What You Need to Know
The gentle simmer (80‑90 °C) hydrolyzes collagen into gelatin, while Maillard reactions at the searing stage produce brown pigments and nutty aromas. Slow evaporation concentrates coconut‑milk fat, forming a stable protein‑fat emulsion that keeps the sauce homogeneous. Precise temperature control below ~95 °C prevents lipid oxidation and the formation of bitter aldehydes.
The Science
Primary Reaction
Collagen hydrolysis to gelatin, Maillard browning, fat‑protein emulsion formation