Discover the rich and aromatic flavors of Gaeng Daeng (Red Curry), a classic Thai dish made with savory red curry paste and creamy coconut milk. This recipe features your choice of meat or vegetables, simmered to perfection in a spicy and fragrant curry sauce. Perfect for a comforting meal, this dish combines traditional Thai spices with a creamy texture that's sure to delight your taste buds. Follow our easy step-by-step instructions to create this beloved Thai classic at home.

Ingredients:

- 2 tablespoons red curry paste

- 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk

- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

- 1 lb (450 g) meat (chicken, beef, or pork) or vegetables (bell peppers, bamboo shoots, etc.), cut into bite-sized pieces

- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian version)

- 1 tablespoon sugar

- 1-2 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces

- 1-2 Thai basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving

Instructions:

Heat Oil: In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

Cook Curry Paste: Add the red curry paste and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the paste.

Add Coconut Milk: Pour in the coconut milk, stirring to combine it with the curry paste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Add Meat or Vegetables: Add the meat or vegetables to the pan. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and tender, or until the vegetables are tender.

Season: Stir in the fish sauce (or soy sauce) and sugar. Add the kaffir lime leaves if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Serve: Garnish with Thai basil leaves if desired. Serve hot over jasmine rice.

Enjoy your homemade Gaeng Daeng (Red Curry), bursting with vibrant Thai flavors!

Nutritional values

For the Curry

Red Curry Paste (2 tablespoons)

 - Calories: ~40

 - Carbohydrates: ~4g

 - Protein: ~1g

 - Fat: ~2g

Benefits:

 - Adds rich, aromatic flavors to the curry.

 - Contains spices like chili, garlic, and ginger, which may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Coconut Milk (1 can, 400 ml)

 - Calories: ~230

 - Carbohydrates: ~6g

 - Protein: ~2g

 - Fat: ~24g

Benefits:

 - Provides a creamy texture and rich flavor.

 - Contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which may be easier to digest and provide quick energy.

 - Includes vitamins and minerals like manganese and copper.

Vegetable Oil (1 tablespoon)

 - Calories: ~120

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: ~14g

Benefits:

 - Used for cooking and sautéing, helping to enhance flavors.

 - Choose oils with high smoke points for better cooking results.

Meat (Chicken, Beef, or Pork) or Vegetables (1 lb or 450 g)

 - Chicken: ~165 calories, 31g protein, 3.6g fat

 - Beef: ~250 calories, 26g protein, 17g fat

 - Pork: ~242 calories, 27g protein, 14g fat

 - Mixed Vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, bamboo shoots): ~20-30 calories, 1-2g protein, 0-0.5g fat

Benefits:

 - Meat provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins.

 - Vegetables offer fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, contributing to overall health and well-being.

Fish Sauce (1 tablespoon)

 - Calories: ~35

 - Carbohydrates: ~2g

 - Protein: ~6g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds a savory umami flavor.

 - Provides some protein and essential minerals like sodium.

Sugar (1 tablespoon)

 - Calories: ~52

 - Carbohydrates: ~13g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds sweetness to balance the spiciness and saltiness of the curry.

 - Enhances the overall flavor profile.

Kaffir Lime Leaves (1-2, torn into pieces)

 - Calories: ~5

 - Carbohydrates: ~1g

 - Protein: ~0.1g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds a distinctive, aromatic citrus flavor.

 - Contains essential oils and antioxidants.

Thai Basil Leaves (1-2, optional, for garnish)

 - Calories: ~1

 - Carbohydrates: ~0.2g

 - Protein: ~0.1g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds fresh, aromatic flavor to the curry.

 - Contains vitamins A, C, and K, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Cooked Jasmine Rice (for serving)

 - Calories: ~205

 - Carbohydrates: ~45g

 - Protein: ~4g

 - Fat: ~0.4g

Benefits:

 - Provides a source of carbohydrates for energy.

 - Complements the curry and helps balance flavors.

This breakdown covers the nutritional content and health benefits of each ingredient used in your red curry recipe.