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Malaysia · Food

Ayam Kurma

45 min
640 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo · August 4, 2026

Ayam Kurma🇲🇾AI-generated image

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3 matches

Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Ayam Kurma. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

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A mild, aromatic Malaysian chicken curry that features a creamy coconut base with gentle spice notes. It is a comforting family favorite that balances richness with subtle warmth.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Ayam Kurma from another cuisine is Chicken Kunig (Philippines): the two share 50% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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Adapt this recipe:
4 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Blend the shallots, garlic, and ginger with 2 tbsp water into a smooth, fragrant paste.

  • 2

    Heat 3 tbsp oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 cinnamon stick, 4 cardamom pods, 4 cloves and 2 star anise and fry for 1 minute until fragrant, then add the paste and sauté until it smells aromatic, 2-3 minutes.

  • 3

    Add 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tbsp coriander powder, 1 tsp cumin and 1 tsp fennel powder with 60 ml water, and stir constantly for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant and the oil starts to separate, being careful not to burn them.

  • 4

    Add 800g chicken pieces to the pot, searing them until the surface turns opaque and pale white.

  • 5

    Pour in 400ml coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer on low heat; do not let it reach a violent boil or it may split.

  • 6

    Cover the pot and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and cooked through (juices run clear, 74°C at the thickest part); remove the whole spices before serving if you like.

  • 7

    Season with 1 tsp salt, adjusting to your preference, and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

  • 8

    Serve warm with steamed jasmine rice or crusty bread to soak up the luxurious gravy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ayam Kurma?

Ayam Kurma is a Malaysian mild chicken curry cooked in coconut milk with a fragrant kurma spice blend of coriander, cumin and fennel, warmed with cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and star anise, plus turmeric and aromatics like shallots, garlic and ginger. It is typically served as a main dish during daily meals or special occasions, paired with steamed rice or bread.

Is this spicy?

No, Ayam Kurma is traditionally a non-spicy, mild curry suitable for children and those who prefer delicate flavors.

Can I use chicken breast?

Yes, but thigh meat is preferred as it stays juicier during the simmering process.

Why did my coconut milk split?

This happens if the heat is too high. Always keep the heat on low once the coconut milk is added.

What can I serve this with?

It is best served with fluffy jasmine rice, roti canai, or even plain crusty bread.

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