Opor Ayam Recipe
Opor Ayam is a traditional Indonesian dish that features tender chicken simmered in a rich and aromatic coconut milk sauce. This recipe delivers a flavorful and comforting meal perfect for any occasion. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delightful dish.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
For the Spice Paste:
- 2 candlenuts (toasted)
- 1 red curly chili
- 1 piece turmeric (about 2 inches)
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 8 shallots
- 4 cloves garlic
For the Additional Ingredients:
- 1 piece galangal (crushed)
- 2 stalks lemongrass (crushed)
- 3 bay leaves
- 3 stalks green onions (sliced thinly)
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken: Clean the chicken pieces thoroughly and set aside.
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Extract the Coconut Milk: Squeeze the grated coconut to separate the thick and thin coconut milk. Set both aside.
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Make the Spice Paste: Blend all the ingredients for the spice paste until smooth. For a more traditional approach, you can grind these ingredients using a mortar and pestle.
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Cook the Spice Paste: In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the spice paste along with the galangal, lemongrass, and bay leaves. Sauté until fragrant and the spices have released their oils.
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Add the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and stir well to coat them with the spice paste. Cook for a few minutes until the chicken starts to brown slightly.
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Season the Dish: Add one seasoning packet of Masako (or a similar seasoning mix) and a pinch of sugar. Stir to combine.
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Add the Thin Coconut Milk: Pour in the thin coconut milk and bring to a gentle boil. Allow it to cook until it starts to reduce slightly.
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Incorporate the Thick Coconut Milk: Once the liquid has reduced a bit, add the thick coconut milk. Stir continuously to prevent the coconut milk from curdling. Continue to cook until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce does not separate.
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Finish the Dish: Adjust the seasoning to taste and ensure the chicken is cooked through. Once done, add the sliced green onions and give the dish a final stir.
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Serve: Garnish with crispy shallots for added flavor and texture. Serve hot with steamed rice or your choice of accompaniment.
Enjoy your homemade Opor Ayam, a classic Indonesian dish that’s rich, aromatic, and satisfying!
