Ayam Masak Merah is a classic Malaysian dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, spiced tomato sauce. The blend of chili, turmeric, and curry powder gives it a deep, fragrant flavour, balanced with a hint of sweetness from tomato sauce and sugar. This dish is commonly served at festive occasions but is simple enough for a comforting weeknight meal.
With a base of pantry staples like soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, this recipe is easy to make while delivering bold Southeast Asian flavours. The addition of carrots and peas provides texture and colour, making it a well-rounded dish. Serve it with steamed jasmine rice for an authentic Malaysian experience.
Ingredients
Main ingredients:
- 500 gram chicken (cut into bite-sized cubes)
- 1 can (400 gram) diced tomatoes
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 1 carrot (sliced)
- 1/2 cup peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce (ketchup)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 cup water
Spices & Aromatics:
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon chili paste (sambal oelek or crushed chili sauce, adjust to spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
Instructions
Marinate and Fry the Chicken:
- Toss the chicken with turmeric powder, curry powder, and a pinch of salt. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan or wok and sear the chicken until golden brown (it doesn’t have to be fully cooked). Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce and Simmer:
- Add another tbsp of oil and sauté onions until soft. Add garlic, ginger, and chili paste, stirring until fragrant.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and water. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Add Vegetables & Chicken:
- Return the chicken to the pan, along with the carrot and peas. Let it simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through.
- Taste and adjust sweetness, saltiness, or spice levels as needed.
- Garnish with fresh coriander or spring onions and serve with steamed jasmine rice.
Nutritional Information
- Per serving
- Energy: 275 kcal / 1150 kJ
- Fat: 7 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 25 g
