Zesty Malaysian Lemongrass Chicken Recipe For Heat Lovers

Tantalizing aromas of southeast asian cuisine dance through the kitchen with this Malaysian spicy lemongrass chicken recipe that promises a flavor explosion.

Fragrant herbs and zesty spices blend seamlessly to create a mouth-watering dish bursting with authentic Malaysian character.

Bold and vibrant, this recipe captures the essence of traditional street food with its intense, complex flavors.

Lemongrass infuses the chicken with a bright, citrusy undertone that perfectly complements the fiery chili notes.

Fresh ingredients transform simple chicken into a culinary masterpiece that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of heat, tanginess, and depth that will make your taste buds sing.

Dive into this delectable journey and let your senses explore the rich, spicy world of Malaysian cuisine.

Ingredients That Make Malaysian Spicy Lemongrass Chicken Bold

• Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that absorbs marinade beautifully, providing rich flavor and succulent texture for the dish.

• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami, enhancing the chicken's natural flavor with a savory touch.
• Turmeric Powder: Brings vibrant golden color and earthy warmth to the chicken.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the overall seasoning profile.

• Lemongrass: Delivers bright, citrusy aroma with subtle herbal notes, quintessential to Malaysian cuisine.
• Red Chilies: Introduces fiery heat and robust color, creating the signature spiciness.
• Garlic: Provides pungent base flavor that adds complexity to the paste.
• Onion: Contributes sweet undertones and helps bind the spice paste together.
• Ginger: Offers warm, zesty kick with subtle heat and aromatic depth.
• Shrimp Paste: Introduces rich, intense umami flavor characteristic of Southeast Asian cooking.

• Chili Paste: Amplifies spiciness and adds concentrated pepper flavor.
• Coconut Milk: Creates creamy, smooth sauce with subtle tropical sweetness.
• Sugar: Balances heat and adds gentle caramelized undertone.
• Vegetable Oil: Provides neutral cooking medium for sautéing and building flavors.

• Cilantro: Adds fresh, herbaceous finish with bright green color.
• Lime Wedges: Offers tangy brightness to cut through rich sauce.

Kitchen Tools To Rock Malaysian Spicy Lemongrass Chicken

• Blender or Food Processor: Essential for creating a smooth, well-blended spice paste with lemongrass, chilies, and aromatics.
• Large Skillet or Wok: Perfect for searing chicken and sautéing the spice paste with even heat distribution.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping lemongrass, chilies, garlic, and cilantro.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for finely chopping ingredients and preparing the spice components.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add spices, salt, and sugar for balanced flavors.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching the skillet.
• Serving Plate: Used for presenting the final dish with garnishes.

How To Cook Malaysian Spicy Lemongrass Chicken With Ease

• Flavor Infusion

Massage chicken with aromatic seasonings, allowing the spices to meld and penetrate deep into the meat. Let the flavors dance and develop their magic for a few hours or overnight in the cool sanctuary of your refrigerator.

• Spice Symphony

Create a vibrant paste by blending zesty lemongrass, fiery chilies, pungent garlic, and other aromatic ingredients. The goal is a harmonious mixture that will transform your chicken into a culinary masterpiece.

• Golden Sear

Heat your cooking vessel and introduce the marinated chicken, coaxing out a beautiful golden-brown exterior. Each side should develop a rich, tempting color that promises incredible flavor.

• Aromatic Awakening

Unleash the spice paste into the pan, stirring gently as mesmerizing fragrances fill your kitchen. Watch as the ingredients release their intense personalities, creating a base bursting with Malaysian spirit.

• Sauce Celebration

Welcome coconut milk and seasonings into your creation, allowing everything to mingle and bubble gently. Let the chicken simmer luxuriously, absorbing every drop of the rich, complex sauce.

• Final Flourish

Transfer your masterpiece to a beautiful serving plate. Scatter fresh herbs on top and present alongside fluffy rice, inviting everyone to dive into this sensational Malaysian experience.

Smart Tips To Fire Up Malaysian Spicy Lemongrass Chicken

• Spice-Lover's Flavor Boosters: Perfect your Malaysian Spicy Lemongrass Chicken with these expert tips!
• Marinating Magic: Let chicken absorb flavors overnight in the refrigerator for deeper, more intense taste profiles. Longer marination means more tender, juicier meat that melts in your mouth.
• Paste Perfection: Freshly ground spices make a significant difference. Use a mortar and pestle for authentic texture if possible, which releases more robust aromatics compared to blender methods.
• Heat Control Hack: Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing red chili quantities. Swap bird's eye chilies with milder jalapeños for a gentler version, or add extra for adventurous palates.
• Diet-Friendly Twist: Transform this dish for various dietary needs. Replace chicken with firm tofu for a vegetarian option, or use skinless chicken breasts for a leaner protein. Gluten-sensitive individuals can substitute regular soy sauce with tamari for a celiac-friendly adaptation.

Make Malaysian Spicy Lemongrass Chicken A Star At The Table

• Tropical Rice Pairing: Serve the spicy lemongrass chicken over fragrant jasmine or coconut rice to soak up the delicious sauce and balance the bold flavors.
• Refreshing Side Salad: Create a quick cucumber and mint salad with a light lime dressing to cool down the spiciness and add a crisp, fresh element to the meal.
• Family-Style Feast: Arrange the chicken on a large platter with extra cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced red chilies, allowing everyone to customize their plate and enjoy the vibrant Malaysian-inspired dish together.
• Beverage Complement: Pair with an ice-cold Malaysian-style teh tarik (pulled tea) or a crisp, light beer to help balance the rich, spicy chicken and cleanse the palate between bites.

Store Malaysian Spicy Lemongrass Chicken Without Losing Flavor

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover Malaysian Spicy Lemongrass Chicken in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the chicken and sauce together to maintain moisture and flavor intensity.
• Freezing Technique: Separate chicken pieces from sauce before freezing, which prevents texture breakdown. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers, preserving quality for up to 3 months with minimal flavor loss.
• Reheating Magic: Thaw refrigerated chicken in the microwave or gently warm in a skillet with a splash of coconut milk, restoring the sauce's rich consistency and preventing meat from becoming dry or tough.
• Meal Prep Wisdom: Prepare extra chicken during initial cooking, dividing portions into individual containers for convenient grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners, maximizing time and reducing daily cooking effort.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 3

Sizzling Malaysian Spicy Lemongrass Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Malaysian spicy lemongrass chicken brings zesty Southeast Asian flavors to your dinner table. Fragrant herbs and bold spices create a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (450 g) chicken thighs or drumsticks, skin-on and bone-in
• 3 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and finely sliced
• 3 red chilies, deseeded for less heat (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, chopped
• 1 tsp shrimp paste (optional, for authentic flavor)
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil
• ½ cup (120 ml) coconut milk
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp chili paste (or sambal oelek, optional for extra heat)
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp salt, or to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Marination Preparation: Thoroughly coat chicken thighs with soy sauce, turmeric, and salt, allowing flavors to deeply infuse for at least 30 minutes or overnight in refrigerator for enhanced taste profile.
2. Spice Blend Creation: Pulverize lemongrass, red chilies, garlic, onion, ginger, and shrimp paste in blender, adding minimal water to achieve a smooth, cohesive paste that captures the essence of Malaysian aromatics.
3. Chicken Searing: Heat vegetable oil in large skillet over medium flame, carefully brown marinated chicken pieces until golden caramelization develops on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside, preserving those rich, developed flavors.
4. Spice Infusion: In the same skillet, introduce additional oil and entire spice mixture. Sauté meticulously, allowing the paste to release its intoxicating fragrance and oil to separate, creating a robust flavor foundation.
5. Sauce Development and Finishing: Blend chili paste, coconut milk, sugar, and seasonings into the spice base. Reintegrate seared chicken, ensuring complete immersion in the luxurious sauce. Simmer gently, transforming the dish into a tender, flavor-packed culinary experience that celebrates Malaysia’s vibrant cuisine.
6. Plating and Presentation: Artfully arrange the aromatic chicken on a serving platter, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve alongside steamed rice and lime wedges to complement the dish’s complex flavor profile.

Notes

• Marinate with Precision: Let chicken absorb spices for at least 30 minutes or overnight to maximize flavor depth and tenderness.
• Blend Smoothly: Use minimal water when grinding spices to create a consistent, fine paste without diluting intense aromatics.
• Control Searing Heat: Medium flame ensures golden-brown chicken crust without burning, developing rich caramelized exterior while maintaining juicy interior.
• Balance Spice Levels: Adjust red chili quantity to personalize heat intensity – reduce chilies for milder version or increase for more aggressive flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Malaysian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg