Authentic Indonesian Ayam Bumbu Madura: Spicy Fried Chicken Delight

Ayam Bumbu Madura Recipe

Delve into the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this traditional Ayam Bumbu Madura, a savory chicken dish renowned for its aromatic spices and deep, satisfying taste. The recipe features a blend of aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and a touch of tanginess from lime juice, bringing together an irresistible medley of flavors that will elevate your meal to a new level.

Ingredients

• 1 whole kampung chicken, cut into 8 pieces
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 stalks lemongrass, smashed
• 10 kaffir lime leaves
• For the spice paste:
  • 3 cm turmeric root
  • 3 cm galangal root
  • 3 cm kencur root (optional)
  • 3 cm ginger root
  • 8 candlenuts
  • 8 shallots
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 15 red chili peppers (adjust to taste)
  • 15 green chili peppers (adjust to taste)
• Salt, to taste
• Seasoning powder, to taste
• Water, as needed
• Oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

   • In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with lime juice. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. After marinating, rinse the chicken thoroughly under cold water to remove any excess lime juice.

2. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • Peel and slice the turmeric root, galangal root, kencur root (if using), and ginger root. Blend these ingredients with candlenuts, shallots, garlic, coriander seeds, and black pepper until you achieve a smooth paste. Adjust the amount of red and green chili peppers according to your heat preference.

3. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a generous amount of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste to the pan and sauté until fragrant. This process should take about 5-7 minutes.

4. Add Lemongrass and Kaffir Lime Leaves:

   • Incorporate the smashed lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves into the pan. Season with salt and seasoning powder to taste. Stir the mixture well to combine all the flavors.

5. Simmer the Chicken:

   • Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan, ensuring that they are well-coated with the spice paste. Pour in enough water to cover the chicken. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

6. Fry the Chicken:

   • Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In a separate pan, heat some oil and fry the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

7. Combine and Serve:

   • Return the fried chicken to the pan with the remaining spice paste. Continue to cook until the sauce reduces and thickens, and the spices darken slightly. This step allows the chicken to absorb the rich flavors of the sauce.

8. Final Touches:

   • Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is well-coated, remove the pan from heat. Serve the Ayam Bumbu Madura hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.

Enjoy the delightful flavors of this traditional Indonesian dish, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Its blend of spices and tender chicken will surely be a hit at your dining table.