| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 530 | 24g | 6g | 48g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 13g | 3g | 35g | 1.12g |
Why I Love Malaysian Ayam Masak Merah
On a blustery and chilly Nebraska afternoon, warming oneself from the inside out with a comforting dish like Ayam Masak Merah is an absolute delight. Bringing the colorful and spicy flavors of Malaysia to the serene backdrop of the Midwestern plains, 
this recipe is a harmonious marriage of both my roots and the global flavors I’ve grown to love.
The Journey from Farm to Table
While many of my recipes often reflect the comfort and simplicity of heartland cuisine, Ayam Masak Merah stands out for its exotic notes. It reminds me of how a home kitchen can be a window to the greater world out there, and each recipe we create is a testament to the culinary traditions we pay homage to. Much like every Midwestern meal, the heart of this dish lies in its fresh ingredients, with each element playing a pivotal role in the orchestra of flavors.
A Spoonful of Inspiration
While I often look to famed chefs such as Rick Stein for inspiration, this time around, it was the resonating echoes of Malaysian street food booming in every corner of Penang that stirred my culinary instinct. From the heart-warming comfort food of my churchgatherings, to the zesty and piquant dishes I encountered during my travels, I learned that food indeed has the power to transport us beyond geographical boundaries.
A Feast for the Senses
Every spoonful of Ayam Masak Merah is a feast for the senses. Aside from its stunning visual appeal, it is the amalgamation of the zesty chilies, aromatic spices, and the plush chicken that make this dish an indulgent affair. To get the most out of it, consider pairing it with a simple cucumber and peanut salad or a vibrant yellow turmeric rice for a full Malaysian experience. Ayam Masak Merah is also similar to the beloved Malaysian dish, Ayam Goreng Berempah, often enjoyed during festive occasions and family gatherings.
To enjoy Ayam Masak Merah at your home, do ensure you have good quality ingredients – just as we ensure the freshness of our corn for the casserole, or the meat for our stews here in Nebraska. The result is an elaborate play of flavors that brings warmth to the heart, right from your kitchen to your dining table.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs Chicken (cut into pieces)
- 4 cups of Cooked Jasmine Rice
- 6 tablespoons of Cooking Oil
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
- 3 Cardamom Pods
- 3 Cloves
- 1 large Onion (finely sliced)
- 2 cloves of Garlic (finely minced)
- 1 tablespoon of Ginger (minced)
- 4 Red Chilies (deseeded and blended into a paste)
- 3 tablespoons of Tomato Paste
- 1 cup of Tomato Ketchup
- 2 tablespoons of Chili Sauce
- 1/2 cup of Water
- 1/2 cup of Evaporated Milk
- Salt and Sugar to taste
- Fresh Cilantro (for garnish)
Method
Step One
Heat the cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the cinnamon, cardamom pods and cloves, letting them sizzle for a few seconds.
Step Two
Add the finely sliced onions into the pan, cooking them until they turn a golden brown color. Follow this with the minced garlic and ginger, stir everything together and let it sauté for about 2 minutes.
Step Three
Next, include the blended red chilies in the mixture. Cook them continuously stirring to properly mix all the ingredients.
Step Four
Add the chicken pieces to the pan, turning them to make sure all pieces get evenly coated with the spice mixture. Cook until the chicken is slightly browned.
Step Five
Time to add in the tomato paste, tomato ketchup, chili sauce, and water. Stir well to combine all the components and ensure the chicken is well coated with the sauce. Cover the pan and let it simmer on a low to medium heat for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked and tender.
Step Six
Once the chicken is cooked, pour in the evaporated milk and add salt and sugar according to taste. Stir well until the sauce thickens up to your preferred consistency.
Step Seven
Serve this flavorful Ayam Masak Merah over cooked jasmine rice and garnish with fresh cilantro. Enjoy your meal!
