Thai-Laos Coconut Curry

This fragrant and creamy coconut curry brings the authentic flavors of Thailand and Laos to your kitchen. Tender chicken thighs simmer in rich coconut milk with aromatic galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and fiery red curry paste, creating a comforting dish that's both exotic and accessible. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you crave something special.

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Thai

Keyword: Chicken, Curry

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 25

Total Time: 40

Servings:

Calories: 485kcal

Equipment

Chef's Knife

Chopping Board

Skillet

Ingredients

2 tbsp coconut oil
4 slices fresh galangal
2 kaffir lime leaves
2 garlic cloves chopped
4 tbsp Thai red curry paste
2½ cups coconut milk
1 kg boneless skinless chicken thighs
3 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
Juice of 1 lime
1 can bamboo shoots 19 oz
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Heat coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add galangal slices, kaffir lime leaves, and chopped garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in red curry paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Pour in coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Add chicken thighs, fish sauce, and brown sugar.
Simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken is tender and cooked through.
Add bamboo shoots and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in fresh lime juice. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

If you can't find galangal, substitute with fresh ginger, though the flavor will be slightly different

Adjust the amount of curry paste based on your heat preference - start with less if you're sensitive to spice

Full-fat coconut milk creates the richest, creamiest texture

This curry tastes even better the next day as flavors develop and meld together

Serve over jasmine rice to soak up the flavorful sauce

For vegetarian version, substitute chicken with firm tofu or mixed vegetables and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce

Fresh kaffir lime leaves can be found in Asian grocery stores; if unavailable, use lime zest as a substitute

Nutrition