Introduction
This delicious and comforting dish combines ground chicken with a rich blend of curry flavors, creamy coconut milk, and satisfying noodles. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is easy to follow and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. With the addition of spinach and a sprinkle of peanuts, this dish not only packs a flavor punch but also delivers on nutrition.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 tablespoon oil
1 garlic clove, minced
200g (7 oz) chicken mince (ground chicken)
1 teaspoon curry powder
1½ tablespoons red curry paste, divided
1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
1½ cups low-sodium chicken stock/broth
¾ cup full-fat coconut milk (approximately half a can)
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
3 tablespoons peanut butter
2 instant ramen or noodle cakes (70-100g each; discard seasoning packets)
2 large handfuls baby spinach
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Yield
Serves 2-3
Instructions
1. Sauté Garlic: Heat oil in a medium skillet over high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 20 seconds until golden.
2. Cook Chicken: Add chicken mince and cook for 2 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks, until it mostly changes from pink to white.
3. Add Flavorings: Add 1 tablespoon red curry paste, curry powder, and soy sauce. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Cook Extra Curry Paste: Clear a space in the middle of the pan, add the remaining ½ tablespoon red curry paste, and stir for 30 seconds.
5. Simmer Stock: Add chicken stock, bring to a simmer, then reduce to medium-high heat. Simmer for 1 minute.
6. Add Noodles: Place the noodle cakes into the skillet, pushing the chicken aside so the noodles are as submerged as possible.
7. Cook Noodles: Let the noodles cook for 45 seconds, then flip them. Cook for another 30 seconds, then separate the noodles with two wooden spoons.
8. Add Peanut Sauce: Push the noodles aside, add coconut milk, peanut butter, and cider vinegar. Quickly mix to mostly dissolve the peanut butter.
9. Toss with Spinach: Add baby spinach and toss with the noodles for 30 seconds until wilted. Ensure the dish remains saucy.
10. Serve: Transfer to serving bowls, sprinkle with chopped peanuts, coriander, and Sriracha or chili paste if desired.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Sauté Garlic
Heat oil in a medium skillet over high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 20 seconds until golden.
Cook Chicken
Add chicken mince and cook for 2 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks, until it mostly changes from pink to white.
Add Flavorings
Add 1 tablespoon red curry paste, curry powder, and soy sauce. Cook for 1 minute.
Cook Extra Curry Paste
Clear a space in the middle of the pan, add the remaining ½ tablespoon red curry paste, and stir for 30 seconds.
Simmer Stock
Add chicken stock, bring to a simmer, then reduce to medium-high heat. Simmer for 1 minute.
Add Noodles
Place the noodle cakes into the skillet, pushing the chicken aside so the noodles are as submerged as possible.
Cook Noodles
Let the noodles cook for 45 seconds, then flip them. Cook for another 30 seconds, then separate the noodles with two wooden spoons.
Add Peanut Sauce
Push the noodles aside, add coconut milk, peanut butter, and cider vinegar. Quickly mix to mostly dissolve the peanut butter.
Toss with Spinach
Add baby spinach and toss with the noodles for 30 seconds until wilted. Ensure the dish remains saucy.
Serve
Transfer to serving bowls, sprinkle with chopped peanuts, coriander, and Sriracha or chili paste if desired.
Notes
Oil Type
Consider using a neutral oil such as vegetable or canola oil for cooking.
Chicken Mince
Make sure chicken mince is fresh and check for any excess fat that might need trimming.
Curry Paste
Adjust the amount of red curry paste based on your spice preference.
Noodles
You can substitute instant ramen with any other noodle type you prefer, but cooking times may vary.
Spinach
Feel free to replace baby spinach with other greens like kale or bok choy for a different flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a lime wedge for an extra burst of flavor when serving.
Cook Techniques
Sauté Garlic
Heat oil in a medium skillet over high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for a short time until it becomes golden. This step enhances the flavor base for the dish.
Cook Chicken
Add chicken mince to the skillet and cook it for a few minutes while breaking it apart. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and remains tender.
Add Flavorings
Incorporate additional spices and sauces such as red curry paste and soy sauce, stirring them into the chicken. This step boosts the depth of flavor.
Cook Extra Curry Paste
Make space in the pan and add remaining red curry paste. Stir for a few seconds to deepen the flavor profile before combining with other ingredients.
Simmer Stock
Add chicken stock to the pan, bringing it to a simmer. This step helps to meld the flavors together and create a rich sauce.
Add Noodles
Introduce the noodle cakes into the skillet, pushing the chicken aside to ensure the noodles are submerged in the broth. This allows the noodles to absorb the flavors.
Cook Noodles
Allow the noodles to cook briefly before flipping them. This helps achieve uniform cooking and prevents sticking.
Add Peanut Sauce
Push the noodles aside and combine coconut milk, peanut butter, and cider vinegar in the pan. Mix thoroughly to dissolve the peanut butter into the sauce.
Toss with Spinach
Add baby spinach to the skillet and toss it with the noodles until wilted. This adds freshness and color to the dish.
Serve
Transfer the prepared dish to serving bowls and garnish with chopped peanuts, coriander, and Sriracha or chili paste as desired. This final touch adds texture and spice.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken mince?
Yes, you can substitute chicken mince with other ground meats like turkey or pork, but cooking times may vary.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the chicken mince with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
What can I substitute for peanut butter?
You can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as alternatives to peanut butter if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can add more red curry paste or incorporate fresh chilies or your favorite chili sauce to increase the heat.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop for the best results.
Conclusion
This flavorful dish combines the richness of coconut milk and the nutty essence of peanut butter with tender chicken and hearty noodles, creating a comforting meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. The warm spices and fresh spinach add depth and nutrients, making it a well-rounded option for any day of the week.
Peanut Butter Chicken Stir-Fry
For a twist, stir-fry your chicken mince with vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli, adding peanut butter and soy sauce for a quick meal.
Coconut Curry Soup
Transform this recipe into a soup by increasing the chicken stock and adding more vegetables like carrots and snow peas.
Spicy Thai Noodles
Add more heat with extra Sriracha or chili paste, and consider tossing in some diced tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Swap chicken mince for shrimp and use lemon juice along with the vinegar for a bright, zesty flavor.
Vegetarian Noodles
Use chickpeas instead of chicken mince and add a variety of vegetables such as zucchini and bell peppers for a vegetarian version.
Curried Lentil Noodles
Replace chicken mince with cooked lentils and use the same spices for a protein-rich, vegetarian-friendly dish.
