Sam Kleur a Staple Thai Aroma
My Thai Roasted Chicken is inspired by a piece of folk music with the enthusiastic beat that encourages kids to dance, although the lyrics were nothing but how to prepare and grilled chicken. The song even comes with a funny dance routine which makes it popular amongst camp or school. Not only Rima, but Thais must really enjoy having Gai Yang and Khao Niew aka sticky rice.
Sam Kleur literally means three best friends, or Three musketeers, as my own interpretation, of Thai cooking, composing of Garlic, with an equal amount as Coriander roots and a pinch of white pepper pounded together until a paste is formed. It is one of the core paste in Thai Culinary.
Additionally, in some recipes include lemon glass for the aroma. You may also see Yellowish Gai Yang vendors if you visited any beach front. They add turmeric powder for the signature coloring.
Thai Aroma with a Twist
I make an east meet west twist by processing the Three Musketeers paste with the finest butter then rub all over the chicken. the Creaminess of the butter balance the strength of garlic aroma and the pungency of the pepper. I totally prefer butter rather than oil in the original recipes. Although literary Yang means char-grill, (where Gai means Chicken) I can enjoy this full flavour with a twist by oven-roasted instead.
Gai Yang Thai Roasted Chicken
a fusion of butter and traditional sam kleur marinade makes this roast worth trying
- 1 whole chicken (300 g)
Three musketeers Butter
- ¼ c garlic
- ¼ c coriander root
- 10 piece white pepper
- 1/3 c unsalted butter
Herbal Stuffing
- 4-5 stalk coriander
- 1 onion
- 1/2 lemon
Rubbing Oil
- 1/3 c olive oil
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
Preheat oven at 170 c
Pound the three musketeers before processing with butter
Stuff chicken with the herbs and rub the three musketeers butter all over the chicken
bake for 15 mins then remove from the oven
Oil the chicken and return to the oven for another 10 mins before serving