Pound all paste ingredients in a mortar until smooth and fragrant, forming a red curry paste.
6 g dried red chilies, 12 g shallots, 12 g garlic, 3 g galangal, 5 g lemongrass, 2 g white peppercorns, 2 g cilantro root, 1 teaspoon makrut lime zest, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon shrimp paste
Cook
Heat the oil in a wok over medium heat, then fry the curry paste until very fragrant and the red oil separates.
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Add the pork and stir-fry until almost cooked through.
250 g pork
Stir in the yardlong beans, season with fish sauce and palm sugar, and toss until the beans remain green and the curry is nearly dry. Finish with the makrut lime leaves and serve immediately.
140 g yardlong beans, 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 tablespoon palm sugar, 4 leaves makrut lime
Notes
Pad prik khing is a dry curry with no coconut milk; fry the paste thoroughly to release its vivid red color and fragrance.
Add the makrut lime leaves at the end to preserve their bright citrus aroma.
A quick cook keeps the beans crisp and the color vibrant red-orange.