Chef : Paul Watters

From : Belfast Ireland

30 Years in the hospitality industry

Recipe Creator – Writer

Ingredients For Bang Bang Chicken Curry (serves 4):

• 500g chicken mince (or finely chopped chicken breast/thigh)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 thumb-sized piece ginger, grated
• 1–2 fresh red chilies, finely chopped (adjust to heat preference)
• 1 tsp curry powder
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• 2 tbsp breadcrumbs (or panko)
• 1 tbsp plain flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oil (for frying)
• Pinch of salt & black pepper

Method:

1. In a bowl, mix chicken mince with onion, garlic, ginger, chilies, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, paprika, coriander, breadcrumbs, flour, soy sauce, and egg. Season with salt & pepper.
2. Shape into small “bon bon” balls (about golf ball size).
3. Heat a little oil in a pan, fry on medium heat until golden on all sides (8–10 minutes), or bake at 200°C for 18–20 minutes until cooked through.

Baby Gem Lettuce Salad with Curry Yogurt Dressing

Salad Ingredients:

• 2 heads baby gem lettuce, torn into leaves
• ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
• 6 radishes, thinly sliced
• 1 red onion, thin rings
• 2 tomatoes, wedges or mixed heritage tomatoes if available
• Handful of fresh coriander & mint leaves
• Optional: pickled onions, fresh chili slices, toasted cashews/peanuts

Curry Yogurt Dressing Ingredients:

• 200g Greek yogurt (or thick natural yogurt)
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional, for creaminess)
• 1 tbsp curry powder (mild or hot to taste)
• ½ tsp turmeric
• Juice of ½ lime or lemon
• 1 tsp honey or sugar
• Pinch of chili flakes or cayenne (optional)
• Salt & black pepper to taste

Dressing Method:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, mayonnaise (if using), curry powder, turmeric, lime juice, honey, and season with salt & pepper.
2. Chill until ready to serve.  
3. Get ready to serve 

• Arrange baby gem salad on a platter with cucumber, radish, onion, tomato, and herbs.
• Place the hot chicken bon bons on top.
• Drizzle with curry yogurt dressing and sprinkle with extra chili slices, coriander leaves, and a dusting of paprika or chili powder.
• Serve with lime wedges on the side

This Bang Bang Chicken Curry recipe promises a dining experience that’s both comforting and exciting. Crispy, golden chicken meets a spiced curry base with just the right amount of heat, while fresh herbs lift every bite. It’s a dish that delights the senses and leaves you craving more.