Golden Delight: Ayam Masak Kunyit or Turmeric Chicken Stir Fry, the easy antioxidant-packed dish that will leave you begging for more.
Ayam Masak Kunyit is a traditional Malaysian and Indonesian dish that translates to “turmeric chicken” in English. This is a flavourful and aromatic dish where chicken is marinated and cooked with turmeric and other aromatics, resulting in a vibrant and fragrant dish. Ayam Masak Kunyit or Turmeric Chicken Stir Fry is commonly enjoyed with steamed rice or as part of a larger meal.
The dish typically involves marinating chicken pieces with turmeric, which gives the dish its vibrant yellow colour. This recipe is a simplified version of it, but variations of it can include aromatics such as lemongrass and a blend of spices such as coriander and cumin. The marinated chicken is then stir-fried or sautéed until cooked through, allowing the flavours to infuse into the meat.
Why you will LOVE this recipe?
Ayam Masak Kunyit is a beloved recipe that showcases the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asian cuisine. It is a wonderful choice for those seeking a flavourful and aromatic chicken dish that combines the warm notes of turmeric with an array of complementary spices.
- QUICK & EASY: This is one of the easiest stir fries you will ever come across, especially in Malay cuisine.
- AROMATIC AND MILDLY SPICED: Though quick and easy, there is no discount on flavours due to warm and earthy turmeric.
- HEALTHY: This is a healthy dish! The star ingredient is Turmeric, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Not much oil is used in this stir fry, and you can incorporate a lot of vegetables here to bump up the nutrition value. This is the one recipe that goes great with SO MANY types of vegetables, so include all your faves!
The Key Ingredients for Turmeric Chicken Stir Fry
Chicken
Traditionally, bone-in chicken parts are used, but in this recipe, we simplify it by using tender and boneless chicken breast or thigh meat, cut to preference. Its mild flavour complements the vibrant spices and absorbs the turmeric-infused marinade beautifully.
Turmeric – The Golden Spice
People often refer to turmeric as the “golden spice,” and it is a versatile herb widely used in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines. It earns its reputation from the distinctive bright yellow color it imparts and its rich flavor. In addition to its culinary applications, turmeric has long been highly valued for its potential health benefits, which include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The key ingredient that lends its golden hue to the dish, turmeric adds a warm, earthy flavour to the chicken stir-fry. It also provides potential health benefits due to its active compound, curcumin. Curcumin is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may support joint health, aid digestion, boost immunity, and provide overall well-being when consumed regularly.
Vegetables & Aromatics
A colourful array of vegetables adds freshness, texture, and nutritional value to the stir-fry. Popular choices include long beans, baby corn, bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas… or whatever you need to use up in the fridge! In this recipe, I used long beans and baby corn. I like to cut the vegetables to about the same-ish size and length as the chicken.
Onions and garlic form the base of the aromatics, but you can also include ginger in the mix to enhance the flavor profile of the dish. If you love spice as much as I do, you can add a touch of bird’s eye chilies for a nice kick that complements the turmeric.
How to make Turmeric Chicken Stir Fry
Step 1: Preparation and Cooking
Marinate chicken pieces with turmeric, salt and pepper for at least 30 minutes, overnight is always best. Turmeric stains (temporarily)! Use a spoon to combine the ingredients, or immediately wash hands so you don’t have yellow hands throughout the day. Be sure to immediately wipe away any surfaces that get stained.
Step 2: Stir Fry Chicken
Heat oil in a wok or skillet, stir-fry the marinated chicken until almost cooked through. We want the surface of the chicken to develop a slight golden brown char.
Step 3: Add Aromatics & Vegetables
Add onions, garlic and chillies if using, and stir fry until fragrant.
In the same pan, add the vegetables and season with salt and pepper. Add a splash of water to create a bit of liquid to steam the vegetables. Toss everything together. Once vegetables are tender, or to your preferred done-ness (I always prefer them more crunchy), stir fry is all done! Serve the turmeric chicken stir-fry hot over steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
More Recipes Like This
- Pan Fried Ayam Goreng
- Pad Phet Gai | Thai Malaysian Spicy Chicken Stir Fry
- Ayam Lemak Cili Padi | Turmeric Chicken Curry
Turmeric Chicken Stir Fry | Ayam Masak Kunyit
4
servings30
minutes10
minutesIngredients
300g chicken breast, cut into strips
marinated with:2 tsps turmeric powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
- The Stir Fry
2 tbsps cooking oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bird’s eye chili, thinly sliced
1/2 cup long beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
1/2 cup baby corn, sliced
1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
1/2 tsp pepper
2 tbsps water
Directions
- Cut the chicken breast into strips or cubes, to your preference. Mix it with turmeric powder and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it marinate for 5 minutes, overnight is best.
- Heat oil in a large pan over high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken breast to the pan and fry it, stirring frequently to prevent it from becoming tough and burnt.
- Once the chicken is almost cooked and has developed a golden brown hue, add the garlic, shallots and chillies to the pan. Continue stirring.
- Add vegetables of choice to the pan, and a bit of water to create a sauce. Once vegetables are cooked to preference, stir fry is done.
- Remove the pan from the heat and serve.
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