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The Recipe · No.763 · Thai Green Curry Paste

Thai Green Curry Paste, and where to source it

Thai Green Curry Paste — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Thai Green Curry Paste Thai 5best2buy.com

Pound it in a heavy mortar from hardest to softest. Crushing the fibers releases the essential oils in a way a blender's blades cannot, which is why a pounded paste smells and tastes far deeper. Toast and grind the seeds first so they blend in smooth.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep20 min
Cook0 min
Makesabout 1/2 cup
CuisineThai
Cost$$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
Contains  shellfish
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 1 cup
Our ratio, your call. The amounts below are a tested starting point — a version, not the one and only. Anything tagged to taste is the knob you turn: start there, then make it yours.
Green bird's eye chilies
The color and the fire; a big handful for real heat. Fresh, bought local.
15recommended
Local / market
Lemongrass and galangal
The tender lemongrass core, sliced thin, plus sliced galangal, not ginger. Fresh.
2 stalksrecommended
Local / market
Shallots and garlic
Sweetness and body that bind the wet paste. Fresh.
to tasteto taste
Source it →
Coriander and cumin seed
Toasted and ground for a warm, smoky base. Buy them whole and fresh.
1 tbsprecommended
Source it →
Kaffir lime and shrimp paste
Lime zest for perfume and a little shrimp paste for savory funk. Local.
to tasteto taste
Kaffir lime → Shrimp paste →
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
EffortEasy
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
  1. Toast the seedsDry-toast the coriander and cumin until fragrant, then grind to a powder.
  2. Pound the fibersPound the lemongrass, galangal, lime zest, and salt to a paste in a heavy mortar.
  3. Add the chiliesAdd the green chilies and pound hard until the skins break down.
  4. FinishWork in the shallots, garlic, ground seeds, and shrimp paste until smooth.
The Toolkit

Mortar and pestle · Chef's knife · Small skillet

Straight Answers
Can you freeze Thai Green Curry Paste? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Thai Green Curry Paste ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it keeps in the fridge for several days; stir or shake it before serving.

Is Thai Green Curry Paste gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Thai Green Curry Paste vegan? — No

No — it contains seafood, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.763

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