Batam-Style Garlic Fried Chicken: Crispy and Flavorful Delight

Ayam Goreng Bawang khas Batam: Crispy Batam-Style Fried Chicken with Garlic

Ingredients:

• 500 grams chicken (cut into pieces)
• 1/2 bulb garlic (cleaned and crushed, with skins left on)
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• Seasoning powder (to taste, such as Meiji Royco)
• Salt (to taste)

For the Spice Paste:

• 4 cloves shallots
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• A pinch of black pepper
• 1 piece turmeric root
• 1 piece ginger root (optional, as it was not available)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • Blend together the shallots, garlic, coriander seeds, black pepper, turmeric root, and ginger root (if using) until smooth. This will be your spice paste.

2. Marinate the Chicken:

   • In a large bowl, mix the spice paste with the chicken pieces.
   • Add the cornstarch, egg, salt, and seasoning powder to the bowl.
   • Combine everything thoroughly until the chicken is well coated with the marinade.
   • Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For more intense flavor, you can marinate the chicken overnight. The longer the marination, the better the flavors will penetrate the meat.

3. Fry the Garlic:

   • While the chicken is marinating, heat a generous amount of oil in a pan. You need enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces for frying.
   • Once the oil is hot, add the crushed garlic cloves (with skins on) and fry until they turn golden brown. Set aside.

4. Fry the Chicken:

   • Heat the oil to high heat in a deep frying pan or wok.
   • Lower the heat to medium-low before adding the marinated chicken pieces into the hot oil.
   • Fry the chicken slowly, turning occasionally, until it turns golden brown and crispy. The cooking time may be longer due to the lower heat, but this ensures that the chicken cooks through evenly.

5. Final Touch:

   • Once the chicken is crispy and cooked through, remove it from the oil and drain on paper towels.
   • Sprinkle the fried garlic over the top of the chicken pieces for an extra burst of flavor.

6. Serve:

   • Serve your Ayam Goreng Bawang with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy the crispy, flavorful chicken with the aromatic garlic.

This traditional Batam-style fried chicken is infused with bold flavors and has a crispy exterior that pairs perfectly with the crunchy, golden garlic. A dish that promises to be a hit at any meal!