Introduction
Red Curry Chicken Stir Fry combines the warming flavors of red curry with tender chicken and vibrant veggies, all topped with a creamy spicy cashew sauce. This easy and delicious dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering an exciting twist on classic stir fry.
Ingredients
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
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
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
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
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, and kosher salt—in a high-powered blender until very smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add more water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Prep the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into very thin pieces to ensure quick cooking and tenderness. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken
In a nonstick pan, heat avocado oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add red curry paste and brown sugar. Cook for a few minutes, stirring, until the mixture is caramelized and bubbly. Add the chicken to the pan and toss to coat thoroughly in the sauce. Let the chicken sit for several minutes without stirring to achieve a golden brown color on one side. Flip the chicken and repeat cooking until it is cooked through. If any browned bits stick to the pan, deglaze by adding 1-2 tablespoons of water and scraping the bottom of the pan.
Serve
Serve the cooked chicken over a bed of rice and alongside the steamed broccoli. Drizzle generously with the spicy cashew sauce, ensuring an even distribution of flavor.
Notes
Chicken Preparation
For the best texture, ensure the chicken is cut into uniform thin slices. This allows for even cooking and helps to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Spicy Cashew Sauce Consistency
Adjust the thickness of the spicy cashew sauce by controlling the amount of water added during blending. Start with ½ cup and gradually add more based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with a variety of vegetables. Consider adding bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for additional color and nutrition.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Cook Techniques
Preparing Ingredients
Cut chicken breasts into very thin pieces for quicker cooking and better flavor absorption. Measure and prepare all sauce ingredients to ensure a smooth blending process.
Coating Chicken
Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper to create a light coating. This helps the chicken to develop a crispy texture when cooked.
Sautéing
Heat avocado oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. This ensures an even cooking temperature that helps to sear and caramelize the chicken, enhancing flavor.
Deglazing the Pan
After cooking the chicken, if there are browned bits stuck to the pan, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to deglaze. This will help lift those flavors into the dish and create a cohesive sauce.
Blending Sauce
Use a high-powered blender to combine ingredients for the spicy cashew sauce until very smooth. This technique ensures that the sauce is creamy and well-mixed, preventing any chunky texture.
Serving
Serve the chicken over a bed of cooked rice with steamed broccoli and drizzle generously with spicy cashew sauce for a complete meal presentation.
FAQ
Can I use different vegetables in the stir fry?
Yes, you can substitute or add different vegetables based on your preference, such as bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots.
What can I substitute for avocado oil?
You can use other neutral oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, or coconut oil if avocado oil is not available.
Is there a vegan alternative for the chicken?
Yes, you can replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh and follow the same cooking techniques.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the cashew sauce?
Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of sriracha for less heat or add more for a spicier kick.
How long does the spicy cashew sauce keep?
The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container. Just give it a good stir before using.
Conclusion
This Red Curry Chicken Stir Fry is a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the warmth of red curry with the crunch of fresh veggies and the richness of spicy cashew sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it’s a satisfying dish that balances protein, greens, and carbohydrates beautifully.
Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Use the spicy cashew sauce to create flavorful lettuce wraps with cooked chicken and shredded carrots, topped with diced cucumbers and fresh herbs.
Veggie Stir Fry with Red Curry Sauce
Substitute the chicken with a mix of bell peppers, snap peas, and mushrooms, tossing them with the red curry paste and serving over rice.
Quinoa Bowl with Spicy Cashew Sauce
Replace rice with quinoa, adding roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, zucchini, and chickpeas, drizzled with the spicy cashew sauce.
Thai Red Curry Soup
Transform the red curry ingredients into a soup by adding coconut milk, broth, and your choice of vegetables, simmering until tender and served with noodles.
Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
Skip the red curry and instead create a creamy Alfredo sauce to coat the chicken and broccoli, serving it over pasta for a comfort food twist.
