Ungkep Ayam Bumbu Kuning (Indonesian Yellow Chicken Stew)
Discover the irresistible flavors of Ungkep Ayam Bumbu Kuning, a beloved Indonesian dish that infuses chicken with aromatic spices and herbs. This recipe offers a deliciously seasoned chicken that’s perfect for both immediate enjoyment or freezing for future meals. With a unique cooking method that avoids using water, this dish guarantees a juicy, flavorful result with minimal fuss.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, skinless and cut into pieces
- 6 kaffir lime leaves (Daun jeruk kembar)
- 2 large stalks of lemongrass, bruised
- 5 bay leaves (Daun salam)
For the Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus):
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 3 thumb-sized pieces of galangal (lengkuas)
- 1 finger-sized piece of turmeric (kunyit)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder (Masako ayam)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Thoroughly clean the chicken pieces and pat them dry. Rub the spice paste all over the chicken, ensuring it is well-coated. Add the kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and bay leaves to the chicken.
-
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large pan or wok over medium heat. The pan should be spacious enough to allow the chicken pieces to spread out in a single layer, which ensures even cooking. There is no need to add water; the chicken will release its own juices during cooking, which helps to prevent the chicken from becoming too dry or giving off a gamey flavor.
- Place the chicken in the pan and cook it uncovered. Flip the chicken only once per side, to ensure it doesn’t fall apart. Allow the chicken to cook until the blood has stopped running, which indicates it is fully cooked. There should be no need to cook until the liquid evaporates entirely.
-
Final Touches:
- Once the chicken is cooked through and the spices have infused well, you can either transfer it directly to a serving dish or place it in the freezer for future use. For a crispy finish, you can fry the chicken pieces briefly before serving.
Enjoy this rich and flavorful Ungkep Ayam Bumbu Kuning, a perfect combination of fragrant spices and tender chicken that embodies the essence of Indonesian cuisine. Whether enjoyed fresh or prepared ahead, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
