Gai Ka-min

Turmeric Chicken (gai ka-min, gai leuang, ไก่ขมิ้น, ไก่เหลือง) is a common treat found in Pattaya or Bang Saen, the beach towns south of Bangkok. It’s grilled by vendors who push their carts next to the beach. You buy a few pieces, a batch of sticky rice, and enjoy your meal under an umbrella with your feet in the sand.

Yield:

Serves 4

Ingredients

1. 12 pieces chicken thighs and drumsticks
2. 4 tablespoons coriander roots cleaned and chopped
3. 1 1/2 teaspoon whole turmeric, de-skinned, or 1 teaspoon powdered turmeric
4. 1/2 cup garlic cloves, de-skinned
5. 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
6. 2 teaspoons fish sauce
7. 3 teaspoons soy sauce
8. 2 teaspoons white sugar

Directions

1. DIRECTIONS
2. Peel the skin off the tumeric if using whole root. Smash with the garlic, coriander roots and peppercorns to make a paste.
3. Rinse the chicken and add to a bowl. Add the soy sauce, fish sauce & sugar.
4. Put your hand inside a plastic bag and rub the paste into the chicken. Poke the chicken with a fork a bit to make holes for the marinade to seep in. Coat well, cover and refrigerate for 4-5 hours or overnight.
5. After marinating, either grill or bake in the oven until cooked.
6. To test if your chicken is done, poke with a fork on the thickest part of the meat to the middle of the piece. Pull out the fork and watch the juice come out of the hole. If it’s pink, it’s not done. If it’s clear, it’s done. Don’t cut big slices into the piece or the meat will dry out.

Notes

This is a great party/bbq food to share with friends. You can make a ton in advance and grill it outside.