Spicy Indonesian Shredded Chicken (Ayam Suwir Pedas)

Ayam Suwir Pedas: Spicy Shredded Chicken

This vibrant Indonesian dish, Ayam Suwir Pedas, combines tender shredded chicken with a richly spiced and aromatic sauce. Perfect for a flavorful meal, this recipe brings together a medley of traditional spices and ingredients to create a dish that’s both satisfying and exciting to the palate. Here’s how you can make it:

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:

  • 3 pieces of pre-cooked chicken (shredded)

• For the Spice Paste:

  • 9 shallots
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1/2 inch ginger (crushed)
  • 1 stalk lemongrass (crushed)
  • 2 kaffir lime leaves
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 5 red chilies
  • 7 bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 pinch sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon palm sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sweet soy sauce
  • 1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce (I use Saori brand)
  • 1 tablespoon chili sauce (I use ABC brand)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil
  • 1 stalk scallion (sliced)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • Begin by blending the shallots, garlic, red chilies, and bird’s eye chilies into a fine paste. The paste should be smooth and aromatic.

2. Cook the Paste:

   • Heat the cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste and sauté until fragrant, ensuring it releases a rich aroma. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

3. Add Aromatics:

   • Gradually add a little water to the pan, stirring continuously to help the spices integrate. Once the paste has been well-cooked and the oil starts to separate, add the kaffir lime leaves, bay leaf, lemongrass, and crushed ginger.

4. Season the Paste:

   • Mix in the sweet soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili sauce, salt, sugar, palm sugar, and ground black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until it’s fragrant and slightly thickened.

5. Add the Chicken:

   • Incorporate the shredded chicken into the spice mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spicy paste. Cook until the chicken is well-heated and fully absorbed the flavors of the spices.

6. Finish the Dish:

   • Add the sliced scallions and mix well. Continue to cook for another minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld together.

7. Serve:

   • Transfer the spicy shredded chicken to a serving dish. Serve hot with steamed rice or as a side dish with other Indonesian favorites.

This Ayam Suwir Pedas is a fantastic choice for those who enjoy a bit of heat and depth of flavor in their meals. The balance of spices and the tenderness of the chicken make it a standout dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. Enjoy the vibrant tastes of Indonesia right at your table!