Elaine GordonBefore diving into this delightful recipe, let’s talk about what to serve alongside your Thai curry. This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy jasmine rice. I often steam a batch while the curry simmers, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. For a bit of crunch, a simple cucumber salad can also complement the warmth of the curry. It’s light, fresh, and provides a nice contrast.
Now, if you’re feeling adventurous, consider softening up some warm naan bread. Not to forget, a glass of chilled Thai iced tea can round out the experience. Trust me, this combination will be the star of your dinner table.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
I’m a big fan of quick recipes that don’t skimp on flavor. Trader Joe’s Thai Curry Recipe stands out as a go-to meal because of its balance of convenience and taste. As a registered dietitian, I find that this dish is not only delicious but also brings a medley of nutrients. The vibrant colors from the veggies provide essential vitamins while the chicken offers lean protein.
Using pre-made ingredients like Trader Joe’s red curry sauce cuts down on prep time. With just one bottle, I can whip up a flavorful dish in under 30 minutes. As a busy person, I know how alluring that is! Plus, this recipe is versatile. You can easily swap out proteins or vegetables based on what you have on hand.
Personal Touch: Ingredients in My Kitchen
Let me tell you about these ingredients. I love how each one brings character to the dish. The chicken tenders are tender, juicy, and perfect for soaking up the curry flavors. Coconut oil? It adds a buttery richness that’s hard to beat.
And then there’s the yellow onion. The golden hue becomes a delightful base once sautéed. The red bell pepper gives a beautiful crunch and sweetness, while broccoli introduces a vibrant green element.
I rely heavily on garlic granules—they’re handy and versatile. Dried onion flakes complement the fresh stuff, giving a depth that just works.
Now, here’s where things get tasty: Trader Joe’s Thai red curry sauce. This sauce is my secret weapon. It’s rich, flavorful, and eliminates the guesswork. For creaminess, the coconut cream is a game changer.
Finally, I top everything off with green onions and fresh cilantro. These herbs don’t just look good; they elevate the dish’s flavor profile with their own unique zest. A splash of lime juice and a dash of fish sauce ties everything together.
Ingredients List
- 1 pound chicken tenders, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- Half a head of broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
- 2 teaspoons garlic granules
- 2 teaspoons dried onion flakes
- 1 bottle of Trader Joe’s Thai red curry sauce
- ¾ cup rich coconut cream
- 1 bunch green onions, finely chopped
- ½ bunch fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
How to Make Trader Joe’s Thai Curry
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before even turning on the stove, I like to have all my ingredients ready. Slice the onion, bell pepper, and broccoli as described above. Trim the chicken tenders. This prep saves time and makes the cooking process smoother.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pan, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Once melted, add the sliced onion. Sauté it for a few minutes until it becomes translucent. The smell? Absolutely fragrant, trust me.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Now, toss in the red bell pepper and broccoli. Stir them around for about five minutes. They should begin to soften but not lose their crunch. At this point, sprinkle in the garlic granules and dried onion flakes. It’s aroma time!
Step 4: Introduce the Chicken
Add the trimmed chicken tenders to the pan. Cook until they’re no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 5: The Magic of Curry Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked through, it’s time for the star of the show: pour in the Trader Joe’s Thai red curry sauce and the coconut cream. Stir it all together and watch as it transforms into a luscious curry. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes.
Step 6: Final Touches
Near the end of cooking time, add the lime juice and fish sauce. These ingredients add a complex tang that really pulls everything together. Check for salt and pepper, and adjust to your liking.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle the diced green onions and cilantro over the top. Serve the curry over jasmine rice or alongside naan. Your meal is ready to impress!
Recipe Notes
- Chicken Tenders: They are naturally lean and cook quickly. If you prefer, swap for tofu or shrimp for different protein options.
- Coconut Oil: This oil not only lends its flavor but also possesses health benefits due to its medium-chain triglycerides.
- Yellow Onion: Choosing a large onion ensures the base has enough sweetness as it cooks.
- Red Bell Pepper: The sweetness balances the spice from the curry sauce, making it more approachable.
- Broccoli: This veggie adds fiber and vitamins. You can replace it with green beans or snap peas if desired.
- Garlic Granules: For those garlic lovers, fresh minced garlic works too, but I find granules more convenient.
- Thai Red Curry Sauce: This sauce serves as a great shortcut. The flavors are well-rounded and pack a punch.
- Coconut Cream: It thickens the sauce, making it creamy without being too heavy.
- Green Onions and Cilantro: Fresh herbs add a bright finish and contrast with the richness of the curry.
- Lime Juice: Always add citrus toward the end to maintain its freshness.
- Fish Sauce: That’s what brings umami depth. Use soy sauce for a vegetarian twist.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
- Seafood Twist: Add shrimp or fish for a coastal vibe.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of curry sauce if you want a milder dish, or add chili flakes for a kick.
- Additional Veggies: Feel free to swap in zucchini or snap peas based on your preferences.
- Nutty Flavor: Toss in some cashews or peanuts for added texture and a nutty flavor.
- Grain Options: Serve over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a different carb choice.
Trader Joe’s Thai Curry Recipe
Equipment
- Large pan
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders trimmed
- 3 tablespoons of coconut oil
- 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper julienned
- Half a head of broccoli cut into bite-sized florets
- 2 teaspoons garlic granules
- 2 teaspoons dried onion flakes
- 1 bottle of Trader Joe’s Thai red curry sauce
- ¾ cup rich coconut cream
- 1 bunch green onions finely chopped
- ½ bunch fresh cilantro coarsely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
Instructions
- Before even turning on the stove, I like to have all my ingredients ready. Slice the onion, bell pepper, and broccoli as described above. Trim the chicken tenders. This prep saves time and makes the cooking process smoother.
- In a large pan, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Once melted, add the sliced onion. Sauté it for a few minutes until it becomes translucent. The smell? Absolutely fragrant, trust me.
- Now, toss in the red bell pepper and broccoli. Stir them around for about five minutes. They should begin to soften but not lose their crunch. At this point, sprinkle in the garlic granules and dried onion flakes. It’s aroma time!
- Add the trimmed chicken tenders to the pan. Cook until they’re no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, it’s time for the star of the show: pour in the Trader Joe’s Thai red curry sauce and the coconut cream. Stir it all together and watch as it transforms into a luscious curry. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Near the end of cooking time, add the lime juice and fish sauce. These ingredients add a complex tang that really pulls everything together. Check for salt and pepper, and adjust to your liking.
- Finally, remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle the diced green onions and cilantro over the top. Serve the curry over jasmine rice or alongside naan. Your meal is ready to impress!
Notes
- Chicken Tenders: They are naturally lean and cook quickly. If you prefer, swap for tofu or shrimp for different protein options.
- Coconut Oil: This oil not only lends its flavor but also possesses health benefits due to its medium-chain triglycerides.
- Yellow Onion: Choosing a large onion ensures the base has enough sweetness as it cooks.
- Red Bell Pepper: The sweetness balances the spice from the curry sauce, making it more approachable.
- Broccoli: This veggie adds fiber and vitamins. You can replace it with green beans or snap peas if desired.
- Garlic Granules: For those garlic lovers, fresh minced garlic works too, but I find granules more convenient.
- Thai Red Curry Sauce: This sauce serves as a great shortcut. The flavors are well-rounded and pack a punch.
- Coconut Cream: It thickens the sauce, making it creamy without being too heavy.
- Green Onions and Cilantro: Fresh herbs add a bright finish and contrast with the richness of the curry.
- Lime Juice: Always add citrus toward the end to maintain its freshness.
- Fish Sauce: That’s what brings umami depth. Use soy sauce for a vegetarian twist.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Wrapping Up with a Bow
I hope this Trader Joe’s Thai Curry recipe finds a spot in your meal rotation. It’s an easy, flavorful dish that captures the essence of home-cooked meals without excessive effort. With minimal prep and a suite of vibrant ingredients, you can impress family or friends—or just treat yourself!
So go ahead and give this recipe a shot. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone flocking to the table. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, it’s bound to be a hit. Don’t forget to comment below with your experiences or variations! Happy cooking!
