Creamy Bamboo Shoot Curry with Pork Belly: A Thai Delight

Updated at: 15/06/2025

Indulge in the rich, savory depths of Thai cuisine with this creamy bamboo shoot curry featuring tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly. This dish beautifully balances the subtle sweetness of bamboo shoots with the robust flavor of pork, all enveloped in a luxuriously creamy coconut milk-based sauce. Aromatic spices like lemongrass, galangal, and chilies dance on your palate, creating a symphony of flavor that's both comforting and exciting. The perfect blend of textures—crisp-tender pork belly against the delicate snap of bamboo shoots—will leave you wanting more.

This recipe offers a delectable journey through the authentic tastes of Thailand. From expertly preparing the pork belly to achieving the perfect balance of spices in the creamy coconut curry, we'll guide you through each step of the process. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions.

Tools Needed

  • Pot
  • Mortar and pestle

Ingredients

  • Bamboo shoots
  • Pork belly
  • Karen chili (or other chili): 6-7 pieces
  • Shallots
  • Lemongrass: 3 stalks (or 2 if large)
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon
  • Coconut milk: 250 ml
  • Coconut sugar or palm sugar
  • Fish sauce
  • Seasoning powder
  • Water: 500 ml (adjust as needed)
  • Shredded kaffir lime leaves
  • Chili peppers (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Curry Paste

  • Boil the bamboo shoots twice. If using sweet wood bamboo shoots, boil once.
  • Cut the pork belly into pieces.
  • Pound together Karen chili, shallots, lemongrass, and salt until finely ground or coarsely crushed.
Boil the bamboo shoots twice. If using sweet wood bamboo shoots, boil once.Cut the pork belly into pieces.Make the curry paste: Pound together Karen chili, shallots, lemongrass, and salt until finely ground or coarsely crushed.
Prepare Ingredients and Curry Paste

Step 2. Simmer the Curry

  • In a pot, add water, boiled bamboo shoots, and the pounded curry paste.
  • Add coconut milk, stirring until dissolved.
  • Add coconut sugar, palm sugar, fish sauce, and seasoning powder to taste.
  • Add the pork belly and simmer until cooked through. Don't stir until the pork belly is slightly cooked to prevent a fishy taste.
In a pot, add water, boiled bamboo shoots, and the pounded curry paste.Add coconut milk, stirring until dissolved.Add coconut sugar, palm sugar, fish sauce, and seasoning powder to taste.Add the pork belly and simmer until cooked through. Don't stir until the pork belly is slightly cooked to prevent a fishy taste.
Simmer the Curry

Step 3. Finish and Serve

  • Add shredded kaffir lime leaves and chili peppers (optional).
Add shredded kaffir lime leaves and chili peppers (optional).
Finish and Serve

Read more: Easy Ground Beef Curry: A Delicious Asian Home-Style Recipe

Tips

  • Adjust the amount of chili for desired spiciness.
  • Fattier pork belly results in a tastier curry.
  • Adjust the amount of water for desired soup consistency.

Nutrition

  • Calories: approximately 600-700
  • Fat: 40-50g
  • Carbs: 20-30g
  • Protein: 30-40g

FAQs

1. Can I substitute the pork belly with another protein?

Yes! Chicken thighs, beef, or even tofu would work well. Adjust cooking time as needed for different proteins.

2. How can I make this curry less spicy?

Reduce the amount of chilies or omit them entirely. You can also add a touch more coconut milk to mellow the heat.


This Creamy Bamboo Shoot Curry with Pork Belly is a true testament to the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine. From its rich aroma to its satisfying textures, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary journey!