Crispy Indonesian Chicken Skewers (Sempol Ayam)

Sempol Ayam: Crispy Chicken Skewers

Sempol Ayam is a delightful Indonesian street food that combines minced chicken with aromatic seasonings, skewered, boiled, and then fried to crispy perfection. This recipe will guide you through making this savory treat, perfect for a snack or as an appetizer for any gathering. Follow these steps to create your own Sempol Ayam, a flavorful and fun dish that brings a taste of Indonesia right to your kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Minced Mixture:

• 1/2 kg (about 1 lb) chicken meat
• 3 tablespoons fried shallots
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• A pinch of chicken bouillon powder (to taste)

For the Additional Ingredients:

• 3 stalks green onions, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons tapioca flour
• 1 egg, beaten (for dipping)
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For Boiling:

• Water, enough to fill a pot for boiling

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Minced Mixture:

   • Begin by mincing the chicken meat. For best results, use a chopper or blender. If using a blender, it’s advisable to partially freeze the chicken first and cut it into smaller pieces to prevent clogging and to achieve a smoother texture.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced chicken with the fried shallots, garlic, ground pepper, salt, and chicken bouillon powder. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

2. Add Additional Ingredients:

   • Stir in the finely chopped green onions, all-purpose flour, and tapioca flour into the minced chicken mixture. This combination will help bind the mixture together and provide the desired texture.

3. Shape and Boil:

   • Bring a pot of water to a boil, then turn off the heat.
   • Using ice cream sticks or skewers, shape the chicken mixture onto the sticks. Carefully place the skewers into the hot water. Continue until all the mixture is used up.
   • Turn the heat back on and gently simmer the skewers until the chicken is cooked through and turns white. This should only take a few minutes. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the water and let them cool slightly.

4. Fry the Sempol Ayam:

   • Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
   • Dip each skewer into the beaten egg, coating it thoroughly. Then, carefully place the skewers in the hot oil.
   • Fry the skewers until they are golden brown and crispy. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the Sempol Ayam hot and crispy. They are perfect as an appetizer or a savory snack. Enjoy them with a dipping sauce of your choice or simply as is!

By following these steps, you’ll achieve a perfect batch of Sempol Ayam that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This dish captures the essence of Indonesian street food and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.