Description
Homemade green curry paste is a fragrant, vibrant blend of fresh herbs and spices that forms the base for authentic Thai curries. With bold, citrusy, and spicy notes, it elevates any dish while avoiding preservatives found in store-bought pastes. Perfect for curries, soups, and marinades, this paste is easy to make, adaptable to dietary needs, and full of fresh, authentic flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–6 fresh green chilies (adjust to spice preference)
- 2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and chopped
- 1-inch piece galangal, peeled and chopped
- 3–4 kaffir lime leaves, torn
- 2 tbsp cilantro roots or stems, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 medium shallots, peeled and chopped
- 1 tsp shrimp paste (or vegetarian alternative)
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp salt
- Optional: lime zest, turmeric, or coconut oil
- Water or oil, as needed for blending
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and roughly chop all fresh ingredients.
- Toast coriander and cumin seeds in a dry skillet until fragrant, then grind to a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
- In a food processor or mortar and pestle, combine green chilies, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, cilantro roots, garlic, and shallots. Process until finely chopped.
- Add the toasted spices, shrimp paste, and salt. Blend until smooth, adding water or oil as needed for a paste-like consistency.
- Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator or freezer.
Notes
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze in small portions for up to 3 months.
- For vegan paste, omit shrimp paste or use a plant-based alternative.
- Use 1–2 tablespoons of paste per curry serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Condiment, Sauce
- Method: Blending / Grinding
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tbsp
- Calories: ~20
- Sugar: ~0.5 g
- Sodium: ~250 mg
- Fat: ~0.5 g
- Saturated Fat: ~0.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~0.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~3 g
- Fiber: ~1 g
- Protein: ~0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg