Batam-Style Crispy Garlic Fried Chicken

Ayam Goreng Bawang khas Batam: A Delightful Indonesian Fried Chicken Recipe

Experience the rich flavors of Batam with this delectable recipe for Ayam Goreng Bawang, a traditional Indonesian fried chicken that’s renowned for its crispy exterior and aromatic garlic-infused taste. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a fragrant and flavorful fried chicken, elevated by the distinctive touch of garlic.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 chicken, cut into small pieces (preferably parts with more bones for flavor)
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 whole bulb garlic, cleaned and smashed (no need to peel)
• For the spice paste:
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 5 shallots
  • 1 piece ginger (approximately 2 inches)
  • 1 piece turmeric (approximately 2 inches)
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by thoroughly cleaning the chicken pieces under cold running water. Once cleaned, drain the chicken well to remove excess moisture.

2. Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the spice paste, egg, and cornstarch. Ensure all the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the coating to adhere well.

3. Fry the Garlic: Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the whole garlic bulb and fry until the garlic turns golden brown and releases a fragrant aroma. Once done, remove the garlic from the pan and set it aside.

4. Fry the Chicken: Using the same oil that you used to fry the garlic (this will infuse the chicken with a wonderful garlic flavor), heat the oil over low heat. Carefully place the marinated chicken pieces in the pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Fry the chicken slowly to ensure it cooks through without burning. Cook until the chicken pieces are golden brown and crispy on the outside, which typically takes about 10-15 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

5. Serve: Transfer the fried chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with the previously fried garlic for an extra burst of flavor and texture. Serve with your favorite sambal (chili sauce) for an added kick, and enjoy the delightful aroma and taste of this Batam specialty.

This Ayam Goreng Bawang is a fantastic example of Indonesian culinary tradition, bringing together simple ingredients to create a complex and satisfying dish. Whether served as a main course or as part of a larger meal, its crispy texture and savory garlic flavor are sure to please any palate.