Whole30 Ayam Merah

Indulge in the rich, aromatic flavors of Whole30 Ayam Merah—a vibrant Malaysian-inspired chicken dish that's both nourishing and irresistibly delicious. This recipe features tender, golden-browned chicken thighs simmered in a luscious sauce made from crushed tomatoes, coconut aminos, and fragrant spices like lemongrass, fresh ginger, and kaffir lime leaves. Perfect for those following a Whole30 or paleo lifestyle, this dish skips the sugar and gluten while embracing bold, spicy, and tangy notes from red chili peppers and fish sauce. Ready in under an hour and bursting with layers of flavor, it pairs beautifully with cauliflower rice or a crisp green salad, making it the ideal wholesome dinner. Garnished with fresh cilantro, it's a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 4 units chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 units garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 unit lemongrass stalk, finely chopped
• 2 units red chili peppers, sliced
• 14 oz canned tomatoes, crushed
• 3 tablespoons coconut aminos
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 4 units kaffir lime leaves, shredded
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chicken thighs and brown them on both sides for about 5 minutes each, until golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pan, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, minced ginger, and lemongrass. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.

Step 4

Add the sliced red chili peppers and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, coconut aminos, and fish sauce. Stir well to combine.

Step 6

Return the browned chicken thighs to the pan, submerging them into the sauce.

Step 7

Add the kaffir lime leaves, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix everything together to ensure the chicken is well coated with the sauce.

Step 8

Pour in the water and stir. Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat and cover the pan.

Step 9

Let the chicken cook for about 25-30 minutes or until it is cooked through and tender.

Step 10

Adjust seasoning with more salt or fish sauce if needed.

Step 11

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Step 12

Serve hot and enjoy your Whole30 Ayam Merah with cauliflower rice or a side salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1350.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1346.9

Total Fat 73.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 35.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 436mg	0%
Sodium 5769.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 58.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.0g	0%
Total Sugars 32.6g
Protein 111.6g	0%

Vitamin D 4IU	0%
Calcium 209.5mg	0%
Iron 8.8mg	0%
Potassium 2278.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.1%

Protein: 33.4%

Carbs: 17.5%