Devil's Curry is a fiery and flavorful dish that hails from the Eurasian community in Malaysia and Singapore. This dish is known for its bold and spicy flavors, making it a favorite for those who love a bit of heat in their meals. The combination of chicken, coconut milk, and chili paste creates a rich and creamy curry that is perfect for serving with a side of rice.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be commonly found in every household. Chili paste is essential for the heat and flavor of the dish, and you might need to visit the international or Asian section of your supermarket to find it. Coconut milk adds a creamy texture and can usually be found in the canned goods aisle. Vinegar is used to add a tangy kick, so make sure to have it on hand.

Ingredients For Devil's Curry Recipe
Chicken: The main protein of the dish, cut into pieces for even cooking.
Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and cooking the chicken.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the curry.
Garlic: Provides a pungent and aromatic flavor.
Ginger: Adds a warm and spicy undertone to the dish.
Chili paste: The key ingredient for the heat and vibrant color of the curry.
Coconut milk: Creates a rich and creamy base for the curry.
Water: Helps to thin out the curry to the desired consistency.
Vinegar: Adds a tangy and slightly acidic note to balance the flavors.
Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the heat and acidity.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When sautéing the onions, garlic, and ginger, ensure they are finely minced to release their full flavors. Cook them until they are golden brown to develop a rich, aromatic base for the curry. This step is crucial as it builds the foundation of the dish's depth and complexity.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
chicken - Substitute with tofu: Tofu is a great plant-based protein that absorbs flavors well, making it a suitable substitute for chicken in this curry.
oil - Substitute with ghee: Ghee adds a rich, buttery flavor to the dish and has a higher smoke point, making it ideal for cooking.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, which can add a different depth of flavor to the curry.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is unavailable, garlic powder can be used, though it may lack the same intensity of flavor.
ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used in place of fresh ginger, though it will have a slightly different flavor profile.
chili paste - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha can provide a similar heat and tanginess, though it may be slightly sweeter than traditional chili paste.
coconut milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a lower-fat alternative, though it will not provide the same creamy texture as coconut milk.
water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can add more depth of flavor to the curry compared to plain water.
vinegar - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can provide a similar acidity and brightness to the dish as vinegar.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add both saltiness and umami to the dish, enhancing its overall flavor.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can provide a natural sweetness and a slightly different flavor profile compared to sugar.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
Allow the Devil’s Curry to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can lead to soggy textures and spoilage.
Transfer the cooled curry into airtight containers. For best results, use containers that are appropriately sized for the amount of curry you have. This minimizes air exposure and helps maintain freshness.
Label the containers with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of how long the curry has been stored and ensures you consume it within a safe timeframe.
Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the curry within 3-4 days. The coconut milk and chicken will stay fresh and flavorful during this period.
For longer storage, place the containers in the freezer. The Devil’s Curry can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality. Ensure the containers are freezer-safe to prevent cracking or breaking.
When ready to reheat, thaw the curry in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor of the chicken and coconut milk.
Reheat the curry on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the curry appears too thick, add a splash of water or coconut milk to reach the desired consistency.
Avoid reheating the curry multiple times, as this can degrade the quality and safety of the dish. Reheat only the portion you plan to consume immediately.
Serve the reheated Devil’s Curry hot, paired with freshly cooked rice for the best dining experience.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop method:
- Place the leftover Devil’s Curry in a saucepan or pot.
- Add a splash of water or coconut milk to maintain the sauce's consistency.
- Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Once the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling gently, it's ready to serve.
Microwave method:
- Transfer the Devil’s Curry to a microwave-safe container.
- Cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leave a small vent for steam to escape).
- Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Continue heating in 1-minute intervals, stirring each time, until the curry is hot throughout.
Oven method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the Devil’s Curry in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil.
- Heat in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
- Stir halfway through the heating process to ensure even warming.
Slow cooker method:
- Transfer the Devil’s Curry to your slow cooker.
- Set the slow cooker to the low setting.
- Heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the curry is thoroughly warmed.
Double boiler method:
- Fill the bottom pot of a double boiler with water and bring to a simmer.
- Place the Devil’s Curry in the top pot.
- Stir occasionally, heating until the chicken and sauce are hot and steamy.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Large pot: Used to heat the oil and cook the curry.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients as they cook.
Knife: Essential for chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and ginger.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping and mincing.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the oil, chili paste, vinegar, salt, and sugar accurately.
Measuring cup: Used to measure the coconut milk and water.
Stove: Provides the heat source for cooking the curry.
Serving spoon: Used to serve the curry once it is cooked.
Rice cooker: Optional, but useful for preparing the rice to serve with the curry.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Prep ingredients ahead: Chop onions, garlic, and ginger in advance to save time during cooking.
Use pre-made chili paste: Opt for store-bought chili paste to cut down on preparation time.
Cook in batches: Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger together to streamline the process.
Simmer efficiently: Use a lid to cover the pot while simmering to speed up the cooking process.
Measure liquids beforehand: Have coconut milk and water pre-measured to quickly add them when needed.

Devil's Curry
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 500 g Chicken cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoon Oil
- 1 Onion chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 inch Ginger minced
- 2 tablespoon Chili Paste
- 1 cup Coconut Milk
- 1 cup Water
- 1 tablespoon Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add chili paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until they are no longer pink.
- Pour in coconut milk and water. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add vinegar, salt, and sugar. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Serve hot with rice.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Recipe
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