Thai Jungle Curry with Chicken (Kaeng Pa Gai)

Thai Jungle Curry (แกงป่า - Gaeng Pa or Kaeng Pa) is a spicy and colorful dish from northern Thailand. It is different from other Thai curries because it does not use coconut milk, making it lighter and more intense in flavor. This curry is full of vegetables and meats, often using wild or foraged ingredients. The mix of fresh herbs, spices, and chili paste gives it a strong and exciting taste. Jungle curry is a great choice for those who love hot, tangy, and herbal dishes.

CategoryDifficultyIntermediate

Yields2 Servings
Prep Time15 minsCook Time30 minsTotal Time45 mins

Ingredients for Thai Jungle Curry

 3- 5, Thai Green Chilies (as per your taste)
 2 Fingerroot or Grachai, Chopped
 2 tbsp Oil
 4- 5 Tbsp, Red Curry paste
 2 Chicken Thigh, Cut into strips
 2 cups Chicken Stock
 1 tbsp Fish Sauce
 1 tbsp Palm Sugar, Finely Shaved
 4 Thai Egg Plant, Cut into quarters
 4 Kaffir Lime Leaves
 5 Baby Corn , Sliced
 3 Whole Long Beans, Cut into 2 inch pieces
 ¼ Red Capsicum, Julienned
 10 Snow Peas
 1 cup Holy or Thai Basil Leaves

Instructions for Thai Jungle Curry

1

In a mortar and pestle, crush Thai green chilies and chopped fingerroot to a rough paste.

2

Heat oil in a pan, add red curry paste and crushed chilli-fingerroot paste. Sauté for 2 minutes on medium flame.

3

Add chicken strips, stir-fry until cooked through.

4

Pour in chicken stock, mix well, and simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes.

5

Add fish sauce and palm sugar, stir to combine.

6

Incorporate Thai eggplants, kaffir lime leaves, baby corn, and long beans. Simmer until vegetables are tender.

7

Add julienned red capsicum and snow peas, mix well.

8

Remove from heat, top with holy or Thai basil leaves, and stir gently.

Serving
9

Thai Jungle Curry is best served hot with jasmine or sticky rice.

Ingredients

 3- 5, Thai Green Chilies (as per your taste)
 2 Fingerroot or Grachai, Chopped
 2 tbsp Oil
 4- 5 Tbsp, Red Curry paste
 2 Chicken Thigh, Cut into strips
 2 cups Chicken Stock
 1 tbsp Fish Sauce
 1 tbsp Palm Sugar, Finely Shaved
 4 Thai Egg Plant, Cut into quarters
 4 Kaffir Lime Leaves
 5 Baby Corn , Sliced
 3 Whole Long Beans, Cut into 2 inch pieces
 ¼ Red Capsicum, Julienned
 10 Snow Peas
 1 cup Holy or Thai Basil Leaves

Directions

1

In a mortar and pestle, crush Thai green chilies and chopped fingerroot to a rough paste.

2

Heat oil in a pan, add red curry paste and crushed chilli-fingerroot paste. Sauté for 2 minutes on medium flame.

3

Add chicken strips, stir-fry until cooked through.

4

Pour in chicken stock, mix well, and simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes.

5

Add fish sauce and palm sugar, stir to combine.

6

Incorporate Thai eggplants, kaffir lime leaves, baby corn, and long beans. Simmer until vegetables are tender.

7

Add julienned red capsicum and snow peas, mix well.

8

Remove from heat, top with holy or Thai basil leaves, and stir gently.

Serving
9

Thai Jungle Curry is best served hot with jasmine or sticky rice.

Notes

Thai Jungle Curry with Chicken (Kaeng Pa Gai)
  • Thai Green Chilies (พริกขี้หนู – Prik Kee Nue): Provides spicy heat and flavor to the curry.
  • Fingerroot or Grachai (กระชาย): Adds aromatic notes and depth of flavor.
  • Red Curry Paste (เครื่องแกงเผ็ด – Khrueang Kaeng Phet): A spicy and fragrant paste made from red chilies and various spices.
  • Chicken Thighs (เนื้อไก่ – Neua Gai): Provides protein and absorbs the curry flavors beautifully.
  • Thai Eggplants (มะเขือพวง – Ma Kheuang Puang): Adds a slightly bitter flavor and texture to the curry.
  • Kaffir Lime Leaves (ใบมะกรูด – Bai Ma-grood): Imparts a citrusy aroma and flavor.
  • Baby Corn (ข้าวโพดอ่อน – Khao Pod On): Adds sweetness and crunch to the curry.
  • Long Beans (ถั่วฝักยาว – Tua Fak Yao): Provides crisp texture and a fresh taste.
  • Red Capsicum (พริกหวานแดง – Prik Wan Daeng): Adds color and a mild sweetness.
  • Snow Peas (ถั่วฝักยาว – Tua Fak Yao): Contributes crunch and freshness.
  • Holy or Thai Basil Leaves (ใบโหระพา – Bai Horapa): Adds a distinct herbal flavor and aroma.
  • Refrigeration: Store leftover Thai Jungle Curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Ensure it cools down to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
  • Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze Thai Jungle Curry as the texture of vegetables and proteins may degrade upon thawing, affecting the dish’s overall quality and flavor.
  • Reheating: To reheat, gently warm Thai Jungle Curry in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.
  • Prepare Ingredients Ahead: Chop all vegetables and chicken thighs before starting to cook for efficient preparation.
  • Adjust Spice Level: Increase or decrease the amount of Thai green chilies and red curry paste according to your preferred level of spiciness.
  • Use High Heat: Stir-fry ingredients over high heat to achieve a delicious char and ensure proteins cook quickly without becoming tough.
  • Balance Flavors: Taste and adjust the balance of sweet (palm sugar), salty (fish sauce), and sour (kaffir lime leaves) flavors for a harmonious curry.
  • Add Vegetables Thoughtfully: Add hardier vegetables like Thai eggplants earlier in cooking and delicate ones like snow peas towards the end to preserve their texture.
  • Garnish Thoughtfully: Finish with fresh holy or Thai basil leaves for an aromatic touch and vibrant appearance.

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