Equipment
Ingredients
Main
- 45 ml vegetable oil
- 1 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 6mm cubes
- 2 g salt
- 1 g black pepper
- 48 g scallions, sliced
- 3 garlic, minced
- 8 g ginger, minced
- 450 g ground chicken
- 240 ml unsweetened full-fat coconut milk
- 30 g baby spinach
- 30 ml lime juice
- 8 g cilantro, chopped
- 400 g jasmine rice, cooked
- 5 ml hot sauce
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition is estimated per serving. Nutrients without complete source data are omitted.
Full nutrition
- Calories
- 842 kcal
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 102 g
- Fat
- 35 g
- Fiber
- 6 g
- Sugar
- 6 g
- Sodium
- 353 mg
- Saturated Fat
- 16 g
- Trans Fat
- 0 g
- Monounsaturated Fat
- 13 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat
- 4 g
- Cholesterol
- 97 mg
- Potassium
- 1232 mg
- Calcium
- 90 mg
- Iron
- 7.2 mg
- Magnesium
- 101 mg
- Phosphorus
- 425 mg
- Zinc
- 3.5 mg
- Vitamin A
- 615 mcg
- Vitamin C
- 11 mg
- Vitamin E
- 3.5 mg
- Vitamin K
- 64 mcg
- Vitamin B6
- 1.0 mg
- Vitamin B12
- 0.6 mcg
- Thiamin
- 0.80 mg
- Riboflavin
- 0.40 mg
- Niacin
- 11.5 mg
- Folate
- 274 mcg
- Water
- 221 g
Sources: Aggregated Public Data, USDA FoodData Central
Method
Heat 15ml (1 tbsp) of vegetable oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat (175°C/350°F).
Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and stir to coat. Cover and cook for 8 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until tender and golden.
Remove the cooked sweet potatoes from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Add the remaining 30ml (2 tbsp) of oil to the same skillet. Add the scallions, garlic, and ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground chicken to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5 minutes. Break the meat apart with a spoon until it is no longer pink and reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
Pour in the coconut milk and return the sweet potatoes to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Stir in the spinach until wilted, then remove from heat. Incorporate the lime juice and cilantro, adjusting salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the chicken and sweet potato mixture over cooked jasmine rice. Garnish with extra scallions, cilantro, and hot sauce if desired.
Chef's Notes
- For perfectly cooked sweet potatoes, aim for a uniform dice of about 6mm. This ensures they cook evenly without becoming mushy.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking the sweet potatoes. If necessary, cook them in batches to achieve a nice golden-brown sear rather than steaming them.
- When sautéing the aromatics (garlic and ginger), be mindful of the heat. Cook them just until fragrant to avoid burning, which can impart a bitter taste.
- Using full-fat, unsweetened coconut milk is crucial for achieving the desired creamy texture and rich flavor. Light coconut milk can result in a thinner sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end. The lime juice, salt, and pepper can be tweaked to balance the richness of the coconut milk and sweetness of the potatoes.
Storage
Refrigerator: 3 days — Store in an airtight container.
Freezer: 2 months — Potatoes may change texture slightly upon thawing.
Reheating: Microwave or stovetop until internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
Troubleshooting
Sweet potatoes are still hard after 8 minutes
Cause: Potatoes were diced larger than 6mm (1/4-inch) or the skillet was not covered
Fix: Add 30ml of water, cover, and steam for an additional 2-3 minutes
Prevention: Ensure a uniform small dice and keep the pan covered to trap steam
Sauce is too thin
Cause: Coconut milk was not simmered long enough to reduce
Fix: Simmer for an additional 2 minutes or stir in a small cornstarch slurry
Prevention: Maintain a steady simmer rather than a low heat
Cultural Context
This dish draws inspiration from the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly highlighting the creamy richness of coconut milk often found in curries and stews from countries like Thailand and Malaysia. The combination of sweet potatoes, ginger, and cilantro creates a comforting yet aromatic profile that is both accessible and deeply satisfying.
