Description

When you’re craving something warm, creamy, and full of flavor with a tropical twist, there’s nothing quite like Dragon Fruit and Coconut Chicken Curry. This vibrant and fragrant dish brings together tender chicken, luscious coconut milk, and the subtle sweetness of dragon fruit for a unique curry that’s as visually stunning as it is comforting.

This recipe takes classic coconut curry to a bold new level with the unexpected burst of pink from dragon fruit. The result? A dish that’s slightly sweet, delightfully creamy, mildly spiced, and loaded with both nutrition and flavor. Whether you’re cooking to impress or just treating yourself to something special, this curry is a must-try.

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Ingredients

Scale

For the Curry:

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup fresh dragon fruit (preferably red-fleshed), cubed
1 (14 oz) can coconut milk
1 tablespoon coconut oil or neutral oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons red curry paste (or adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon fish sauce or soy sauce
1 teaspoon lime juice
Salt & pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro or Thai basil, for garnish
Cooked jasmine rice or rice noodles, for serving

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Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet or wok, heat coconut oil over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
Stir in garlic and ginger and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the pan. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Cook for 4–5 minutes until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through.

Step 3: Add Curry Base

Stir in red curry paste and coat the chicken well.
Pour in coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add Dragon Fruit & Seasoning

Stir in dragon fruit cubes and let the curry simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce slightly thickens.
Add fish sauce (or soy sauce), lime juice, and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Remove from heat and let sit for 2 minutes.
Serve hot over jasmine rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro or Thai basil.

Notes

Use Red-Fleshed Dragon Fruit – It adds beautiful pink color and subtle sweetness.
Adjust Heat – Add chili flakes or fresh Thai chilies if you want a spicier kick.
Make It Vegetarian – Substitute tofu or chickpeas for chicken.
Add Veggies – Bell peppers, snow peas, or spinach pair beautifully with this curry.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Southeast Asian Inspired