlic are burnt or if you've added too much fenugreek to the dish. You see, the secret to cooking a delicious curry recipe is to create a spicy paste and slowly cook it before adding your meat.

How do Thai restaurants make curry so creamy? ›

Often, Thai curries are made using coconut milk as the main liquid, which results in a creamy consistency. You can use as much or as little coconut milk as you wish based on your preference for texture, spice, and flavor.

What happens if you add too much curry paste? ›

* Add some more meat/veggies to the curry and it will balance out the taste. You can always use the leftovers for next meal. If you added too much of curry paste it will increase the spiciness and pungent smell of the gravy.

How do you make store bought curry paste better? ›

You can also boost the flavor of a store-bought paste that you consider a bit “weak” by adding more of the spices and herbs it already contains. For example, I find store-bought massaman curry paste to be a bit light on the spices, so I add some extra.

How many tablespoons of Thai curry paste? ›

For mild curry, use 2 tbsp. paste and 200ml coconut milk. For strong curry, use 4 tbsp and 200ml coconut milk. Adjust gravy thickness with water or vegetable / chicken / prawn stock (depending on what you are making).

How to improve Thai green curry paste? ›

You can skim the fat off the coconut milk, then 'split' it to fry the paste in; this enhances the flavour and gives the curry an authentic glossy finish. Caramelising the sugar element of the sauce will also deepen the sweetness.

Do you use a whole jar of curry paste? ›

The whole jar is ample for a family of four but if you're cooking for two, the reminder can be stored in the fridge for 5 days or frozen.

How do you make store-bought curry paste better? ›

You can also boost the flavor of a store-bought paste that you consider a bit “weak” by adding more of the spices and herbs it already contains. For example, I find store-bought massaman curry paste to be a bit light on the spices, so I add some extra.

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