Authentic Thai Red Curry Paste
Unlock the flavors of Thailand with this Authentic Thai Red Curry Paste (Gaeng Pet), a versatile and aromatic blend that serves as the base for many traditional dishes. Perfect for curries, soups, and marinades, this homemade paste is packed with vibrant spices and fresh ingredients. It's an essential component for anyone looking to explore the rich culinary heritage of Thai cooking. Prepare in just a few minutes and enjoy the burst of flavor it brings to your meals.
N/A
Servings
20
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried Red Chilies
8 (deseeded and chopped)
Coriander Powder
1 (teaspoon)
Ground Cumin
1/2 (teaspoon)
White Pepper
1 (teaspoon)
Garlic
2 (tablespoons (about 4 cloves, chopped))
Lemongrass
2 (stalks, finely chopped (only the white part))
Coriander Roots
3 (chopped)
Kaffir Lime Zest
1 (teaspoon or 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh lime leaves)
Galangal
1 (inch, chopped)
Salt
1 (teaspoon)
Shrimp Paste
2 (teaspoons)
Instructions
1
Start by removing the stems and deseeding the long dried red chilies for a smoother texture.
2
In a mortar and pestle or food processor, combine the chopped chilies, coriander powder, ground cumin, and white pepper. Grind until well mixed.
3
Add the chopped garlic, finely chopped lemongrass (only the white part), chopped coriander roots, kaffir lime zest or lime leaves, chopped galangal, and salt to the mixture.
4
Finally, incorporate the shrimp paste and continue to grind or blend until all ingredients form a smooth, cohesive paste.
5
Transfer the red curry paste to an airtight container or jar. You should have approximately 6 tablespoons ready to use.
Nutrition Information
0.83
Fat
2.67
Carbs
0.33
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Thai Red Curry Paste?
Authentic Thai Red Curry Paste, also known as Gaeng Pet, is a versatile and aromatic blend of spices and fresh ingredients used as a base for various Thai dishes.
What is the Thai name for Red Curry Paste?
The traditional Thai name for this red curry paste is Gaeng Pet.
How many calories are in this red curry paste?
There are approximately 20 calories per serving of this homemade paste.
How much fat is in the Authentic Thai Red Curry Paste?
This recipe contains approximately 0.83 grams of fat per serving.
What are the carbohydrate and protein counts?
Each serving contains 2.67 grams of carbohydrates and 0.33 grams of protein.
How much curry paste does this recipe produce?
This recipe yields approximately 6 tablespoons of finished red curry paste.
What are the primary ingredients for this paste?
The main ingredients include dried red chilies, coriander powder, ground cumin, white pepper, garlic, lemongrass, coriander roots, kaffir lime zest, galangal, salt, and shrimp paste.
How should I prepare the dried red chilies?
You should remove the stems and deseed the 8 long dried red chilies to ensure a smoother texture in the paste.
Can I use a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either a mortar and pestle or a food processor to grind and combine the ingredients.
What part of the lemongrass is used?
Only the white part of the 2 lemongrass stalks should be finely chopped and used for the paste.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of chopped garlic, which is roughly equivalent to 4 cloves.
Is there a substitute for kaffir lime zest?
Yes, if you do not have kaffir lime zest, you can use 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh lime leaves instead.
How much galangal should I add?
You should add 1 inch of chopped galangal to the mixture.
What is the role of shrimp paste in this recipe?
Shrimp paste is incorporated at the final stage of blending to add depth and complete the cohesive flavor profile of the paste.
What spices are ground with the chilies initially?
The chopped chilies are ground with 1 teaspoon of coriander powder, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon of white pepper.
How many coriander roots are needed?
The recipe requires 3 chopped coriander roots.
How should I store the finished paste?
Transfer the red curry paste to an airtight container or jar for storage.
Is this red curry paste spicy?
Yes, it uses 8 dried red chilies, making it a vibrant and spicy cooking base.
What is the first step in making the paste?
The first step is removing the stems and seeds from the dried red chilies.
When do I add the salt?
Salt is added during the second phase of grinding along with the aromatics like garlic, lemongrass, and galangal.
How long does it take to prepare?
The paste can be prepared in just a few minutes once the ingredients are chopped.
Can I use this paste for soups?
Yes, this paste is an excellent base for traditional Thai soups, curries, and marinades.
What is the recommended amount of white pepper?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of white pepper.
How much coriander powder is used?
One teaspoon of coriander powder is required.
What is the serving size for the nutritional information?
The nutritional values are provided per serving, though the specific serving size is not defined beyond the total 6 tablespoon yield.
Is this recipe considered authentic?
Yes, it uses traditional ingredients like galangal, shrimp paste, and coriander roots to provide an authentic Thai flavor.
Does the recipe use fresh lime?
It uses the zest of a kaffir lime or fresh lime leaves, rather than the juice.
Can I make this paste ahead of time?
Yes, since it is stored in an airtight container, it is perfect for meal prep.
What is the texture of the final product?
The final product should be a smooth, cohesive paste.
Are there any tags associated with this recipe?
Common tags include Thai cuisine, homemade, spicy, cooking base, and condiment.