Malaysian Chicken Rendang with Gluten-Free Nasi Lemak – A Delightful Fusion Experience

Allergens

Nuts (peanuts)

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup gluten
• free Nasi Lemak rice
• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1/4 cup tamarind paste
• 1/4 cup palm sugar
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp coriander seeds, toasted and ground
• 2 tbsp cumin seeds, toasted and ground
• 1 tbsp turmeric powder
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp white pepper
• 1 tsp shrimp paste (optional)
• 4 shallots, thinly sliced
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 5 dried red chilies, soaked in hot water and puréed
• 3 fresh red chilies, thinly sliced
• 1 inch ginger, peeled and minced
• 2 lemongrass stalks, bruised and tied into a knot
• 4 kaffir lime leaves
• Roasted peanuts and fried shallots for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, marinate the chicken thighs with tamarind paste, palm sugar, ground coriander seeds, ground cumin seeds, turmeric powder, salt, white pepper, and shrimp paste (if using) for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
2. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat and add sliced shallots, garlic, puréed dried red chilies, fresh red chilies, ginger, lemongrass stalks, and kaffir lime leaves. Cook until fragrant and shallots are golden brown.
3. Add the marinated chicken to the pot and cook until the chicken has changed color, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in 1 cup of coconut milk and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the remaining coconut milk, palm sugar, and tamarind paste, and cook uncovered over medium low heat until the sauce thickens and reduces, about 30 minutes.
6. Remove lemongrass stalks and kaffir lime leaves from the pot, then let the chicken rendang rest for at least 15 minutes before serving.
7. Prepare Nasi Lemak rice according to package instructions or recipe.
8. Plate the Nasi Lemak rice, top with Chicken Rendang, and garnish with roasted peanuts and fried shallots.

Chef’s Insight

The key to perfect Chicken Rendang is in the balance of spices, ensuring each bite offers a blend of flavors that complement the tender chicken. Additionally, allowing the sauce to reduce creates a rich and thick consistency that elevates the overall mouthfeel.

Notes

Be cautious when using shrimp paste, as it can be very salty and may need to be adjusted according to taste.