Gaeng Phet Gai (Thai Red Chicken Curry with Bamboo Shoots)
A glossy coconut red curry with tender chicken thigh, bamboo shoots and basil, ready in half an hour once your paste is made.
Made with Thai red curry paste. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time30 mins
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £3.02 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Rinse the jasmine rice, cook it in a covered pan with 400 ml water for 12 minutes, then leave it covered off the heat.
12 min - 2
Spoon the thick cream from the top of the coconut milk into a wide pan (about 4 tbsp). Heat over a medium heat until it bubbles and splits slightly, 2 minutes.
2 min - 3
Add your ready made Thai red curry paste (see the base recipe) and the oil and fry for 2 minutes, stirring, until the oil separates and it smells fragrant.
2 min - 4
Add the chicken and stir for 3 minutes to coat. Pour in the rest of the coconut milk with 100 ml water, add the lime leaves and bring to a gentle simmer.
3 min - 5
Cook for 10 minutes, then add the peppers and bamboo shoots and simmer 5 minutes more, until the chicken is cooked through with no pink.
15 min - 6
Stir in the fish sauce and sugar. Taste and adjust: it should be salty, a little sweet and fiery.
- 7
Take off the heat, stir in the basil and serve over the rice.
Tips
- Fry the paste in the thick coconut cream first, not in plain liquid, or it tastes raw and harsh.
- Use chicken thighs rather than breast so the pieces stay juicy in the simmering sauce.
- Check the fish sauce label: some brands contain wheat, so buy a gluten free one if you need it.
Storing and freezing
Cool within 1 hour and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
Can I make this with chicken breast?
Yes, slice it thinly and cut the simmering time to 8 minutes so it stays tender. Thighs are more forgiving.
How hot is it?
Medium hot with 80 g of paste. Use 60 g for a milder curry, or add a sliced fresh red chilli at the end for more heat.
Where do I find bamboo shoots?
Tinned strips are in the world foods aisle. Rinse them well. If you cannot find them, use green beans or courgette instead.
More made with thai red curry paste
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.