• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Analida's Ethnic Spoon

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • About
    • Shop
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home >> Cambodian

    How to Make Cambodian Chicken Amok

    Modified: May 11, 2025 · Published: May 20, 2018 by Analida · • Word count:1246 words. • About 7 minutes to read this article. • This post may contain affiliate links ·

    2041 shares
    • 258
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    When you ask anyone in Cambodia what their most typical dish is, you will hear "Amok". So what is this exotic-sounding dish? Basically, it is a mouth-watering curry dish that is served in a folded up banana leaf shaped like a bowl. Not only is the presentation absolutely gorgeous, but the flavor of chicken amok is out of this world.

    a bowl of Cambodian chicken amok with two bowls of rice on the right and a plate of rice and chicken below

    In short amok is a way of steam cooking a curry flavored protein like fish, beef, or chicken in a banana leaf. It is popular in Southeast Asia.

    A year and a half ago my family took a side trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia when we went to visit my daughter who lives and works in Hanoi, Vietnam. One of the highlights of our trip was riding the ubiquitous tuk tuk everywhere we went. It's the most common form of transportation in many parts of Southeast Asia. For about $2.00 you can ride from point A to point B just about anywhere in the city; the experience is second to none.

    a lady in a tuk tuk in cambodia
    One of my favorite tuk tuk experiences

    On our first full day we ventured into the downtown which thankfully was very close to our hotel. We popped into a restaurant called "The Yellow Mango Cafe" which was conveniently located near the market.

    We sat in a large balcony 0verlooking the street below. The menu offered an exotic array of local dishes as well as some international cuisine. We all wanted to try the local dishes, of course. I will admit, that this was one of the first times that we were stumped as to what to order. The aroma of the dishes carried on trays back and forth by the servers was mouthwatering. Finally when it came time to order I asked for a recommendation. The waiter immediately said "if you like curry, you need to try the amok." No more thinking needed on my part!

    Cambodian Chicken Amok served in a banana leaf at the Yellow Mango restaurant in Siem Reap.
    Chicken Amok from the Yellow Mango, Siem Reap Cambodia

    When my meal arrived I was stunned.

    I had never seen anything presented in such a way. The lovely banana leaf bowl holding my chicken amok was a feast for the eyes. And, the smell of the food was equally enticing. I took a bite and was instantly in love. The balance of spices was perfect to say the least. This was heaven in a banana leaf bowl. I enjoyed every bit; it was an exquisite not to mention exotic culinary experience.

    Prepare the curry paste for the chicken amok in a small food processor.


    Although exotic, it is not a difficult dish to prepare. There are just a few simple steps to follow.   First you want to make the fresh curry paste and I like to use my mini food processor.

    Chicken amok stir fry chicken step.


    The chicken is stir fried, and removed from the skillet.  Set the chicken aside on a plate while you cook and thicken the curry sauce.

    Chicken amok simmer curry paste step.

    Add the paste to the wok and it is heated up to bring out the flavors.

    Add coconut milk step to the curry paste for your chicken amok.


    Next, add in the coconut milk, to the paste.  While the sauce is simmering you can take about 2 tablespoons of the sauce and 2 tablespoons of corn starch and mix together in a small bowl to make a slurry.  Pour this mixture back into the sauce and it will thicken nicely.

    Chicken amok curry sauce thickening step.


    Finally after the sauce has reached nappe consistency  add the chicken.

    Cambodian chicken amok add chicken to wok step.


    Of course, I was bound and determined to make this at home upon my return. But this time, I wanted the recipe to turn out just the same as the one at The Yellow Mango Cafe. But, how could I do that? Well, it just so happens that browsing the market I found a little cookbook on authentic Cambodian cuisine. Well, there are some ingredients that I could not find in my local grocery store, or even my local Asian market. So, I've tried my best to recreate the flavor profile. Honestly, I don't think I did too bad even in the absence of the kaffir lime leaves. Serve with Jasmine rice.

    a plate of cambodian chicken amok on a bed of rice with two bowls of rice on the right

    Cambodian cuisine was greatly influenced by the French

    Now, since banana leaves are sort of hard to come by in the northern US, I've had to make some adjustments.

    Cambodian food is delicious and has a great deal of French influence. The French were in Cambodia between 1863 and 1953. The food is infused with Southeast Asian and European touches.  Take their curries for example, the use of coconut milk is prevalent and it creates a perfect balance when infused with the different curry spices.

    a plate of rice with cambodian chicken amok on top and a chopstick grabbing a piece

    Cambodia's history is as rich as its cuisine. Its beginnings date back to the 5th millennium. Over the course of the centuries it was ruled by various dynasties. The magnificent temples like Angkor Wat, built in the 11th century and dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, are awe inspiring.

    Cambodian temple structure in Siem Reap.


    The temple also possesses the longest relief sculpture in the world, and is one of the most thorough examples of religious architecture in Asia. Today Angkor Wat is a Buddhist temple complex.

    If you want to check out other Asian recipes, check out the recipe for Indonesian Curried Noodles with Shrimp.

    England's national dish Chicken Tikka Masala is a favorite at my house, and also has some interesting history.

    And yet another curry dish: Thai coconut curry chicken.

    Love Asian food? I highly recommend my Vietnamese Tomato Fish with Dill. It's creamy, aromatic, and goes wonderfully with rice. 

    This recipe can easily be adapted to vegetarian or vegan buy substituting tofu for chicken.

    Looking for more recipes?  
    Sign up for my free recipe newsletter to get new recipes in your inbox each week!  You can also find me sharing more inspiration in Pinterest and Facebook.

    How about an exotic chicken dish that is simple to make? Sweet, spicy and tangy are all flavors I would use to describe Cambodian chicken amok. The coconut milk coupled with their own blend if curry spices and lemon grass are truly something very unique and easy to make too! Get the step by step instructions on how to make this fabulous dish. | ethnicspoon.com

    How to make Cambodian Chicken Amok

    This delicious Cambodian specialty is made with a base of coconut milk, and then infused with a blend of curry spices. It is traditionally served with a side of jasmine rice. 
    5 from 16 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Cambodian
    Keyword: curry dish, spicy chicken dish
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 330kcal
    Author: Analida Braeger

    Ingredients

    Amok Paste

    • 3 Tbsp lemongrass chopped
    • 4 mint leaves chopped
    • 1 Tbsp ginger fresh, minced or microplaned
    • 1 shallot minced
    • 2 garlic cloves sliced
    • 1 red chili sliced thinly, seeds removed
    • 1 tsp turmeric ground
    • ½ tsp Kosher salt
    • 1 Tbsp water
    • 1 Tbsp coconut milk
    • 1 tsp palm sugar
    • ¼ tsp cracked pepper

    Chicken

    • 1 lb chicken breast boneless, skinless, cubed
    • 1 13.6oz coconut milk can
    • 1 Tbsp fish sauce
    • 2 tsp lime zest for garnish

    Jasmine Rice

    • 1 cup jasmine rice

    Instructions

    • Prepare jasmine rice according to package instructions. While the rice is cooking, prepare the rest of the dish.

    To make the amok paste:

    • Place all the ingredients in a mini chopper, and blend thoroughly for about 2 minutes. If you prefer the old way, use a mortar and pestle. For the ginger I prefer to use a micro planer. 
    • The paste will flow like a slurry with the added liquid. Add a little more water if your paste is too thick.

    To prepare the chicken:

    • In a bowl whisk together the coconut milk and fish sauce.  Set aside.
    • In a deep non-stick skillet or wok, stir fry the chicken until done. Transfer chicken to a plate. 
    • In the same skillet/wok heat paste on medium until it becomes fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
    • Next, add in the coconut milk mixture, and stir to combine. 
    • Make a slurry to thicken the sauce: Mix 2 tsp of cornstarch with 2 Tbsp of the sauce. Whisk together in a small bowl.
    • Place the sauce and corn starch mixture (roux) back in the sauce and stir continuously until it has reached nappe consistency.
    • Once the sauce has thickened add the chicken back in and simmer for 10 minutes. 
    • Serve with jasmine rice and garnish chicken with lemon zest.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 330kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 783mg | Potassium: 582mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 185IU | Vitamin C: 19.1mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1.7mg

     

    You might also like to try these:

    • Avocado Chicken Sandwich
      Try a Latin style open face sandwich. Layer some chili lime chicken with avocado, tomatoes and queso fresco for a healthy lunch or dinner! | ethnicspoon.com
    • Slow Cooker Smoky Chicken Tinga
      An overhead photo of chicken tinga tacos on a white plate.
    • Creamy Curry Chicken Salad Wraps
      Try a spicy new wrap! Creamy and spicy curry chicken salad wrap add a bit of ethnic flair to your lunch or dinner. You can also slice these narrow and serve as an appetizer too! The secret sauce: a bit of my homemade curry blend whipped into some Greek yogurt. This is a really healthy recipe wrapped in a large flour tortilla! | ethnicspoon.com
    « Authentic Moroccan Spice Blend: Ras el Hanout
    Vietnamese Sweet and Sour Mango Salad »
    2041 shares
    • 258

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Dominique | Perchance to Cook

      June 12, 2018 at 11:22 am

      I have never had chicken amok, but I love creamy chicken dishes made with coconut milk. I also love the idea of lemongrass, mint, and ginger together. Sounds just amazing!

      Reply
      • Analida

        June 12, 2018 at 2:02 pm

        Hi Dominique! Thanks for commenting, If you like creamy dishes made with coconut milk, then you will love this Cambodian chicken amok. The lemongrass adds a fabulous touch. Give it a try when you have a chance. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Elaine @ Dishes Delish

      June 14, 2018 at 11:53 am

      5 stars
      I've never had this chicken amok dish. In fact, I've never heard of it! It looks delicious both in the banana leaf and on the rice!!! I'm looking forward to trying this delicious dish!

      Reply
      • Analida

        June 14, 2018 at 1:41 pm

        Hi Elaine! Thanks for commenting. I think you would love this dish. The banana leaf presentation was so cool, and beautiful. I hope you can try this dish sometime soon. 🙂 Also, thanks for the 5 star rating, I appreciate it.

        Reply
    3. Whitney

      June 14, 2018 at 5:00 pm

      5 stars
      What a beautiful dish that I've never tried! I'll have to change that very soon. Thank you for introducing us to Chicken Amok!

      Reply
      • Analida

        June 14, 2018 at 7:10 pm

        Thanks Whitney. I hope you try it soon. You are welcome. I am glad you liked being introduced to Cambodian Chicken Amok. 🙂

        Reply
    4. Veena Azmanov

      June 15, 2018 at 3:19 pm

      5 stars
      Not sure I have tried Amok before. Love the name and such a pretty color on the dish. I love coconut so this sounds like something I would enjoy. Saving for later.

      Reply
      • Analida

        June 17, 2018 at 11:51 am

        Hi Veena, I hope you have a chance to try it soon. If you love coconut, then this dish is for you.

        Reply
    5. Rachel

      June 15, 2018 at 9:59 pm

      5 stars
      Yummy! I love creamy curry dishes! This recipe looks particularly good. I'm imagining how good the lemongrass must be in this dish. And how fun it is that this recipe is tied to a memory for you. I enjoyed reading about your trip!

      Reply
    6. Veronika's Kitchen

      June 16, 2018 at 2:01 pm

      5 stars
      I love trying new recipes, especially exotic ones) This one looks mouthwatering! will definitely try it out!)

      Reply
      • Analida

        June 17, 2018 at 11:52 am

        Let me know how you like it Veronika. I hope you have a chance to try this one. 🙂

        Reply
    7. Claire

      June 17, 2018 at 12:49 am

      5 stars
      I made this on Friday night and it was sooooo good.
      I served it with steamed rice and also some flat breads.
      My hubby had thirds!!!
      Thank you for a great recipe 😀

      Reply
      • Analida

        June 17, 2018 at 11:59 am

        You are welcome!! So glad you and your husband loved it. This is a yummy recipe. Your husband must have really love it if he had thirds. It'd so nice to have such nice comments.:)

        Reply
    8. Kiki Johnson

      June 17, 2018 at 9:59 am

      5 stars
      What a great recipe! I love coconut-based chicken curries so this Cambodian recipe sounds right down my alley! I cook a lot of Asian food at home and always have difficulties finding the kaffir lime leaves! I now simply substitute lime zest and find it makes almost no difference in the end!

      Reply
      • Analida

        June 17, 2018 at 12:03 pm

        Thanks for your nice comment, I also love coconut based curries. Asian food is fabulous, I am glad you like it too. I usually can't find kaffir lime leaves either. There is an Asian market in Cleveland, Ohio (about 2 hrs from me.) My Indonesian nephew owns a restaurant in town and told me about it. I think a road trip is in order! 🙂

        Reply
        • Laura

          February 20, 2021 at 9:30 pm

          I finally found the kaffir lime leaves on Amazon!

          Reply
          • Analida

            March 12, 2021 at 10:49 am

            Fantastic! The lime leaves can be difficult to find.

            Reply
    9. Sri Mallya

      June 17, 2018 at 12:00 pm

      5 stars
      Love the way its presented and the recipe sounds so flavorful. Saving it for later.

      Reply
      • Analida

        June 17, 2018 at 12:11 pm

        Thanks Sri. I wish I had access to banana leaves for a beautiful presentation, but a bowl will have to do. I will always remember the banana leaf in Cambodia. Hope you get to make this recipe soon.

        Reply
    10. Amanda Mason

      June 17, 2018 at 10:18 pm

      5 stars
      I've never had a Cambodian meal before and I haven't heard of amok before but this sounds yummy! Loved your story and experience! I like curry a lot...so I may have to give this one a go!

      Reply
      • Analida

        June 18, 2018 at 10:39 am

        Amanda, this Cambodian chicken amok is to die for. If you like curry, then you will love this dish. Give it a try, and let me know know hohw you like it. 🙂

        Reply
    11. Julie

      June 17, 2018 at 10:35 pm

      This sounds like such a good combination of flavors. I don't think I've ever had Cambodian food before, but I have everything except the lemongrass on hand, so I can't wait to give this a go!

      Reply
      • Analida

        June 18, 2018 at 10:41 am

        Julie, you will like this dish. I have sometimes purchased pickled lemongrass in the Asian section of my grocery store. You can also try an Asian market if you have access to one. Try it out and let me know how you like it. 🙂

        Reply
    12. Nicole

      June 18, 2018 at 3:39 pm

      Okay, I want to try this! I love exotic dishes like this!

      Reply
      • Analida

        June 18, 2018 at 4:42 pm

        Nicole, give it a try. The flavors are exotic and delicious. 🙂

        Reply
    13. Josh

      October 02, 2018 at 1:22 pm

      good recipe. But just wanted to point out that a roux is equal parts flour to fat by weight. What you are talking about with cornstarch is called a slurry.

      Reply
      • Analida

        October 03, 2018 at 8:16 am

        Hi Josh, Thanks for pointing that out. I will change my terminology on this.

        Reply
    14. Andrew

      November 25, 2018 at 5:57 pm

      5 stars
      Hi,
      I had this dish while travelling with my family in Cambodia. This is a very close and easy to cook Amok. Delicious.

      Reply
    15. Slavica

      January 03, 2019 at 12:59 pm

      5 stars
      My my son is on holiday in Cambodia .He told about delicious amok chicken curry and sent me a picture of the meal.Thanks for sharing your recipe .😁it is simple to make and delicious 👌

      Reply
      • Analida

        January 03, 2019 at 2:18 pm

        Cambodian chicken amok is one of my all time favorite curry dishes too! Thanks for the compliment!

        Reply
    16. Jennifer Lapina

      May 06, 2019 at 10:27 am

      Just returned from Thailand and Cambodia and was anxious to give this a try myself. The food was fabulous there! I found your recipe to be quite good, but too salty. Next time I will only add a pinch of salt.

      Reply
      • Analida

        May 09, 2019 at 7:05 am

        Hi Jennifer, Thanks for the feedback on the dish. I am going to adjust the salt to 1/2 tsp and you can always add salt to taste. Depending on the fish sauce you use that single ingredient can vary and have from 1000mg to 1500mg of sodium per Tbsp from different brands. I am glad you liked the dish! Thanks again!

        Reply
    17. R D Mouncer

      July 23, 2019 at 1:05 am

      Hi there
      I tried a fish Amok after seeing it made on TV. It was awesome! If you can't get banana leaves and you want yo impress your guests how about using cabbage leaves? I tried with large cabbage leaves, you basically pin them in a square using half cocktail sticks, which is fun!

      Reply
      • Analida

        July 23, 2019 at 5:26 pm

        I love the cabbage leaves idea! I actually purchased some frozen banana leaves at my local Asian market and they are still in my freezer. Yikes!

        Reply
    18. Andrew Humphrey

      September 01, 2019 at 5:08 am

      Looks great, I will for sure try it this week. I do have some kaffir lime leaves: do I substitute them for the mint leaves?

      Reply
      • Analida

        September 01, 2019 at 7:10 am

        Hi Andrew, you can add the lime leaves to the dish that are minced. The lemongrass adds a nice citrus flavor as well. I would not omit the mint leaves.
        Thanks! Analida

        Reply
    19. Rodger and Sue Dawson

      April 10, 2020 at 3:11 am

      We have been to Cambodia many times and this is one of our favourite dishes. Your recipe is as good as any dish we had whilst dining in Cambodia. Just delicious

      Reply
      • Analida

        April 10, 2020 at 12:59 pm

        Thank you Rodger and Sue! This is one of my all time favorite dishes.

        Reply
    20. Andrew

      June 03, 2020 at 4:53 pm

      Thank you for the recipe, I’m goin to try it soon!
      Just one comment - why removing the chicken from the skillet? One pot curry seems like an easier process, I would fry chicken until half done, then add amok paste, then coconut milk etc and let it simmer until chicken is fully done and curry has thickened. Simpler and should taste the same

      Reply
      • Analida

        June 03, 2020 at 7:25 pm

        Hi Andrew, That technique would also work well. I just like stirring and thickening without the chicken in the way. Enjoy!

        Reply
    21. Jeet

      October 27, 2020 at 4:45 am

      On my trip to Seam Reap, I had both chicken amok and fish amok.
      These are the best dishes I have had in Cambodia. So creamy and tasty infused with zesty flavour and herbs.
      This is definetely one of my favourites.

      Tq for sharing the recipe. I am definetely giving this a try.

      Reply
      • Analida

        October 30, 2020 at 1:54 pm

        Thank you so much! I really loved the food in Cambodia too!

        Reply
    22. Laura

      June 12, 2021 at 10:44 am

      5 stars
      I have just prepared this dish ahead of our friends coming for dinner tonight and I have to say, it tastes delicious and brings back so many memories of Cambodia.

      When in Siem Reap, I saw a circus/dance show in a big tent near Angkor Wat. They told a child's story of the Khmer Rouge regime - which obviously, was as much a shocking and upsetting show as it was entertaining. Before the show, I had fish Amok served in banana leaves at the pop up restaurant they had created just outside of the show tent. This recipe is as close as I can remember to that (but with chicken).

      If my guests enjoy it as much as I have when tasting it, it is sure to be a successful dinner! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂

      Reply
      • Analida

        June 18, 2021 at 5:03 pm

        Thanks Laura! It is amazing how food can transport you back into your memories! Thank you so much for your kind words.

        Reply
    23. Emily

      August 28, 2021 at 5:34 pm

      5 stars
      I tried this recipe tonight. I substituted yogurt for the coconut milk because I don't like coconut products, and it came out amazing! I'll definitely make it again.

      Reply
    24. Marion

      February 06, 2022 at 6:29 pm

      5 stars
      I made this tonight and it was so good! Our lemongrass was not as fresh as it should have been and I was short on fish sauce but still this was delicious! This will go on my dinner rotation!

      Reply
      • Analida

        February 06, 2022 at 9:42 pm

        Thank so much Marion! Cambodian chicken amok is one of our favorite dishes too!

        Reply
    25. Bob Ravet

      February 06, 2022 at 6:40 pm

      5 stars
      I too went to Siem Reap and Had the Chicken Amok, but instead of a Banana Leaf, mine was served in side a green coconut that the top portion was cut off. A lady that I met from Hawaii, even went back a 2nd time, this time filming the whole process of the preparation of the dish. It was that GOOD. I wish I still had the video or I'd share it here. What I have done though is to give you a map of where the restaurant was. I believe it to be the third restaurant from the right
      in this Google Street View image, one those with a green roof. Again the dish was called Chicken Amok in a Green Coconut Bowl. It was literally out of this world. Thank you for bringing back such a great memory. I might just have
      to try it based on the recipe provided.
      Here is the Streetview image.
      https://bit.ly/3L7Nevf

      Reply
    26. Karen

      January 30, 2024 at 5:20 pm

      My friend brought a yellow spice jar from Cambodia for me. It is a dry spice called Khmer Amok, thus, in searching for a recipe to use it, yours came up. This is not a paste; can it be used in this recipe? I assume it was ground for this type of recipe.

      Reply
      • Analida

        January 31, 2024 at 1:55 pm

        I would try adding the spice to some coconut milk simmering on the stove. Add it until you get the right spice level and see what you think. If you like the taste, add in some cooked chicken and serve over some rice. That is my best guess. Enjoy!

        Reply
    27. Uncle Brett

      March 30, 2024 at 9:56 pm

      5 stars
      I am so popular when I make this. Prepared for a dinner with members of New Zealand. Foreign service, including the wife of New Zealand's High Commissioner to Ethiopia. High marks all around. I am sharing the recipe with attendees

      Reply
      • Analida

        April 01, 2024 at 12:16 pm

        Thanks so much for sharing the recipe with others! We love this dish!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Analida profile pictureI have been researching and creating ethnic recipes for over 20 years. I love to share "mostly healthy" easy and affordable ethnic recipes using fresh ingredients, with a bit of culture and food history sprinkled in.... Read more-->

    Monthly Featured - Cuban Food

    • A photo of ropa vieja in a striped bowl with tostones on the side.
      Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja Recipe
    • A photo of pastelitos de guava on a green plate with coffee cup in the background.
      Pastelitos de Guava
    • A photo of Cuban boliche on a white platter with fried plantains on the side.
      How to Make Cuban Boliche
    • A photo of vaca frita on a white plate with caramelized onions and slices limes.
      Cuban Vaca Frita - Latin Style Flank Steak

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates
    • Recipe Index

    Contact

    • Contact
    • FAQ

    Our site contains affiliate links to help maintain our publishing activities. If you make a purchase from a link on our site, we may receive a small percentage of that sale, at no extra cost to you. Ethnicspoon.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

    Copyright © 2025 Website managed by SiteCare.com