How To Make Authentic Thai Green Curry Paste

shrimp paste

💰Cheaper: miso paste

Miso paste provides umami flavor as a substitute for shrimp paste.

galangal

💰Cheaper: ginger

Ginger can mimic the spiciness and aroma of galangal.

palm sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Brown sugar is an affordable alternative that still adds sweetness.

green chilies

💰Cheaper: jalapeños

Jalapeños can be used for a similar heat level.

Roast 1 tablespoon of cumin seeds and 1 tablespoon of coriander seeds over medium-high heat until warm to the touch and fragrant, being careful not to let them smoke or burn.

Remove the roasted spices from heat and let them cool slightly before grinding them into a very fine powder.

Add 1.5 teaspoons of ground white pepper to the ground spices and set aside.

Finely slice 2 stalks of lemongrass and prepare other ingredients: 10-12 stems of Thai sweet basil, 1/2 lime, 10 coriander stalks, and 15 Thai green chilies (seeds removed).

Prepare 5 kaffir lime leaves, a thumb-sized piece of galangal (roughly chopped), 3 shallots, and 8 cloves of garlic.

Pound all the prepared ingredients in a mortar and pestle for about 20 minutes until they form a mushy paste. Note that a blender can be used but may not yield the same quality.

After the initial pounding, add the ground spices and 2 teaspoons of shrimp paste to the mixture.

Continue to pound for another 5-10 minutes until everything is well blended into a thick paste.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens