Ingredients
- 1/2 kg chicken
- 1 packet instant fried chicken seasoning (e.g., Indofood brand)
- For the Spice Paste:
- 13 red curly chilies
- 26 bird’s eye chilies
- 4 shallots
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 large tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- Salt to taste
- Shrimp paste (toasted), as needed
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Wash the chicken thoroughly and drain it well.
- In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add the chicken and instant fried chicken seasoning. Stir to combine. Simmer until the water reduces and the chicken is cooked through. Turn off the heat and set aside.
-
Prepare the Spice Paste:
- Lightly fry the red curly chilies, bird’s eye chilies, shallots, garlic, and tomatoes until softened. Remove from heat and drain.
- Using a mortar and pestle, grind all the fried ingredients into a smooth paste. Add the toasted shrimp paste, salt, and sugar. Adjust seasoning to taste. Set aside.
-
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a pan. Fry the pre-cooked chicken until it turns golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain excess oil.
-
Assemble the Dish:
- Place each piece of fried chicken on a serving plate. Use a mortar and pestle to lightly crush each piece to slightly flatten it, giving it the traditional “penyet” (smashed) appearance.
- Generously coat the flattened chicken with the prepared spice paste.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Ayam Penyet with steamed rice and additional side dishes like fresh cucumber, tomato slices, and fried tofu or tempeh, if desired. Enjoy your spicy, flavorful meal!
This recipe for Ayam Penyet brings together crispy fried chicken with a bold and aromatic chili paste, creating a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.