Green Curry vs Red Curry: A Spicy Showdown Explained
– Thai red curry and green curry are popular Thai curries with a creamy coconut milk base and spicy curry paste.
– The main difference between the two is the type of chilies used. Red curry uses dried red chilies, making it less spicy than green curry which uses fresh green chilies.
– Red curry is known for its bold flavors and rich spiciness, while green curry is slightly less popular but equally tasty.
– Red curry is a thin curry that is more like a soup and is commonly made with chicken, pork, or beef.
– Green curry is called kaeng khiao wan in Thai and is translated as sweet green soup.
– Green curry is one of the most popular dishes in Thailand and is generally made with chicken or beef.
– Thai green curry is considered to be the spiciest of Thai curries, but this can vary depending on the chilies used.
– Thai green curry paste purchased from an Asian grocery store is the spiciest.
– Red curry is made with a base of red Thai curry paste, coconut milk, and chicken, beef, or tofu.
– Red curry paste is available in cans or resealable containers, with Mae Ploy being a popular brand.
– Green curry is made with a base of green curry paste and coconut milk, with a choice of protein and vegetables.
– Green Thai paste is available at Asian stores or online, with Maesri and Mae Ploy being popular brands.
– Both curries have a complex blend of spicy, sweet, sour, and savory flavors.
– Chili peppers provide heat, palm sugar adds sweetness, and shrimp paste adds a savory umami quality.
– Coconut milk balances the heat and adds a creamy texture.
– Lemongrass and galangal add an herbal quality to the curries.
– Red curry is made with red chili peppers, giving it a deep red color.
– Green curry is made with green chili peppers, kaffir lime zest, and coriander roots, giving it a bright green color and more herbal flavors.
– Green curry has a spicier and more herbal flavor compared to red curry.
– Green curry is usually hotter than red curry due to the use of fresh green chillies, which are spicier than dried red chilies.
– Key differences between red and green curry include the types of chilies used, as well as the incorporation of ingredients like cilantro root, cardamom, white pepper, and lime zest in green curry.