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Khua Kling from Thailand

Photo: Zheng Zhou · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Meat & Grills Thailand

Khua Kling

Very spicy southern Thai dry curry of minced meat stir-fried with curry paste.

Also known as Khua Kling Beef

Southern Thailand
Last updated Oct 25, 2026 · Reviewed by the WhatWhereVacay editorial team

About Khua Kling

Minced beef, pork or chicken is stir-fried in a dry pan with a pounded paste of chilies, turmeric, lemongrass, galangal and garlic until little liquid remains. The result is intensely hot, aromatic and salty, with a strong turmeric colour. Kaffir lime leaves and shaved lime peel are often added at the end.

History & Culture

Khua kling comes from southern Thai cooking, which is known for its strong use of turmeric, chilies and shrimp paste. It is a dry curry (kling) rather than a coconut-milk curry, and is among the spiciest dishes in the Thai repertoire.

Sources: none cited yet. The description and history on this page are AI-assisted and reviewed by the WhatWhereVacay editorial team; they are not taken from a cited reference, so check details locally before you rely on them. How we use AI

Where to eat it

Eaten with steamed rice and fresh vegetables or bitter beans to balance the heat.

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Ingredients
Steps

Khua Kling - frequently asked questions

What is Khua Kling?

Minced beef, pork or chicken is stir-fried in a dry pan with a pounded paste of chilies, turmeric, lemongrass, galangal and garlic until little liquid remains. The result is intensely hot, aromatic and salty, with a strong turmeric colour.

What is Khua Kling made of?

Khua Kling is made with Minced beef or pork, Dried red chilies, Fresh turmeric, Lemongrass, Galangal and Garlic. Recipes vary by region and by cook, but those are the core ingredients.

Where does Khua Kling come from?

Khua Kling comes from Thailand, and is especially associated with Southern Thailand. Khua kling comes from southern Thai cooking, which is known for its strong use of turmeric, chilies and shrimp paste.

Where can I eat Khua Kling?

Eaten with steamed rice and fresh vegetables or bitter beans to balance the heat.

What else is Khua Kling called?

Khua Kling is also known as Khua Kling Beef.

More traditional dishes from Thailand

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