Thai green curry is a popular and flavorful dish that has gained worldwide recognition for its rich, slightly spicy, and aromatic flavor profile. This iconic Thai dish is made with a mixture of green chilies, coconut milk, fish sauce, lemongrass, and various other spices, which gives it a unique and mouth-watering taste. However, serving Thai green curry on its own can be a bit bland, which is why it’s essential to pair it with other dishes to enhance its flavor and texture. In this article, we’ll explore the various options for what to serve with Thai green curry, including traditional Thai side dishes, rice, noodles, vegetables, and more.
Traditional Thai Side Dishes
In Thailand, it’s common to serve green curry with a variety of side dishes that complement its flavor and texture. Some popular traditional Thai side dishes that go well with green curry include:
Steamed Jasmine Rice
Steamed jasmine rice is a staple in Thai cuisine, and it pairs perfectly with green curry. The fluffy and fragrant rice helps to soak up the flavorful and slightly spicy sauce of the curry. To make steamed jasmine rice, simply rinse the rice thoroughly, add it to a pot with the right amount of water, and steam it until it’s cooked and fluffy.
Fried Wontons
Fried wontons are a popular Thai side dish that can add a nice crunch and flavor contrast to your green curry meal. To make fried wontons, simply wrap wonton wrappers around a filling of your choice (such as shrimp or vegetables), and fry them until they’re crispy and golden brown.
Tom Yum Soup
Tom Yum soup is a spicy and sour Thai soup made with a flavorful broth, lemongrass, and various vegetables and proteins. Serving Tom Yum soup alongside green curry can add a nice contrast in texture and flavor to your meal.
Rice and Noodle Options
In addition to traditional Thai side dishes, there are various rice and noodle options that can pair well with green curry. Some popular options include:
Coconut Rice
Coconut rice is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish made with coconut milk, lime juice, and various spices. It pairs perfectly with green curry, as the coconut flavor complements the curry’s creamy and slightly spicy sauce.
Sticky Rice
Sticky rice, also known as glutinous rice, is a popular Thai rice dish made from short-grain rice that’s high in starch. It’s sticky and clingy texture pairs well with the flavorful sauce of the green curry.
Rice Noodles
Rice noodles, also known as rice vermicelli, are a popular Thai noodle dish made from rice flour and water. They’re light, delicate, and pair well with the flavorful sauce of the green curry.
Vegetable Options
Adding vegetables to your green curry meal can add texture, flavor, and nutrients. Some popular vegetable options that pair well with green curry include:
Stir-Fried Vegetables
Stir-frying vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and green beans with some oil, garlic, and ginger can make a delicious and healthy side dish that complements the flavor of the green curry.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts with some oil, salt, and pepper can bring out their natural sweetness and pair well with the savory flavor of the green curry.
Grilled Vegetables
Grilling vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and red onion with some oil, salt, and pepper can add a nice smoky flavor and texture to your green curry meal.
Protein Options
Adding protein to your green curry meal can make it more filling and satisfying. Some popular protein options that pair well with green curry include:
Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken is a popular protein option that pairs well with green curry. Simply marinate the chicken in a mixture of fish sauce, lime juice, and spices, and grill it until it’s cooked and slightly charred.
Shrimp
Shrimp is another popular protein option that pairs well with green curry. Simply sauté the shrimp in some oil with garlic and ginger, and serve it alongside the green curry.
Dessert Options
Finally, no Thai meal is complete without dessert. Some popular dessert options that pair well with green curry include:
Mango Sticky Rice
Mango sticky rice is a classic Thai dessert made with glutinous rice, mango, and coconut milk. It’s sweet, creamy, and pairs perfectly with the savory flavor of the green curry.
Coconut Ice Cream
Coconut ice cream is a popular Thai dessert made with coconut milk, cream, and sugar. It’s creamy, sweet, and pairs well with the flavorful sauce of the green curry.
In conclusion, there are various options for what to serve with Thai green curry, including traditional Thai side dishes, rice, noodles, vegetables, protein, and dessert. By pairing green curry with these options, you can create a well-rounded and delicious meal that showcases the unique flavor and texture of this iconic Thai dish.
| Side Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Steamed Jasmine Rice | A staple in Thai cuisine, steamed jasmine rice pairs perfectly with green curry. |
| Fried Wontons | A popular Thai side dish that adds a nice crunch and flavor contrast to your green curry meal. |
| Tom Yum Soup | A spicy and sour Thai soup that adds a nice contrast in texture and flavor to your meal. |
By following these suggestions, you can create a delicious and well-rounded Thai meal that showcases the unique flavor and texture of green curry. Whether you’re serving it with traditional Thai side dishes, rice, noodles, vegetables, protein, or dessert, green curry is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
What is Thai Green Curry?
Thai Green Curry is a popular Thai dish made with green chilies, coconut milk, and a variety of spices. It is typically served with a protein source such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu, and is often accompanied by steamed rice or noodles. The dish is known for its creamy and slightly spicy flavor, and is a staple of Thai cuisine.
Thai Green Curry is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of settings, from casual meals at home to formal dinners at a restaurant. It is also a popular choice for takeout and delivery, and can be found on the menus of many Thai restaurants around the world.
What are some popular protein sources to serve with Thai Green Curry?
Some popular protein sources to serve with Thai Green Curry include chicken, shrimp, tofu, and pork. Chicken is a classic choice and is often cooked in the curry sauce along with the vegetables. Shrimp is another popular option and adds a nice pop of color to the dish. Tofu is a great choice for vegetarians and vegans, and can be marinated and cooked in the curry sauce for added flavor.
Pork is also a popular choice and can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as sliced and stir-fried or cooked in a slow cooker. Other protein sources such as beef and lamb can also be used, but are less traditional. Ultimately, the choice of protein will depend on personal preference and dietary needs.
What are some popular side dishes to serve with Thai Green Curry?
Some popular side dishes to serve with Thai Green Curry include steamed rice, noodles, and vegetables. Steamed jasmine rice is a classic choice and helps to soak up the flavorful curry sauce. Noodles such as rice noodles or egg noodles can also be served, and add a nice texture to the dish.
Vegetables such as bell peppers, Thai basil, and bamboo shoots are also commonly served with Thai Green Curry. These vegetables can be stir-fried in the curry sauce along with the protein source, or served on the side as a garnish. Other side dishes such as fried wontons or spring rolls can also be served, but are less traditional.
Can I serve Thai Green Curry with other types of cuisine?
Yes, Thai Green Curry can be served with other types of cuisine. While it is traditionally served with steamed rice or noodles, it can also be served with other types of starches such as bread or potatoes. In fact, serving Thai Green Curry with a variety of cuisines can add a nice twist to the dish and make it more interesting.
For example, serving Thai Green Curry with naan bread or pita bread can add a nice Middle Eastern flair to the dish. Serving it with roasted potatoes or grilled vegetables can also add a nice Western twist. Ultimately, the choice of cuisine will depend on personal preference and the desired flavor profile.
How spicy is Thai Green Curry?
Thai Green Curry is known for its spicy flavor, but the level of heat can vary depending on the recipe and the type of chilies used. Traditionally, Thai Green Curry is made with a variety of green chilies, including Thai bird’s eye chilies and jalapenos. These chilies give the curry its distinctive flavor and heat.
However, the level of heat can be adjusted to suit personal taste. For those who prefer a milder flavor, the chilies can be seeded or substituted with milder peppers. For those who prefer a spicier flavor, more chilies can be added or hotter peppers such as habaneros can be used.
Can I make Thai Green Curry ahead of time?
Yes, Thai Green Curry can be made ahead of time. In fact, making it ahead of time can allow the flavors to meld together and the curry to thicken, making it even more delicious. The curry can be made up to a day in advance and refrigerated or frozen until ready to serve.
To make Thai Green Curry ahead of time, simply cook the curry sauce and protein source as desired, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve. When ready to serve, simply reheat the curry and serve over steamed rice or noodles. This can be a convenient option for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Can I serve Thai Green Curry at a dinner party?
Yes, Thai Green Curry is a great option to serve at a dinner party. It is a flavorful and impressive dish that is sure to wow your guests. The curry can be made in large quantities and served family-style, making it a great option for a crowd.
To serve Thai Green Curry at a dinner party, simply cook the curry sauce and protein source as desired, then serve over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh herbs and vegetables, and serve with a variety of side dishes such as fried wontons or spring rolls. This can be a fun and memorable way to entertain guests and showcase your culinary skills.