Ayam Percik is a popular Malaysian dish that is often sold at Pasar Malam (night markets). It is a flavorful grilled chicken dish, marinated in a rich spice paste and coconut milk. The chicken is then grilled until it is tender and charred, giving it a smoky flavor.
To make Ayam Percik, you will need a variety of spices and ingredients including lemongrass, ginger, garlic, turmeric, chili, and coconut milk. These ingredients are ground together to form a paste, which is then mixed with coconut milk to create the marinade for the chicken.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 4 stalks of lemongrass, sliced
- 2 inches of ginger, peeled and sliced
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons of ground turmeric
- 4 red chilies
- 1 cup of coconut milk
- Salt to taste
Once the marinade is ready, the chicken pieces are coated with the mixture and left to marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for a more intense flavor. The chicken is then grilled over charcoal or baked in the oven until it is cooked through and slightly charred.
Ayam Percik is best served with steamed rice or coconut rice, and a side of cucumber slices and spicy peanut sauce. The combination of the tender grilled chicken, fragrant spices, and creamy coconut milk creates a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion.
How to Make Ayam Percik (Pasar Malam Chicken)
To make Ayam Percik, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 4 shallots, peeled and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks lemongrass, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon coriander powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin powder
- Salt to taste
To prepare the marinade, combine the coconut milk, shallots, garlic, lemongrass, tamarind paste, honey, turmeric powder, chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt in a blender or food processor. Blend until you get a smooth paste.
Marinate the chicken pieces in the paste, making sure to coat them evenly. Cover the marinated chicken and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for a more intense flavor.
When you’re ready to cook the chicken, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken pieces on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
Serve the Ayam Percik hot with steamed rice or traditional Malay side dishes like cucumber salad and spicy peanut sauce. Enjoy the delicious flavors of this Malaysian street food favorite!
Ingredients for Ayam Percik
- Chicken: The main protein in Ayam Percik is chicken. You can use a whole chicken or specific parts like drumsticks or thighs, depending on your preference.
- Coconut Milk: Coconut milk is a key ingredient in the marinade, as it adds richness and creaminess to the dish. You can use either fresh coconut milk or canned coconut milk.
- Spices: Ayam Percik is packed with spices that provide depth of flavor. Some common spices used include turmeric, ginger, garlic, and lemongrass.
- Tamarind Juice: Tamarind juice is often added to the marinade to balance the flavors and add a hint of tanginess.
- Chili Paste: Chili paste or chili sauce is used to give Ayam Percik its signature spicy kick. The amount can be adjusted according to your desired spice level.
- Palm Sugar: Palm sugar is commonly used in Ayam Percik to add a subtle sweetness to the dish.
In addition to these key ingredients, other optional ingredients can be added to enhance the flavor and aroma of Ayam Percik, such as shallots, coriander, and lime leaves. The marinade is typically made by blending or grinding the spices and mixing them with the coconut milk, tamarind juice, chili paste, and palm sugar. The chicken is then marinated in this mixture for at least a few hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. Once marinated, the chicken can be grilled, roasted, or even cooked on a stovetop or in an oven until it is tender and cooked through.
Steps to Prepare Ayam Percik
1. Marinate the chicken
Start by marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of tamarind juice, turmeric powder, salt, and sugar. This will help to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavors. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least an hour or overnight for the best results.
2. Prepare the percik sauce
The percik sauce is what gives Ayam Percik its unique and delicious taste. To make the sauce, blend together shallots, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, dried chili, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and coconut milk. Once blended, fry the sauce in a pan until fragrant and slightly thickened. This will create the rich and aromatic flavor that is characteristic of Ayam Percik.
3. Grill the chicken
Preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook the chicken for about 10-15 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and slightly charred. Baste the chicken with the percik sauce during the cooking process to enhance the flavors and keep the chicken moist.
4. Serve and enjoy
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the Ayam Percik with steamed rice, cucumber slices, and the remaining percik sauce on the side. The combination of the tender and juicy grilled chicken with the flavorful percik sauce is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
