Simple Sweet Soy Chicken (Ayam Kecap Sederhana)
Ingredients:
- 1/2 kg chicken pieces
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 stalks lemongrass
- 2 red chilies
- 1 large onion
- Soy sauce (Kecap Bango), to taste
- Chicken seasoning (Masako Ayam), to taste
- Sugar, to taste
- Ladaku seasoning, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
- 3 shallots
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tomatoes
Instructions:
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Fry the Chicken: Begin by lightly frying the chicken pieces in hot oil until they are partially cooked. This step helps to lock in the flavors and adds a crisp texture. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and let it drain on a paper towel.
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Prepare the Aromatics: Finely chop the large onion, garlic, and shallots. Slice the red chilies, tomatoes, and ginger. Set these ingredients aside for the next step.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a separate pan, melt some butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and shallots. Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant. Then, add the sliced red chilies, ginger, tomatoes, bay leaves, and lemongrass. Continue to cook until the tomatoes start to soften.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the partially fried chicken pieces to the pan with the sautéed aromatics. Stir well to coat the chicken with the flavors.
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Season the Dish: Sprinkle in the chicken seasoning (Masako Ayam), Ladaku seasoning, and sugar. Add soy sauce to taste, then pour in enough water to cover the chicken partially. Stir to combine everything.
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Simmer: Allow the dish to simmer over low heat until the sauce reduces and thickens to your desired consistency. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked, absorbing all the rich flavors of the sauce.
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Serve: Once the sauce has reduced and the chicken is coated in a glossy, savory-sweet glaze, the dish is ready to serve. Enjoy this flavorful Ayam Kecap Sederhana with steamed rice or as a part of a larger meal.
This simple yet delightful recipe brings together a balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic elements, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
