Crispy Fried Chicken with Balinese Shrimp Paste Chili Sauce
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 whole chickens (cut into thighs and breasts)
- Flour (for coating)
For the Balinese Shrimp Paste Chili Sauce:
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 large red chilies
- 1 teaspoon shrimp paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon hot oil (for frying)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken:
- Begin by washing the chicken pieces thoroughly. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Lightly coat the chicken pieces with flour, ensuring an even coating. This helps to achieve a crispy texture when frying.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and crispy. This should take about 8-10 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces. Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
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Prepare the Balinese Shrimp Paste Chili Sauce:
- In a small frying pan, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red chilies to the pan and sauté until fragrant and slightly charred. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the shrimp paste to the pan and continue to cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Transfer the sautéed ingredients to a mortar and pestle or a food processor. Add the sugar and grind or process until the mixture forms a smooth paste.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a small pan until hot. Carefully pour the hot oil into the chili paste mixture, stirring well to combine.
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Assemble and Serve:
- Place the crispy fried chicken pieces on a serving platter. Spoon the Balinese shrimp paste chili sauce over the chicken.
- Gently press down on the chicken pieces with a spoon to slightly crush them, allowing the sauce to infuse into the chicken.
- Serve immediately, and enjoy the delightful combination of crispy chicken with the rich, spicy, and flavorful chili sauce.
Tips:
- Adjust the level of heat by varying the number of red chilies used. For a milder sauce, use fewer chilies or remove the seeds.
- Ensure that the oil is hot before frying the chicken to achieve a crispy exterior.
Enjoy this delicious and aromatic Balinese-inspired dish that’s perfect for a satisfying meal!
