Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 large onion, halved and sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
  • 3 lbs boneless chicken thighs or 3 lbs boneless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh hot red chili pepper
  • 4 stalks lemongrass, green tops removed then pale ends,finely chopped or 2 tablespoons dried lemongrass, soaked in water for 20 minutes,water discarded
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 4 tablespoons fish sauce or 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 ounces unsweetened coconut milk (not coconut water)

Method

  • Melt butter in a large skillet on medium heat.
  • Add half the onion and all of the garlic and cook, until they both begin to soften, about 7 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Add salt, pepper, sugar, ginger and chicken.
  • Cook until the sugar melts and chicken begins to brown, approximately 15 minutes.
  • Add the rest of the onion, chile peppers, lemon grass, curry powder, soy sauce, fish sauce (or Worcestershire sauce), and the coconut milk.
  • Stir, lower heat to medium-low and cover.
  • Cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the middle, about 10 minutes.
  • Remove lid and simmer until the sauce thickens and the chicken is tender, about 10 more minutes.
  • Serve warm over a bed of rice noodles, or whatever plain starch you prefer.