Taste the World

Easy Thai Green Curry Recipe

Last updated: May 2026

This easy Thai green curry is inspired by the creamy, fragrant curries served across Thailand. It is designed for home cooks using ingredients that are easier to find in UK and European supermarkets while keeping the dish fresh, spicy and full of flavour.

Easy Thai green curry travel-inspired recipe placeholder

Recipe Summary

Prep time
15 minutes
Cook time
25 minutes
Total time
40 minutes
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
Estimated cost
£8-£12
Cuisine
Thai
Inspired by
Thailand holidays

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp neutral oil
  • 500g chicken thighs, chicken breast or firm tofu
  • 2-3 tbsp Thai green curry paste
  • 400ml coconut milk
  • 1 red pepper, sliced
  • 150g green beans or mangetout
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce or soy sauce
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Fresh basil and cooked jasmine rice, to serve

Method

  1. 1

    Warm the oil in a large pan over medium heat, then fry the curry paste for 1 minute until fragrant.

  2. 2

    Add the chicken or tofu and stir until coated in the paste.

  3. 3

    Pour in the coconut milk, then add the pepper, green beans and brown sugar.

  4. 4

    Simmer for 18-22 minutes until the chicken is cooked through or the tofu is hot and the vegetables are tender.

  5. 5

    Season with fish sauce or soy sauce and lime juice, then loosen with a splash of water if needed.

  6. 6

    Serve with jasmine rice and fresh basil.

Easy UK & European Ingredient Swaps

IngredientEasy swap
Thai basilBasil with a little mint
GalangalFresh ginger with lime zest
Kaffir lime leavesExtra lime zest
Palm sugarBrown sugar or honey
Fish sauceSoy sauce with lime juice for a vegetarian alternative

Budget Cooking Tips

  • Use chicken thighs instead of breast for a cheaper, more forgiving curry.
  • Own-brand coconut milk works well in this recipe.
  • Freeze leftover curry paste in spoon-sized portions.
  • Serve with rice to stretch the curry across four portions.

Plan the Holiday Behind This Dish

Thai green curry is a classic dish you will find across Thailand, from casual Bangkok restaurants to beachside spots in Phuket and Krabi. If this recipe has you thinking about the real thing, explore BudgetHolidayHub's Thailand and wider Asia travel ideas.

Thailand Thailand holidays from the UK Explore guide → Asia Browse Asia holiday guides Explore guide → Vietnam Vietnam budget travel guide Explore guide → Cambodia Cambodia budget travel guide Explore guide →
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FAQs

Can I make Thai green curry with supermarket curry paste?

Yes. A good supermarket Thai green curry paste keeps the method quick and affordable. Add lime juice and fresh basil at the end to brighten the flavour.

Can I make this Thai green curry vegetarian?

Yes. Use firm tofu or mixed vegetables and swap fish sauce for soy sauce with a squeeze of lime.

Can I freeze Thai green curry?

Yes. Freeze the curry without rice for up to 2 months, then reheat gently and add fresh lime before serving.