Thai curry at home is cheap and easy, but most people miss this one crucial step that gives it that authentic restaurant taste. FULL RECIPE BELOW FOR DETAILS Ingredients 4-6 boneless chicken thighs or breasts Onion powder, garlic powder and salt for seasoning the chicken 2 cans full-fat coconut milk or cream - I used one of each (do not shake - use the thick cream on top separately) 2 to 3 tablespoons Thai red curry paste (adjust to your heat preference) 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced 1 bell pepper, sliced Fish sauce to taste (start with 1 tbsp) Brown sugar to taste (start with 1 tbsp) Salt to taste Handful of fresh Thai basil, basil, or cilantro (whatever you have) Instructions Season the chicken lightly with onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden on both sides (not fully cooked yet). Remove and set aside. In the same pan, add the potatoes, carrots, and bell pepper. Fry for 3–4 minutes until the edges start to brown. Scoop the thick cream layer from the top of the coconut can (about ½ cup) into the pan over medium heat. Add the curry paste. Fry, stirring constantly, for 3 to 5 minutes until the paste darkens, becomes fragrant, and looks like it’s curdling or splitting in the oil. You cannot skip this - that’s where the flavor lives. Pour in the remaining thin coconut milk and cream from the can. Stir in fish sauce, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt — but hold back on salt until the end, because fish sauce is salty. Bring to a gentle simmer. Return the chicken to the pan. Simmer until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through. Stir in some herbs (I use cilantro a lot when I don’t have access to Thai basil) and serve over rice. 👉🏽 if you’re tired of wondering what to cook for dinner 👉🏽 if you want balanced meals with full flavor and without expensive ingredients 👉🏽 if you want the grocery list done for you and a pre-shopped link so you can just add everything to cart with one click ‼️I think you might like my meal plans: LINK IN BIO — TikTok @heyelle_budgetmeals