Thai Yellow Curry with Chicken (Gaeng Kari Gai)

Gaeng Kari Gai is the curry you order when you want something a little milder than its red and green cousins, but no less satisfying. Turmeric gives it that beautiful golden colour, while the coconut milk turns it silky and rich, with soft chunks of potato soaking up all that flavour.

This is proper Thai takeaway comfort food, made simple enough for a weeknight. It leans more toward the sweet and mellow end of the curry spectrum, which makes it a lovely one to cook for the family, including those who aren't so keen on chilli heat.

Serve it in big bowls with plenty of steamed jasmine rice to mop up the sauce, and you've got yourself a proper Thai restaurant feed at home.

Servings
4
Prep Time
15
mins
Cook Time
30
mins
Ingredients
12
Total Time
45
mins

Pantry bits

  • Large wok or heavy-based saucepan
  • Chopping board and sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rice cooker (optional)
  • Serving bowls

Ingredients

  • 500g chicken thigh fillets, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons yellow curry paste
  • 400ml can coconut milk
  • 1 cup (250ml) chicken stock
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 brown onion, cut into wedges
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon grated palm sugar (or brown sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 kaffir lime leaves, torn
  • Steamed jasmine rice and coriander leaves, to serve

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the yellow curry paste and turmeric and fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Spoon in the thick cream from the top of the coconut milk can and stir for a minute or two, until the oil starts to separate from the paste.
  4. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring, until they're sealed and coated in the curry paste.
  5. Pour in the remaining coconut milk and chicken stock, then add the potatoes, onion and kaffir lime leaves.
  6. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover partially and cook for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
  7. Stir in the fish sauce and palm sugar, then simmer for a further 5 minutes, tasting and adjusting the seasoning to your liking.
  8. Ladle into bowls and serve hot over steamed jasmine rice, scattered with coriander leaves.

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