Thai Red Curry (Gaeng Phet)

Thai red curry, or Gaeng Phet, is a coconut milk curry recognised for its aromatic red curry paste, savoury heat and rounded sweetness. In this version, pork shoulder simmers until tender in a rich, fragrant sauce with aubergine and bamboo shoots, giving the curry both softness and bite. Fish sauce, palm sugar and lime sharpen and balance the coconut base, while fresh basil adds a bright herbal finish just before serving. Spoon it over jasmine rice so the grains absorb the spiced sauce, making it a satisfying dinner with enough depth for a relaxed weekend meal but enough practicality for a weeknight.
Cuisine style Thai coconut curry
Spice level Medium
Cooking style One-pot cooking • Meal prep friendly • Freezer-friendly
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Fragrant curry base: Frying the red curry paste before adding coconut milk helps release the aromatics and gives the sauce a deeper flavour.
  • Balanced Thai seasoning: Fish sauce, palm sugar and lime balance savoury depth, sweetness and acidity without making the curry heavy.
  • Rich, spoonable sauce: Coconut milk gives the curry its creamy body, while aubergine softens into the sauce and bamboo shoots keep a little bite.

Get the most out of this recipe

Adjust the heat

  • For a milder curry: Start with less red curry paste, then adjust after the sauce has simmered and the flavours have mellowed.
  • For more heat: Add extra curry paste gradually, frying it briefly in the oil so the flavour stays rounded rather than harsh.
  • Keep the seasoning balanced: If the curry tastes too fiery, a little extra coconut milk and a final squeeze of lime can soften the heat.

Ingredient notes

  • Curry paste strength varies: Thai red curry pastes can differ significantly in salt, chilli and aromatics, so taste before adding too much fish sauce.
  • Cut the aubergine generously: Chunky pieces hold their shape better during simmering and absorb the curry sauce without collapsing.
  • Use fresh herbs at the end: Fresh basil is best added off the heat so it stays bright, aromatic and lightly wilted.

Texture tips

  • Avoid boiling the coconut milk hard: Keep the curry at a gentle simmer once the coconut milk is added to help the sauce stay smooth.
  • Let the pork simmer gently: Pork shoulder benefits from steady, moderate cooking, which helps it become tender without drying out.
  • Add vegetables after the pork has started cooking: Adding the aubergine and bamboo shoots partway through keeps the vegetables tender but not mushy.

Make-ahead tips

  • Good for meal prep: The curry can be cooled quickly and refrigerated in a sealed container, then reheated gently until piping hot.
  • Store rice separately: Keep the jasmine rice separate from the curry so the grains do not absorb too much sauce during storage.
  • Freezes well: Freeze the curry without the rice, then thaw and reheat slowly, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Rinse the jasmine rice until the water runs mostly clear, then cook it in a saucepan according to the packet instructions. Keep warm with the lid on while you make the curry.
  2. Cut the pork into bite-sized pieces. Cut the aubergine into chunky pieces, then rinse and drain the bamboo shoots.
  3. Heat the sunflower oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the red curry paste and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and the oil starts to separate slightly.
  4. Add the pork and stir to coat in the paste. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the outside loses its raw colour.
  5. Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is nearly tender and the sauce looks richer.
  6. Add the aubergine and bamboo shoots. Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until the aubergine is tender and the pork is cooked through.
  7. Stir in the fish sauce and palm sugar until dissolved, then squeeze in lime juice to taste. Take off the heat and fold through the fresh basil just until wilted, then serve with the jasmine rice.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • Keep the curry at a gentle simmer once the coconut milk is added; a hard boil can cause the sauce to split.
  • If you are sensitive to heat, start with half the red curry paste, then add more at the end after tasting.
  • For best flavour, add the basil off the heat so it stays bright and aromatic.

Substitutions

  • Replace pork shoulder with chicken thighs boneless skinless for a slightly lighter curry; simmer until the chicken is cooked through.
  • Replace fresh basil with fresh coriander for a different herbal finish.
  • Replace sunflower oil with vegetable oil for frying the curry paste.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Cool the curry quickly, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat until piping hot, adding a splash of water if it has thickened; store rice separately and reheat it until piping hot or cook fresh.

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Thai Red Curry (Gaeng Phet)
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 3 servings
  • Total time: 50min (30min active)
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Cuisine: Thai
  • Allergens:
    Fish
Freezer friendly

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