Turmeric-Infused Gai Yang with Lime-Garlic Dipping Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Chicken thighs cooked with golden turmeric and grilled until tender, served with a zesty lime-garlic dipping sauce for balanced Thai street food flavor. This thai-inspired grilling ready in about 85 minutes blends bone-in chicken thighs, fish sauce, palm sugar into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 485 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 65 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 485 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a blender, combine 4 tbsp fish sauce, 3 tbsp palm sugar, 1 tsp turmeric powder, 2 tbsp grated galangal, and 5 minced garlic cloves. Blend until smooth, then add 2 tbsp fresh lime juice and 1 minced serrano pepper.
  2. Step 2: Add chicken thighs to blender mixture, ensuring full coverage, and refrigerate for 6 hours (minimum) or overnight, turning occasionally.
  3. Step 3: For dipping sauce, whisk 1/4 cup coconut milk with remaining lime juice, 1 minced serrano pepper, and 2 tbsp fish sauce until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: Drain chicken from marinade, discarding solids. Grill over medium heat (350°F) for 10 minutes per side, basting with reserved marinade until chicken is cooked through and edges are slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with lime-garlic dipping sauce on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Turmeric-Infused Gai Yang with Lime-Garlic Dipping Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 85 minutes (65 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Turmeric-Infused Gai Yang with Lime-Garlic Dipping Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Turmeric-Infused Gai Yang with Lime-Garlic Dipping Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Turmeric-Infused Gai Yang with Lime-Garlic Dipping Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Turmeric-Infused Gai Yang with Lime-Garlic Dipping Sauce?

Thai grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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