Ayam Masak Merah Recipe – Spicy Malay Red Chicken You’ll Love at First Bite

 📌 Learn how to make authentic Ayam Masak Merah at home — a rich, spicy-sweet tomato-based chicken dish beloved across Malaysia.


Ayam Masak Merah – Spicy Malay red chicken with tomato gravy and garnished with fresh coriander

🌶️ What Is Ayam Masak Merah?

Ayam Masak Merah, which means “red-cooked chicken” in Malay, is a comforting Malaysian dish where fried chicken is simmered in a thick, spicy tomato-based sauce. It's aromatic, flavorful, and often enjoyed during celebrations or family dinners. This recipe delivers the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and richness — ideal for serving with steamed rice or nasi tomato.

🛒 Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 500g chicken (bone-in pieces or drumsticks)

  • 1 tsp turmeric powder

  • ½ tsp salt

  • Oil for frying

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp oil

  • 1 large onion, sliced

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1-inch ginger, sliced thinly

  • 3 tbsp chili paste (blend dried chilies or use store-bought)

  • 4 tbsp tomato ketchup

  • 1 tbsp chili sauce (optional, for extra heat)

  • 1 tsp sugar

  • Salt to taste

  • ½ cup water

  • 1 cinnamon stick

  • 1 star anise

  • 1 cardamom pod

  • Optional garnish: fried shallots, coriander, lime wedge

🍳 Instructions:

1. Marinate & Fry the Chicken:

Rub chicken with turmeric and salt. Let sit for 10 minutes. Heat oil in a pan and fry the chicken pieces until golden brown (about 70% cooked). Set aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

In the same pan, heat 3 tbsp of oil. Sauté sliced onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant and golden. Add chili paste and stir until the oil separates.

3. Add Seasonings:

Mix in tomato ketchup, chili sauce, sugar, and salt. Drop in cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom. Stir well, then pour in water. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:

Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce. Stir to coat evenly. Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes over low heat until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. The sauce should be rich and thick.

5. Serve:

Plate up with hot white rice, nasi tomato, or nasi minyak. Garnish with coriander, cucumber slices, or fried shallots.

💬 Tips & Tricks:

  • Use fresh blended dried chilies for a more authentic heat.

  • Add a splash of coconut milk for a creamier version.

  • Let it rest for a few hours — it tastes even better the next day!

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