Dinner Party · Malaysian
Ayam Masak Merah
Chicken cooked in a spicy sambal sauce based on tomatoes. It is a bold, traditional Malaysian preparation.
Why This Works
The slow frying of the chili paste creates a deeply complex and spicy foundation that coats the chicken perfectly.
The Upgrade
Add a pinch of palm sugar for a hint of sweetness to balance the heat.
Chef's Secret
Michelin TechniquePatience is key during the chili frying stage; if the oil doesn't separate, the sambal will taste raw rather than robust.
Ingredients
Total time including resting: 45 min
Directions
Pan-sear chicken thighs in a skillet until golden brown, about 10 minutes; set aside.
10 minIn the same pan, fry the onions, ginger, and garlic for 5 minutes until soft.
5 minAdd chili paste and lemongrass, cooking for 8 minutes until oil separates from the paste (the sign of a well-developed base).
8 minStir in tomato puree and coconut milk; simmer for 5 minutes.
5 minReturn chicken to the pan; simmer covered for 10 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
10 minUncover and reduce for 5 minutes until the sauce is thick and vibrant red.
5 minRemove the lemongrass stalk before serving.
Wine Pairing
Grenache
Red Wine
The BottleChâteau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The warming spices of this Grenache-dominant blend mirror the sambal intensity. Its plush mouthfeel complements the tomato-based sauce without overpowering the chicken.
Nutrition per Serving
450
calories
30g
protein
15g
carbs
30g
fat
Make It a Complete Meal
Sides the kitchen recommends alongside this dish.
Side Dish
Acar Awak
A quick pickled vegetable medley of carrots and cucumber provides a necessary crunch and acidity to balance the rich, spicy tomato sambal.
Ingredients
Directions
Whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl until the solutes are fully dissolved.
Toss the julienned carrots and cucumbers into the vinegar brine, ensuring all surfaces are thoroughly coated.
Allow the vegetables to macerate at room temperature for 15 minutes to soften their structural integrity while maintaining a crisp bite.
Drain the excess liquid gently using a fine-mesh sieve.
Transfer the pickled vegetables to a serving vessel.
Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately alongside the warm Ayam Masak Merah.
Side Dish
Turmeric Rice
Cook white rice with a pinch of turmeric for a fragrant, golden starch that stands up to the bold flavors of the chicken.
Ingredients
Directions
Combine rice, chicken stock, turmeric, salt, butter, and star anise in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
Bring liquid to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring once to incorporate the turmeric.
Reduce heat to low, cover tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Remove from heat and allow the rice to steam, covered, for 5 additional minutes.
Remove the star anise and fluff the rice gently with a fork to ensure even distribution of color.
Serve immediately while hot to best complement the Ayam Masak Merah.
Member Reviews
How did it turn out?
Rate this recipe
Decent flavor. Needed a bit more seasoning for my taste.