Gaeng Daeng Recipe (Thai Red Curry With Chicken)

Name: Gaeng Daeng Recipe (Thai Red Curry With Chicken)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces chicken (bite-sized pieces); 3.5 ounces bell peppers (bite-sized pieces); 3.5 ounces bamboo shoots; 0.35 ounces Thai sweet basil; 2 tablespoons red curry paste; 13.5 fluid ounces coconut milk; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1/2 tablespoon flavor seasoning (RosDee); 1 teaspoon salt

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This gaeng daeng recipe makes an authentic-flavored Thai red curry with chicken, all in under 30 minutes. Busy weeknight? No problem. This dish packs in flavor and healthy veggies, with a creamy coconut curry sauce you’ll want to sip straight from the bowl!

Gaeng daeng curry ; Thai red curry in a coconut shell. Scattered around are fresh bamboo, flowers, basil, and white rice.

Can’t get enough of spicy curries? Don’t miss out on my Thai red curry fish, my authentic Thai red curry recipe, Thai eggplant curry, or the rich Thai roasted duck curry (gaeng phed ped yang).

What is gaeng daeng

Gaeng daeng, or Thai red curry, is a spicy and aromatic blend of red curry paste, coconut milk, a protein like chicken or pork, and vegetables. It’s a blend of sweet, salty, spicy, and umami, combined into one.

Thai red curry with chicken

Drop everything and cancel the takout. You have to try this easy gaeng daeng recipe now!

This easy Thai red curry chicken recipe isn’t just good – it’s amazing. Its bold flavors and creamy sauce could rival any Thai restaurant, seriously.

Spicy? As you like it. Quick dinner? Hell yes!

Thai gaeng daeng curry with chicken and vegetables served in a coconut shell, and a portion of white rice.

With a base of coconut milk and red curry paste, enriched with some fresh Thai basil, your better half will come running to the dinner table before you even call. And hey, you can totally add kaffir lime leaves if you have some.

Close-up of Thai red curry with chicken and vegetables like bell peppers and bamboo shoots in a pan.

Toss in some bell peppers and bamboo shoots for a bowl filled with crunchy Thai deliciousness.

We’ll add just a sprinkle of sugar, a pinch of salt, and a dash of that magic flavor seasoning – it’s so simple and so surprisingly delicious. Could dinner be any easier?

Close-up of Thai red chicken curry served in a coconut shell.

Looking for more authentic Thai food?

Homemade red curry paste

Homemade Thai red curry paste? Yes please!. Go all-in authentic and whip up your own batch from scratch with a mortar and pestle.

Close-up of Thai red curry paste in a wooden spoon over a granite mortar.

And if you’re short on time, you can use a food processor to whip it up in no time.

For something even quicker, head to your nearest Asian grocery store for store-bought. Look for brands like Maesri or Mae Ploy, they’re the closest thing to authentic flavor.

(Don’t stress if you can’t find those two, other brands should work fine too.)

Why try this chicken red curry recipe

Versatile and customizable: You can mix up the vegetables and protein by adding whatever you’ve got. The perfect excuse to clean up that fridge!
Easy dinner for all days: Whether it’s a lazy Sunday, a hectic weekday, a cold winter’s day, or a hot summer day in Thailand, this recipe is your go-to for a quick and delicious meal.
Simple but delicious: This gaeng daeng recipe is totally doable for beginner home cooks. I kept the ingredients and the instructions simple.
Meal prep friendly: Make a big batch, and you’ve got dinner and lunch for a few days. You can absolutely freeze some for later as well.
Budget-friendly: No need to break the bank, this incredible meal is low on cost and so good, so good.

What is gaeng daeng made of

Ingredients can be sourced at Asian grocery stores and Asian markets.
The exact measurements are in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Bird's eye view of gaeng daeng ingredients; coconut milk, bell peppers, bamboo shoots, Thai basil, chicken, red curry paste, salt, flavor seasoning, and white sugar.

Chicken – You can use chicken breast, tenderloin, and skinless, boneless chicken thighs. Cut it into thin slices, they’ll soak up all the spicy sauce so well.
Red curry paste – A delicious blend of herbs and spices like galangal, dried chilies, shallots, lemongrass, shrimp paste, and more. Use my homemade paste or store-bought.
Coconut milk – As always, use rich, full-fat coconut milk like Aroy-D.
Bamboo shoots – Traditional and tasty, brings an irresistible crunch and authentic flavor.
Bell peppers – Mix up the colors if you want.
Sweet basil – Sweet basil offers a fragrant, anise like aroma.
RosDee flavor seasoning – This seasoning is commonly used in Thai cuisine to enhance the flavors of our dishes.
Sugar – A pinch of sugar, whether white sugar, brown, or palm sugar, balances the spice and saltiness.
Salt

Note: feel free to add fish sauce to taste (like a tablespoon) for more umami. Adjust salt when needed. Taste as you go.

Cooking instructions

Reduce coconut milk

Heat a pot or large wok over medium heat. Pour in a third of the coconut milk and cook until you see the oil starting to separate with the milk. Now it’s time to stir in the red curry paste. Follow it up with the rest of the coconut milk.
Make gaeng daeng curry

1. Toss in chicken pieces and add sugar, flavor seasoning, and salt. Let it simmer until the chicken is cooked, making sure they don’t stick together.
2. Add bell peppers and bamboo shoots. Cook until they’re just as tender as you like them.
3. Turn off the heat and toss in Thai basil. Serve immediately.

Kitchen tools

Granite mortar and pestle or food processor: For grinding your paste.
Cutting board and chef’s knife
Measuring spoons and cups
Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or ladle

Tips for the best Thai red chicken curry

Reduce coconut milk: Simmer the coconut milk until oils separate. This intensifies the flavors and textures.
Fresh ingredients: Avoid using frozen veggies and opt for fresh.
Taste test: Always, always taste as you go.

Variations

Adjust the heat: Add more or less red curry paste, or fresh chili peppers.
Vegetables: Toss in Thai eggplants, green beans / snake beans, zucchini, or others.
Protein: Sub chicken with pork, beef, shrimp, fish, or other seafood. Vegetarian can use tofu, toss in extra greens, and use a vegetarian-friendly flavor seasoning.

Serving suggestions

Serve this Thai curry as a main-dish or for lunch, over steamed jasmine rice or alongside kanom jeen rice noodles if you’re more of a noodle person.

Top it off with a sprinkle of fresh basil and a slice or two of red chili.

Top tip: Before serving, add a drizzle of coconut milk for a pop of white color.

How to store and reheat

Store the leftovers in an airtight container and toss it in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing instructions: Seal in a freezer bag or an airtight container and store in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating instructions: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until it’s hot. Give it a gentle stir while it’s cooking to prevent burning.

Did you know?

You might think all Thai curries are the same, but think again.

Travel to the South of Thailand, and you’ll find less creamy curries with less sauce and more spice.

Each Thai home cooks up its own variation, often passed down through generations, with favored ingredients and cooking techniques.

Frequently asked questions

Is gaeng daeng spicy?

Gaeng daeng, or Thai red curry, has a moderate spice level due to the dried chilies used in the red curry paste. The spiciness can be adjusted by using more or less of the paste or using more or less chilies when preparing the paste.

What vegetables go in Thai red curry?

Common vegetables in Thai red curry include bell peppers, bamboo shoots, Thai eggplants, and snake beans. However, you can also add many others like carrots, baby corn, zucchini, or pea eggplants.

How to thicken Thai red curry?

To thicken the curry, simmer half of the coconut milk on low heat to reduce the liquid, separating the coconut milk oil. Then, mix in the curry paste, and add the remaining coconut milk.

Where to buy Thai red curry paste?

Thai red curry paste is available online at Amazon or at Asian grocery stores. Some supermarkets with an international aisle may offer popular brands.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are generally gluten-free. However, it’s important to always check the labels of store-bought curry paste, flavor seasoning, or fish sauce.

More Thai curry recipes you’ll love

Authentic panang curry recipe – Little to no veggies, creamier, and slightly nutty.
Thai massaman chicken curry – With potatoes, peanuts, and tamarind paste.
Thai green curry pork – Creamy, spicy, sweet, and full of vegetables.
Pad prik king – A spicy stir-fry with red curry.
Thai bamboo shoot curry
Choo chee curry

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