Authentic Phat Prik King Recipe | Thai Stir-Fry with Curry Paste
1. Introduction
If you’re a fan of bold, spicy Thai flavors, Phat Prik King (ผัดพริกขิง) is a dish you need to try. Unlike Thai curries that come with lots of sauce, Phat Prik King is a dry-style stir-fry made with prik king curry paste—a chili-rich paste similar to red curry paste but without coconut milk.
The result? A dish that’s fiery, aromatic, and full of umami. Traditionally, it’s made with crispy pork belly and long green beans, but you can easily swap in chicken, beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. The flavor comes from stir-frying the curry paste with the protein and vegetables, finishing with a splash of fish sauce and a sprinkle of kaffir lime leaves for that signature Thai fragrance.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make authentic Phat Prik King at home with simple ingredients, expert tips, and customizable options.
2. Ingredients Breakdown
- Protein of Choice – Pork belly is most traditional, but chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu all work beautifully.
- Long Green Beans (Yardlong Beans) – Adds crunch and freshness. Green beans can be substituted if yardlong beans aren’t available.
- Prik King Curry Paste – The heart of the dish. Made from red chilies, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime zest, garlic, shallots, and shrimp paste. Store-bought paste works if homemade isn’t an option.
- Fish Sauce – Adds salty umami depth. For vegetarian, use soy sauce.
- Palm Sugar (or Brown Sugar) – Balances the spiciness with a touch of sweetness.
- Kaffir Lime Leaves – Thinly sliced for a fragrant, citrusy note. Essential for authenticity.
- Cooking Oil – Peanut oil or vegetable oil works well for stir-frying.
- Optional Garnish – Fresh Thai chilies for extra heat.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients
- Slice protein into bite-sized pieces.
- Trim and cut beans into 2-inch lengths.
- Thinly slice kaffir lime leaves.
- Cook the Protein
- Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Stir-fry pork belly (or chosen protein) until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Fry the Curry Paste
- In the same wok, add 2–3 tablespoons of prik king curry paste. Stir-fry until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
- Add Protein Back
- Return the cooked protein to the wok. Toss to coat in the curry paste.
- Add Beans & Seasoning
- Stir in the beans, fish sauce, and palm sugar. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, until beans are tender-crisp.
- Finish with Kaffir Lime Leaves
- Sprinkle in thinly sliced kaffir lime leaves. Toss well to combine.
- Serve Hot
- Plate the stir-fry and serve with steamed jasmine rice.
4. Tips and Variations
- Meat Options – Pork belly gives richness, but chicken breast or thigh is leaner. Shrimp cooks quickly and works well too.
- Vegetarian/Vegan – Use tofu and soy sauce instead of pork and fish sauce.
- Spice Level – Add more curry paste or fresh Thai chilies for extra heat.
- Texture Tip – Don’t overcook the beans—they should stay slightly crunchy.
- Make it Saucy – Add a splash of water or stock if you prefer a little more sauce.
5. Serving Suggestions
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice to balance the bold flavors.
- Pair with a light Thai soup like Tom Yum for a complete meal.
- Garnish with extra lime leaves and chilies for presentation.
- Drinks like iced lemongrass tea or Thai iced tea complement the spice beautifully.
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as the beans lose their texture.
- Reheating: Stir-fry in a wok with a splash of water until heated through.
7. Recipe Notes
- Use a wok for best results, but a skillet works if needed.
- Prik king paste can be found in Asian stores or made from scratch.
- Best eaten fresh while the beans are still crisp.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Sodium | 1200 mg |
| Cholesterol | 85 mg |
| Calcium | 60 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Thai
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pork belly (or chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu)
- 2 cups long green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 tbsp prik king curry paste
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- 4 kaffir lime leaves, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
Instructions:
- Stir-fry protein until cooked, set aside.
- Fry prik king paste until fragrant.
- Return protein, toss to coat.
- Add beans, fish sauce, and palm sugar.
- Cook until beans are tender-crisp.
- Add kaffir lime leaves, toss, and serve.
Notes:
- Works with multiple proteins.
- Vegetarian-friendly with tofu and soy sauce.
🏷️ Diet Tags:
- Gluten-Free (with GF fish sauce/soy sauce)
- Dairy-Free
- High-Protein
🌿 Health Benefits:
- Protein-rich from meat or tofu.
- Green beans add fiber and vitamins.
- Spices in curry paste may support digestion and immunity.
10. FAQs
1. What’s the difference between Phat Prik King and Thai red curry?
Phat Prik King is a dry stir-fry with no coconut milk, while red curry is saucier and creamier.
2. Can I make my own prik king curry paste?
Yes! It’s made with red chilies, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime zest, garlic, shallots, and shrimp paste.
3. Is Phat Prik King very spicy?
It’s moderately spicy, but you can adjust heat by reducing or adding more curry paste.
4. Can I use regular green beans instead of yardlong beans?
Absolutely. They’re more common outside of Thailand and work just fine.
5. What’s the best protein for beginners?
Chicken is easiest to cook evenly, but pork belly is most traditional and flavorful.
11. Final Thoughts
Phat Prik King is the perfect dish when you want bold, aromatic Thai flavors without a heavy sauce. With its fragrant curry paste, tender protein, and crunchy beans, it’s both satisfying and easy to make at home.
Whether you stick with the classic pork belly version or try a vegetarian tofu variation, this dish will quickly become a weeknight favorite. Try it tonight, and let me know how it turns out in the comments below!