Spicy Catfish Curry with Pickled Bamboo Shoots: Easy Thai Recipe

Updated at: 13/06/2025

Dive into a vibrant culinary adventure with this easy-to-follow recipe for Spicy Catfish Curry with Pickled Bamboo Shoots. This Thai-inspired dish bursts with flavour, combining the delicate sweetness of catfish with the tangy crunch of pickled bamboo shoots, all enveloped in a rich and aromatic coconut milk curry. The perfect balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty awaits, making this a truly unforgettable meal, even for novice cooks. Imagine the fragrant steam rising from your bowl, the vibrant colours beckoning you to taste.

This recipe masterfully balances authentic Thai flavours with accessible ingredients and straightforward techniques. Forget complicated restaurant preparations; this recipe simplifies the process, allowing you to create an extraordinary curry in your own kitchen. Ready to tantalize your taste buds? Let’s get started with the step-by-step instructions below!

Tools Needed

  • Pan
  • Pot

Ingredients

  • Catfish: 500 grams
  • Pickled Bamboo Shoots: 200 grams
  • Red Curry Paste: 80 grams
  • Shrimp Paste: 0.5 tablespoon
  • Fish Sauce: 1.5-5 tablespoons
  • Water: 750 ml + for boiling bamboo shoots
  • Kaffir Lime Leaves
  • Chili Peppers
  • Basil Leaves
  • Salt
  • Cooking Oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare Ingredients & Build the Curry Base

  • Boil pickled bamboo shoots in water for 4-5 minutes (or 2-3 minutes if you prefer a more sour taste). Set aside.
  • Cut the catfish into pieces, wash, and knead with salt to remove fishy smell and bitter noodles.
  • Heat oil in a pan. Add red curry paste and shrimp paste, stir-fry until fragrant.
  • Add 750ml of water to the pan and bring to a boil. Stir until curry paste dissolves.
Boil pickled bamboo shoots in water for 4-5 minutes (or 2-3 minutes if you prefer a more sour taste). Set aside.Cut the catfish into pieces, wash, and knead with salt to remove fishy smell and bitter noodles.Heat oil in a pan. Add red curry paste and shrimp paste, stir-fry until fragrant.Add 750ml of water to the pan and bring to a boil. Stir until curry paste dissolves.
Prepare Ingredients & Build the Curry Base

Step 2. Cook the Catfish and Add Aromatics

  • Gently add the catfish pieces to the boiling curry, stirring to prevent sticking and fishy smell.
  • Add kaffir lime leaves to reduce fishy smell and enhance aroma. Let the fish cook.
  • Once the fish is partially cooked, add the boiled pickled bamboo shoots and stir.
Gently add the catfish pieces to the boiling curry, stirring to prevent sticking and fishy smell.Add kaffir lime leaves to reduce fishy smell and enhance aroma. Let the fish cook.Once the fish is partially cooked, add the boiled pickled bamboo shoots and stir.
Cook the Catfish and Add Aromatics

Step 3. Finish the Curry

  • Continue cooking until the fish is fully cooked. Season with fish sauce.
  • Add sliced chili peppers.
  • Finally, add basil leaves and cook until fragrant.
Continue cooking until the fish is fully cooked. Season with fish sauce.Add sliced chili peppers.Finally, add basil leaves and cook until fragrant.
Finish the Curry

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

Tips

  • For a spicier curry, adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your preference.
  • You can add other seasonings like seasoning powder and MSG to taste.
  • Stir the curry frequently to prevent burning.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I substitute the catfish?

Yes! Firm white fish like cod or snapper work well. Adjust cooking time as needed; some fish cook faster than catfish.

2. Where can I find pickled bamboo shoots?

Most Asian grocery stores carry them, often in the canned goods aisle. You might also find them in some larger supermarkets with international food sections.


This Spicy Catfish Curry with Pickled Bamboo Shoots is a delicious and rewarding dish to prepare, perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. The vibrant flavors and satisfying textures will leave you wanting more. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and savor every bite of this authentic Thai-inspired creation!