Kam Heong Chicken Recipe: A Flavorful and Spicy Stir-Fry Dish

If you’re someone who enjoys a vibrant, aromatic dish that packs a punch of flavor, then Kam Heong Chicken is about to become your new favorite recipe. This beloved dish, commonly found in Chinese-Malay cuisine, is the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and aromatic flavors. With chicken thighs stir-fried in a spicy sauce and complemented by ingredients like curry leaves, garlic, and dried shrimp, Kam Heong Chicken is truly an unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re preparing a meal for a family dinner, a weeknight treat, or impressing guests with your cooking skills, Kam Heong Chicken offers the perfect solution. It’s easy to prepare, packed with rich flavors, and guaranteed to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know to create Kam Heong Chicken, from the ingredients to detailed cooking instructions. Plus, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions to help ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time. So, let’s get started and dive into this flavorful adventure!

What is Kam Heong Chicken?

Kam Heong Chicken is a popular stir-fry dish with a distinct blend of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. The dish hails from the Chinese-Malay community, a fusion of Chinese cooking techniques with Malay ingredients. The name “Kam Heong” translates to “Golden Fragrance,” which perfectly describes the aromatic spices and herbs that give the dish its signature flavor.

The key elements of Kam Heong Chicken include chicken thighs stir-fried to perfection with a mix of aromatic ingredients such as garlic, shallots, curry leaves, red chilies, and dried shrimp. These ingredients come together in a savory sauce made from oyster sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and a pinch of sugar. The combination creates a unique, sweet, and spicy flavor profile that leaves your taste buds craving more.

Ingredients for Kam Heong Chicken

Creating Kam Heong Chicken is a simple process that requires a few key ingredients, many of which are staples in Chinese-Malay cuisine. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this delectable dish:

For the Chicken:

• 500 g (1 lb) boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces: Chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe due to their tender texture and rich flavor. They also hold up well during stir-frying.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For frying the chicken and sautéing the aromatics.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic provides a fragrant and savory base for the dish.
• 3 shallots, finely chopped: Shallots add a mild sweetness and complexity to the flavor.
• 2 red chilies, sliced: Red chilies provide the necessary heat for the dish.
• 2 sprigs curry leaves: These leaves bring a unique, aromatic fragrance to the dish that is essential in Kam Heong Chicken.
• 1 tablespoon dried shrimp, soaked and chopped: Dried shrimp adds a rich umami flavor that is characteristic of many Malaysian dishes.
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional): If you prefer extra heat, chili flakes can give the dish an additional kick.

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Oyster sauce is a savory, umami-rich sauce that is essential in Chinese cooking and adds depth to the dish.
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness and enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce: Dark soy sauce adds a richer color and deeper flavor to the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce adds a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, balancing out the saltiness.
• 1 teaspoon sugar: A small amount of sugar helps balance out the saltiness and adds a hint of sweetness.
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper: White pepper adds a subtle, peppery heat to the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons water: To thin out the sauce and help it coat the chicken evenly.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Kam Heong Chicken

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking. Follow these detailed instructions to create a mouthwatering plate of Kam Heong Chicken.

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the following ingredients:

• Oyster sauce
• Soy sauce
• Dark soy sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Sugar
• White pepper
• Water

Whisk everything together until well combined. Set the sauce mixture aside. This will be the base of the Kam Heong Chicken sauce, giving it the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the pan and stir-fry until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. This should take about 5–7 minutes.
3. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. You’ll add the chicken back into the pan later with the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil.
2. Sauté the garlic, shallots, red chilies, curry leaves, and dried shrimp in the hot oil. Stir-fry everything until fragrant. This step should take around 2-3 minutes.
3. If you like your dish extra spicy, you can also add chili flakes at this point.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

1. Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the sautéed aromatics.
2. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
3. Let the mixture cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and become glossy. The chicken should be well-coated and flavorful.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, transfer the Kam Heong Chicken to a serving plate. Serve the dish with freshly steamed rice, and enjoy the burst of flavors!

Tips for Making the Best Kam Heong Chicken

1. Use bone-in chicken for extra flavor: While boneless chicken thighs are great for convenience, bone-in chicken can add even more flavor to the dish. If you prefer bone-in chicken, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Adjust the spice level: If you love spicy food, feel free to add more chilies or chili flakes. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of red chilies or omit the chili flakes entirely.
3. Soak the dried shrimp properly: To get the best flavor from the dried shrimp, make sure to soak it for a few minutes in warm water before chopping. This will help rehydrate the shrimp and intensify its flavor.
4. Use fresh curry leaves: Fresh curry leaves provide a vibrant aroma and flavor that dried leaves can’t match. If you can find fresh curry leaves, be sure to use them for the most authentic taste.

FAQs About Kam Heong Chicken

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

While chicken thighs are preferred for their tenderness and rich flavor, you can use chicken breast as an alternative. Keep in mind that chicken breast will cook faster and may be slightly less flavorful than thighs.

2. Can I make Kam Heong Chicken in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Simply reheat it in a pan with a little water to loosen up the sauce.

3. Is Kam Heong Chicken very spicy?

The level of spice in Kam Heong Chicken is adjustable based on your preference. If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce or omit the red chilies and chili flakes.

4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Kam Heong Chicken by substituting the chicken with tofu or other plant-based proteins like tempeh. Just make sure to follow the same cooking steps.

5. What can I serve with Kam Heong Chicken?

Kam Heong Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, fried rice, or even noodles. You can also add a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad to complete the meal.

Conclusion

Kam Heong Chicken is a flavorful, aromatic, and spicy dish that is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. The combination of tender chicken, fragrant curry leaves, dried shrimp, and savory sauce makes this stir-fry a must-try. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this dish delivers bold flavors and a satisfying meal in just 30 minutes.

So, gather your ingredients and give Kam Heong Chicken a try! It’s a simple yet impressive dish that will have everyone coming back for more. Enjoy!

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