What You Need to Know
The marination of turmeric, lemongrass, galangal, soy sauce, coconut milk, and palm sugar introduces reducing sugars and amino acids that react during heating. At 140–165 °C the Maillard reaction produces melanoidins and volatile pyrazines, while protein denaturation around 60–70 °C ensures safety and moisture retention. Charcoal imparts additional smoky phenolics that blend with the caramelized sugars for a complex flavor.
The Science
Primary Reaction
Maillard reaction