Introduction
If you are looking for a delicious and vibrant dish that packs a punch of flavor, the Red Curry Chicken Stir Fry with Spicy Cashew Sauce is an excellent choice. This recipe combines tender chicken stir-fried in a rich red curry sauce with a creamy, spicy cashew sauce. Paired with steamed broccoli and served over fluffy rice, this meal is sure to delight your taste buds.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Red Curry Chicken Stir Fry:
– 1 lb. chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– Freshly ground black pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons avocado oil
– 2 tablespoons red curry paste
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
For the Spicy Cashew Sauce:
– 1 1/4 cup roasted salted cashews
– 1/2 cup water (more as needed)
– 2 tablespoons maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons sriracha
– 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 clove garlic
– Juice of 1–2 limes (about 2 tablespoons, or to taste)
– 1 teaspoon ginger paste or fresh ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
For Veggies and Other:
– 2 cups small steamed broccoli florets (about 1 small head of broccoli or 1 frozen steam-in-the-bag)
– 2–3 cups cooked rice
Prep Time
Approximately 15 minutes are needed for ingredient preparation, including chopping chicken and vegetables as well as measuring out ingredients.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cook time for this dish is about 20 minutes. Therefore, the total time to prepare this meal is around 35 minutes. This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week. Enjoy this delightful dish that brings an array of flavors and textures to your table!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Make the Spicy Cashew Sauce
Blend all sauce ingredients (roasted salted cashews, water, maple syrup, sriracha, soy sauce, garlic, lime juice, ginger paste, and kosher salt) in a high-powered blender until very smooth. Adjust the water as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
Prep the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into very thin pieces. In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken with cornstarch, garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to thoroughly coat the chicken.
Cook the Chicken
Heat the avocado oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the red curry paste and brown sugar to the pan and cook for a few minutes until the mixture becomes caramelized and bubbly. Then, add the seasoned chicken, tossing to coat it in the sauce. Allow the chicken to sit for several minutes to achieve a golden brown color. Flip the chicken and repeat this process until it is cooked through. If necessary, deglaze the pan by adding 1-2 tablespoons of water to lift any browned bits from the bottom.
Serve
Serve the cooked chicken over a bed of rice and alongside the steamed broccoli florets. Drizzle generously with the spicy cashew sauce.
Notes
Chicken Preparation
For more even cooking, try to cut the chicken into uniform thin pieces.
Cooking Temperature
Ensure the pan is hot enough before adding the chicken to create a nice sear.
Adjusting Spice Levels
Feel free to adjust the amount of sriracha in the cashew sauce according to your spice preference.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat.
Cook techniques
Preparing Chicken
Cut chicken breasts into very thin slices for quicker and more even cooking. Toss them in a mixture of cornstarch, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper to enhance flavor and create a light coating.
Cooking Chicken
Heat avocado oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add red curry paste and brown sugar, cooking until caramelized. Add your prepared chicken, allowing it to sit for several minutes for a golden brown crust before flipping to ensure thorough cooking.
Making Spicy Cashew Sauce
Combine all sauce ingredients in a high-powered blender and blend until very smooth. Adjust water as needed for the desired consistency.
Steaming Broccoli
Use small broccoli florets, either fresh or frozen steam-in-the-bag, and steam until tender to preserve their vibrant color and nutrients.
Serving
Serve the cooked chicken over a bed of rice alongside the steamed broccoli, and drizzle generously with the spicy cashew sauce for added flavor.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of oil for cooking?
Yes, you can substitute avocado oil with other oils like coconut oil or vegetable oil, but keep in mind that it may change the flavor of the dish slightly.
What can I use instead of chicken?
You can substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef, adjusting cooking times accordingly for different proteins.
How can I adjust the spice level of the dish?
To make the dish less spicy, reduce the amount of sriracha in the sauce, or omit it altogether. Conversely, add more sriracha or fresh chili for extra heat.
Can I prepare the spicy cashew sauce in advance?
Yes, the spicy cashew sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir or re-blend before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Conclusion
The Red Curry Chicken Stir Fry combined with the Spicy Cashew Sauce creates a deliciously balanced dish that is both savory and slightly sweet. The tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy sauce come together beautifully, making it a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any night of the week.
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