Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something flavorful and exotic but short on time? Then look no further! This recipe uses Trader Joe's incredible Thai Red Curry Sauce as a shortcut to a delicious and healthy meal. It's a fantastic example of how easy homemade cooking can be, perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. This recipe is packed with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, making it a vibrant and satisfying dish the whole family will love. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 (16-ounce) jar Trader Joe's Thai Red Curry Sauce
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (or tofu for a vegetarian option)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup snow peas
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Optional: 1 red chili, finely chopped (for extra heat)
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add Vegetables: Add the sliced bell peppers and cook for 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender-crisp.
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Simmer the Curry: Pour in the full-fat coconut milk and Trader Joe's Thai Red Curry Sauce. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
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Cook the Protein: Add the chicken (or tofu) to the sauce and cook until it's cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink. If using tofu, ensure it's heated thoroughly.
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Add Final Vegetables: Stir in the broccoli florets and snow peas. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
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Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro. Serve hot over cooked rice.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Thai Red Curry:
- Don't overcook the vegetables! You want them to retain a bit of their crispness.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the amount of Thai red curry paste or omit the chili. For extra heat, add more chili or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Use full-fat coconut milk: It creates a richer and creamier sauce.
- Add protein of your choice: Shrimp, beef, or even chickpeas would work well in this recipe.
Variations:
- Vegetable Curry: Omit the chicken and add your favorite vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms.
- Peanut Curry: Stir in a tablespoon or two of peanut butter at the end for a creamy peanut curry flavor.
- Coconut Rice: For an extra touch of coconut flavor, cook your rice in coconut milk instead of water.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: 25-35g
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This quick and easy Trader Joe's Thai Red Curry Sauce recipe is a delicious and healthy addition to your weekly meal plan. It's a perfect example of how simple ingredients and smart shortcuts can lead to amazing results in the kitchen. Enjoy!