Malaysian Chicken Tikka Masala

Ingredients

In this Malaysian adaptation of Chicken Tikka Masala, we incorporate the distinct flavors of Malaysian Indian cuisine. The addition of lemongrass, galangal, and turmeric gives the dish a vibrant and aromatic twist. These ingredients are commonly used in Malaysian cooking and add a unique depth of flavor to the traditional Indian dish. We alse have the original recipe for Chicken Tikka Masala, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup (240ml) plain yogurt 1 cup (240ml) plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground fennel seeds 1 teaspoon ground fennel seeds
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
• 1-inch piece galangal, sliced 1-inch piece galangal, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, pureed 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving Lime wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 5g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the yogurt, lime juice, ginger, garlic, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground turmeric, ground paprika, ground fennel seeds, and salt. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill or broiler. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and grill or broil until cooked through and slightly charred, about 10-12 minutes.
4. 4.
   In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
5. 5.
   Add the lemongrass, galangal, and tomato puree to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. 6.
   Stir in the ground coriander, ground cumin, ground turmeric, ground paprika, and ground fennel seeds. Cook for another 2 minutes to toast the spices.
7. 7.
   Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add salt to taste.
8. 8.
   Add the grilled chicken pieces to the curry sauce and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
9. 9.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice or naan bread. Squeeze lime juice over the dish before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — Bruise the lemongrass stalk by lightly pounding it with a rolling pin or the back of a knife. This helps release its aromatic oils and enhances the flavor of the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• If you can't find galangal, you can substitute it with ginger, although the flavor will be slightly different.
• For a spicier version, add a chopped chili pepper to the curry sauce.
• Marinating the chicken overnight will result in more flavorful and tender meat.
• Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of ground paprika.
• To make the dish creamier, you can add a tablespoon of cashew paste or almond paste to the curry sauce.

Serving advice

Serve the Malaysian Chicken Tikka Masala hot with steamed rice or naan bread. Accompany it with a side of cucumber raita or pickled onions to balance the flavors.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and serve it in a vibrant bowl or on a decorative plate. The vibrant colors of the curry and the green cilantro will make the dish visually appealing.