Nut-Free Ayam Merah

Experience the bold, aromatic flavors of Nut-Free Ayam Merah, a vibrant twist on the Malaysian classic that's perfect for those with nut allergies. This hearty dish features tender bone-in chicken thighs simmered in a rich spice paste made from red chilies, shallots, garlic, ginger, and tomato paste. Infused with the fragrant notes of lemongrass, star anise, cinnamon, and curry leaves, every bite bursts with warm, savory depth. Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) adds a delicate balance of sweetness, while the absence of nuts ensures it's safe and inclusive. Topped with fresh cilantro and best served alongside fluffy steamed rice, this nut-free ayam merah offers an irresistible fusion of spice, flavor, and comfort in every mouthful.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1.5 kilograms chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 3 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 lemongrass stalk, bruised and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 star anise
• 10 curry leaves
• 500 milliliters water
• 3 tablespoons kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 0.5 cup fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
• 5 red chilies
• 6 shallots
• 6 garlic cloves
• 30 grams ginger
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste

Directions

Step 1

Begin by preparing the spice paste. In a blender, combine red chilies, shallots, garlic cloves, ginger, and tomato paste. Blend until it forms a smooth paste. Set aside.

Step 2

Heat the cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the bruised lemongrass, cinnamon stick, star anise, and curry leaves. Fry for about 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the spice paste to the pot and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 4

Add the chicken thighs to the pot and coat them well with the spice paste.

Step 5

Pour in 500 milliliters of water and bring it to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

After 30 minutes, remove the lid and add kecap manis, salt, and sugar. Stir well and continue cooking uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 7

Once cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 8

Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.

Step 9

Serve Nut-Free Ayam Merah hot with steamed rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1431.6 grams (1431.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1067

Total Fat 46.80g	60%
Saturated Fat 6.80g	34%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3854mg	168%
Total Carbohydrate 153.60g	56%
Dietary Fiber 34.30g	122%
Total Sugars 73.80g
Protein 26.30g	53%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 834mg	64%
Iron 18mg	102%
Potassium 4960mg	106%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.9%

Protein: 9.2%

Carbs: 53.9%