Elaine GordonAs I sipped on my favorite hot sauce while preparing meals for the week, my stomach growled at the thought of vibrant flavors dancing together. If you’re like me, you might be looking for the perfect companions to a hearty dish like Trader Joe’s yellow curry.
A side of steamed jasmine rice is a natural fit. Its fluffy grains soak up the flavorful sauce nicely. Fresh vegetables, like sautéed green beans or a crisp cucumber salad, add a refreshing crunch. Perhaps you fancy some naan bread to dip into the curry? Trust me; the satisfaction is real when you mop up every last bit with warm bread. Let your taste buds explore these partnerships as we dive into making this scrumptious dish!
Cooking has always been a joy for me, yet sometimes time feels too tight to indulge in elaborate meals. Here’s where Trader Joe’s yellow curry shines. This recipe doesn’t just bring enticing flavor; it offers simplicity and health benefits. I adore recipes that are packed with nutrients but don’t require extensive prep.
This yellow curry is one such gem. It combines lean protein, colorful veggies, and an aromatic sauce that packs a punch. Whether you’re feeding a family or whipping up a personal feast, it’s a winner. Plus, it holds well in the fridge, so leftovers just make the next day even better.
My Journey with the Ingredients
Let’s talk ingredients. Cooking really transforms how we perceive food and nutrition. When I picked up the chicken breasts, I didn’t just see meat; I saw a canvas for flavor and nutrition. Some might roll their eyes at the mention of vegetables, but trust me, there’s a whole world of flavor and texture hidden inside that vibrant produce aisle.
Take the carrots; those lovely orange rounds not only bring sweetness but also add crunch. I remember an eye-opening moment when I realized how vital color is in our meals. Eating colorful foods ensures diversity in our nutrient intake. What about those bell peppers? Their sweetness balances the curry’s spicy depths. And potatoes—oh, where do I start? Creamy and filling, they provide a comforting base that makes every bite fulfilling.
Ingredients List
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch by 2-inch strips
- 1 cup peeled carrots, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 cup peeled potatoes, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 ½ cups bell peppers (any color), sliced into ¼-inch strips (about 2 peppers)
- ½ cup sliced onions
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (such as canola or grapeseed)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 11 ounces of Trader Joe’s golden curry sauce
- ½ bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup jasmine rice (uncooked)
How to Make Trader Joe’s Yellow Curry
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
First things first. Let’s bring the jasmine rice to life. Rinse 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. It’s a game-changer! I always find that rinsing makes the rice less sticky. In a pot, add the rice and 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. When it’s done, fluff it with a fork, and it’s ready to soak up the delicious sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the rice is happily cooking, grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, toss in the chicken strips. I always season them with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder right away. This helps infuse flavor as they cook. Sauté until the chicken turns golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Next up, add ½ cup of sliced onions, 1 cup of sliced carrots, and 1 cup of sliced potatoes to the skillet. Stir them around for a couple of minutes. It’s amazing how those colors pop in the pan! After a few minutes, once the onions are translucent, toss in 1 ½ cups of bell peppers. Keep stirring until those veggies soften, about 5 minutes more.
Step 4: Bring in the Curry Sauce
Time to amp up the flavor! Pour in the 11 ounces of Trader Joe’s golden curry sauce. You’ll smell that warm, inviting aroma filling your kitchen. Stir everything well to combine, and allow it to simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes. This lets the chicken absorb the sauce and all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Now that everything is cooked and the kitchen smells like a dream, it’s time to plate. I love serving this curry over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice. It’s like a hug in a bowl. Garnish with fresh ½ bunch of chopped cilantro for that refreshing twist.
Recipe Notes
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: A lean protein that cooks quickly. You can swap it for tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Jasmine rice: Known for its fragrant qualities and slight stickiness, jasmine rice pairs exceptionally with curry.
- Bell peppers: Each color has its own distinct flavor. I love mixing them up!
- Curry sauce: Trader Joe’s product makes it easy to whip up a flavorful dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Delight: Substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu. You’ll still get a protein-packed meal.
- Additional Veggies: Throw in some broccoli or snap peas for extra crunch. Give it a boost of color too!
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of chili paste or diced jalapeños if you prefer a spicy twist.
- Coconut Cream: Stir in a splash of coconut milk for a creamier sauce. It also adds a subtle sweetness.
- Rice Alternatives: Try quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
Trader Joe’s Yellow Curry Recipe
Equipment
- Pot
- Fork
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch by 2-inch strips
- 1 cup peeled carrots sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 cup peeled potatoes sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 ½ cups bell peppers any color, sliced into ¼-inch strips (about 2 peppers)
- ½ cup sliced onions
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil such as canola or grapeseed
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 11 ounces of Trader Joe’s golden curry sauce
- ½ bunch fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 cup jasmine rice uncooked
Instructions
- First things first. Let’s bring the jasmine rice to life. Rinse 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. It’s a game-changer! I always find that rinsing makes the rice less sticky. In a pot, add the rice and 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. When it’s done, fluff it with a fork, and it’s ready to soak up the delicious sauce.
- While the rice is happily cooking, grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, toss in the chicken strips. I always season them with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder right away. This helps infuse flavor as they cook. Sauté until the chicken turns golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Next up, add ½ cup of sliced onions, 1 cup of sliced carrots, and 1 cup of sliced potatoes to the skillet. Stir them around for a couple of minutes. It’s amazing how those colors pop in the pan! After a few minutes, once the onions are translucent, toss in 1 ½ cups of bell peppers. Keep stirring until those veggies soften, about 5 minutes more.
- Time to amp up the flavor! Pour in the 11 ounces of Trader Joe’s golden curry sauce. You’ll smell that warm, inviting aroma filling your kitchen. Stir everything well to combine, and allow it to simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes. This lets the chicken absorb the sauce and all the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Now that everything is cooked and the kitchen smells like a dream, it’s time to plate. I love serving this curry over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice. It’s like a hug in a bowl. Garnish with fresh ½ bunch of chopped cilantro for that refreshing twist.
Notes
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: A lean protein that cooks quickly. You can swap it for tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Jasmine rice: Known for its fragrant qualities and slight stickiness, jasmine rice pairs exceptionally with curry.
- Bell peppers: Each color has its own distinct flavor. I love mixing them up!
- Curry sauce: Trader Joe’s product makes it easy to whip up a flavorful dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
And there you have it, my take on Trader Joe’s yellow curry. This recipe is more than just a simple meal; it’s an exploration of shape, color, and flavor all rolled into one. Each ingredient works harmoniously together, giving you a comforting dish that feels both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family dinner or a cozy night alone, it never fails to please. So gather your ingredients, invite someone over (or not—I’m not judging!) and savor the delightful experience of making something delicious. Happy cooking!
