Gulai is typically prepared using a rich blend of spices and coconut milk, resulting in a thick, aromatic sauce that is yellowish in colour due to the presence of ground turmeric. Common spices include coriander, black pepper, galangal, ginger, chilli pepper, shallots, garlic, fennel, lemongrass, cinnamon and caraway. These ingredients are ground into a paste and simmered in coconut milk along with the main component of the dish, which may include meat, fish, vegetables or offal. The dish is usually cooked slowly, allowing the flavours of the spices and coconut milk to fully develop.
