Prep
25 mins
Cook
4 hrs
Serves
6
Difficulty
HardBeef slow-cooked for hours in coconut milk and a rich rempah spice paste until the sauce caramelizes dry onto the meat.
Ingredients
- 500g chicken thighs
- 300g fried shallot crackers (krupuk)
- 2 tsp sliced lemongrass
- a pinch of ground cumin
- 2 tbsp neutral vegetable oil
- 1 cup long beans, sliced
- a handful of fresh Thai basil, chopped
- a generous spoonful of crispy fried shallots
- 1 cup tamarind water
Instructions
- 1
Pat the chicken thighs dry, season generously with salt, pepper, and coriander seeds, and let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
- 2
Heat neutral vegetable oil in a wide pan or heavy pot over medium-high heat and sear the chicken thighs until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- 3
In the same pan, gently cook the minced garlic and sliced galangal over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
- 4
Stir in the ground turmeric and long beans, cooking for a few more minutes so the spices bloom and coat the vegetables.
- 5
Return the chicken thighs to the pan, pour in the water, and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
- 6
Cover and cook over low heat until the chicken thighs is tender and cooked through, roughly 4 hrs.
- 7
Stir in the lime wedges, taste, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Tips
•Avoid crowding the pan when searing the chicken thighs; work in batches so it browns instead of steaming.
•A squeeze of lemon or a final scattering of cilantro just before serving brightens up all the deep, slow-cooked flavors.