Spice Up Your Week with Red Curry Chicken and Dreamy Cashew Sauce
Tired of the same old weeknight dinners? Craving something flavorful and exciting? Look no further! This red curry chicken stir-fry with a spicy cashew sauce is about to become your new go-to meal.
Imagine tender strips of chicken, caramelized in a rich red curry paste, nestled next to fluffy rice and vibrant green broccoli. Then, the star of the show: a generous drizzle of a luscious, garlicky, and slightly spicy cashew sauce that brings everything together in perfect harmony. This dish is not just delicious; it's also surprisingly easy to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of red curry, brown sugar, and the creamy cashew sauce creates an unforgettable taste that will keep you coming back for more.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this meal comes together in about 40 minutes.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to your liking.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters will enjoy the blend of familiar flavors and textures.
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 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 (plus more as needed)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic
- Juice of 1-2 limes
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste or fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Serving:
- 2 cups steamed broccoli florets
- 2-3 cups cooked rice
Let's Get Cooking!
- Make the Cashew Sauce: Combine all the sauce ingredients in a high-powered blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust water to reach desired consistency.
- Prepare the Chicken: Toss the sliced chicken with cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat avocado oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the red curry paste and brown sugar, cook until fragrant and bubbly. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Assemble: Serve the chicken over rice, alongside steamed broccoli, and generously drizzle with the spicy cashew sauce.
Tips and Variations
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to control the heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu or cauliflower.
- Nut-Free: Substitute the cashew sauce with a peanut sauce or gochujang sauce.
- Make Ahead: You can make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for 3-5 days.
The Sauce is the Secret!
The cashew sauce is not just a topping; it's a flavor enhancer that elevates this dish to a whole new level. Its creamy texture and bold flavors complement the caramelized chicken perfectly, making every bite a delight.
So, are you ready to ditch the boring dinners and spice up your week with this incredible red curry chicken stir-fry? Give it a try and let me know what you think!