Green Curry Fried Rice, known in Thailand as Khao Pad Gaeng Khiao Wan, is a delicious fusion dish that combines the rich, aromatic flavors of Thai green curry with the smoky texture of classic fried rice. Made with fragrant jasmine rice, green curry paste, fresh vegetables, herbs, and your choice of protein, this dish delivers a perfect balance of spicy, savory, creamy, and slightly sweet flavors.

Quick to prepare and bursting with authentic Thai ingredients, Green Curry Fried Rice is a fantastic way to enjoy the taste of Thai green curry in a new and exciting form.

What is Green Curry Fried Rice?

Green Curry Fried Rice takes the key flavors of Gaeng Khiao Wan (Thai Green Curry) and transforms them into a stir-fried rice dish. Instead of serving the curry over rice, the curry paste is stir-fried directly with the rice, allowing every grain to absorb the fragrant blend of green chilies, lemongrass, garlic, kaffir lime, and Thai basil.

The result is a flavorful one-pan meal that is both comforting and aromatic.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich green curry flavor in every bite
  • Quick and easy to prepare
  • Great use for leftover rice
  • Customizable with different proteins
  • Packed with fresh Thai herbs
  • Restaurant-quality Thai dish at home

Ingredients

For the Fried Rice

  • 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
  • 250 g chicken, shrimp, tofu, or mixed vegetables
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • ½ cup green beans, cut into small pieces
  • 2 kaffir lime leaves, finely sliced
  • ¼ cup Thai basil leaves

For the Green Curry Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons Thai green curry paste
  • 3 tablespoons coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon palm sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice

Garnish

  • Fresh Thai basil
  • Lime wedges
  • Sliced red chili
  • Cucumber slices

Equipment Needed

  • Wok or large frying pan
  • Wooden spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Small mixing bowl

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Step 1: Prepare the Green Curry Sauce

In a small bowl, combine:

  • Green curry paste
  • Coconut milk
  • Fish sauce
  • Palm sugar
  • Lime juice

Mix until smooth.

Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

Heat the vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat.

Add the garlic and onion.

Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Protein

Add your chosen protein.

Cook until fully done:

  • Chicken: 4–5 minutes
  • Shrimp: 2–3 minutes
  • Tofu: 3–4 minutes

Add the bell pepper and green beans.

Stir-fry for another 2 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Curry Sauce

Pour the prepared green curry mixture into the wok.

Add the sliced kaffir lime leaves.

Cook for 1 minute until fragrant and slightly thickened.

Step 5: Fry the Rice

Add the cooked jasmine rice.

Break apart any clumps.

Stir-fry continuously until every grain is coated with the green curry sauce.

Cook for 3–4 minutes.

Step 6: Finish the Dish

Add:

  • Thai basil leaves

Toss briefly until the basil wilts and releases its aroma.

Remove from heat.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the fried rice to serving plates.

Garnish with:

  • Fresh Thai basil
  • Sliced red chili
  • Lime wedges
  • Cucumber slices

Serve immediately.

Chef's Tips

  • Day-old rice creates the best fried rice texture.
  • Thai basil is essential for authentic green curry flavor.
  • Use high heat for a smoky wok aroma.
  • Avoid adding too much coconut milk, which can make the rice soggy.
  • Fresh kaffir lime leaves provide a distinctive citrus fragrance.

Variations

Shrimp Green Curry Fried Rice

Use large shrimp for a seafood-inspired version.

Chicken Green Curry Fried Rice

The most popular variation, offering a hearty and satisfying meal.

Vegetarian Green Curry Fried Rice

Use tofu and vegetables while replacing fish sauce with soy sauce.

Extra Spicy Version

Add sliced Thai bird's eye chilies or extra green curry paste.

Health Benefits

This dish provides:

  • Protein from chicken, shrimp, or tofu
  • Fiber from vegetables
  • Healthy fats from coconut milk
  • Antioxidants from herbs and spices
  • Energy from jasmine rice

Serving Suggestions

Green Curry Fried Rice pairs wonderfully with:

  • Thai spring rolls
  • Papaya salad (Som Tam)
  • Grilled chicken skewers
  • Coconut soup (Tom Kha)
  • Thai iced tea
  • Fresh tropical fruit

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat in a wok or skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

For best flavor and texture, enjoy freshly cooked.

Final Thoughts

Green Curry Fried Rice (Khao Pad Gaeng Khiao Wan) is a flavorful Thai fusion dish that combines the aromatic richness of green curry with the satisfying texture of fried rice. Infused with Thai basil, kaffir lime leaves, and creamy coconut milk, every bite delivers the authentic flavors of Thailand.

Whether served as a quick weeknight meal or a special Thai-inspired dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite among curry and fried rice lovers alike.