This Khmer Chicken Curry Will Become Your Go-To Southeast Asian Stew

Luxurious, Zesty, and Bursting with South-East Asian Flavors

Inspired by Cambodian cuisine, this chicken dish offers a heartwarming blend of creaminess, spiciness, and deep aromas in a tantalizing curry. It transports the tastes of Southeast Asia directly to your home. This meal includes succulent pieces of chicken, fiery red curry paste, velvety potatoes, all simmered in a luscious coconut milk foundation. Despite being straightforward to make, it yields impressive outcomes. The combination of umami-rich oyster sauce and pungent fish sauce paired with zesty garlic, earthy curry powder, and smooth coconut milk lends an authentic Cambodian richness and depth. Should you seek a hearty, flavourful supper that’s also effortless to cook up, look no further than this delightful creation.

Easy Tips for Huge Taste

The uniqueness of this dish lies in its marinade—the chicken is coated with red curry paste, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and curry powder, establishing layers of flavour right from the beginning. For enhanced taste absorption, you have the option to leave it marinating overnight. Following a swift stir-fry with garlic, the seasoned chicken simmers gently in coconut milk until perfectly tender. Sweet yet crisp red onions are incorporated into the mix, along with boiled potatoes stirred through towards the finish to soak up every bit of aromatic gravy. Despite having complex flavours as though prepared over several hours, this meal actually comes together within just 60 minutes.

How to Present It—and Call It Yours

This curry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice to absorb the thick, flavorful sauce; however, it can easily be enjoyed on its own in a bowl as well. For those looking to personalize their dish, consider adding veggies such as green beans, bell peppers, or spinach. You could swap out chicken breasts for thighs or opt for tofu instead for a plant-based variation. This recipe is inherently free from dairy and brims with robust, heartwarming flavors that become even more delicious when reheated. It makes an excellent option for leftover meals or prepping ahead. No matter whether you're preparing a feast for visitors or simply longing for some comfort food with an international flair, this Cambodian curry hits all the right spots.

Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance? Which type of curry paste would you recommend using? Is it feasible to store the remaining portions in the freezer?

A Khmer cuisine featuring chicken, potatoes, and coconut milk.

I've visited Cambodia three times, and each visit left an indelible mark; I have immense affection for the nation, its residents, and particularly their cuisine. This inspiration led to crafting a recipe which remains close to my heart, despite having passed more than ten years since my last trip there.

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Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?

Indeed, it tends to taste even more delicious the following day. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days and warm it slowly over the stove when ready to serve.

Which type of curry paste do you recommend using?

For the most authentic taste, use a Thai-style red curry paste. If you prefer some extra spice, include another teaspoon or a diced chili.

Is it possible to freeze the remaining portions?

Certainly. This curry can be frozen successfully. Allow it to cool entirely first, then divide it into portions and place them in containers. You can keep it frozen for as long as two months. To serve, thaw and warm it gently over low heat.