Batam-Style Crispy Garlic Fried Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1/2 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 egg
• 1 whole bulb garlic
• Salt and mushroom seasoning to taste

For the Spice Paste:

• 3 shallots
• 5 cloves garlic
• 1 small piece turmeric (about 1-inch)
• 1 small piece ginger (about 1-inch)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Begin by cleaning the chicken thoroughly and cutting it into small pieces. If you prefer, you can cut the chicken into slightly larger pieces to ensure it remains tender during frying.

2. Make the Marinade:
   In a mixing bowl, combine the spice paste ingredients with the cornstarch, egg, salt, and mushroom seasoning. Mix well to create a smooth marinade. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, making sure each piece is well-coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.

3. Prepare the Garlic:
   Take the whole bulb of garlic and crush it slightly, keeping the skins on. Heat a pan with oil and fry the garlic cloves with their skins until golden brown and crispy. Remove the garlic from the pan and set aside.

4. Fry the Chicken:
   In the same pan, using the same oil, fry the marinated chicken pieces over low heat until cooked through and crispy. Ensure you fry the chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan. For extra flavor, you can also fry any remaining marinade that may be left in the bowl along with the chicken.

5. Serve:
   Once the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown, remove it from the oil and drain on paper towels. Garnish with the crispy garlic cloves. Serve hot and enjoy this flavorful Batam-style fried chicken with your favorite side dishes.

Enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors of Ayam Goreng Bawang Khas Batam, a delicious Indonesian specialty that is sure to be a hit at your next meal!