Black Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry: Indonesian-Style Delight

Ayam Lada Hitam: A Spicy Black Pepper Chicken Delight

Discover a culinary gem with our Ayam Lada Hitam, a delightful Indonesian chicken dish that beautifully balances savory and spicy flavors. This recipe combines tender chicken fillets with vibrant bell peppers and a rich, aromatic sauce, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Follow these steps to create a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients

• 500 grams chicken fillet, thinly sliced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, julienned
• 1/2 green bell pepper, julienned
• 1 large onion, sliced lengthwise

For Marinade:

• 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns, coarsely ground

For Sauce:

• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, julienned
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
• 1 tablespoon sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch, dissolved in 50 ml water (for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil (for stir-frying)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

   • Combine the sliced chicken fillet with the marinade ingredients: sweet soy sauce, sesame oil, finely chopped garlic, and coarsely ground black peppercorns. Mix thoroughly until the chicken is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

2. Cook the Chicken:

   • Heat the cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken to the pan, stirring frequently, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

3. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the sliced onion and ginger until the onion turns golden brown and fragrant. Add the julienned red and green bell peppers, and stir-fry until they begin to soften.

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Add the remaining marinade (if any), salt, sugar, oyster sauce, and chicken bouillon powder. Mix well to ensure the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.

5. Thicken the Sauce:

   • Stir in the dissolved cornstarch mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken and vegetables.

6. Serve:

   • Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Enjoy your Ayam Lada Hitam hot with steamed rice or as part of a larger meal.

Bon appétit! 😊

Enjoy crafting this flavorful dish, which brings together the best of Indonesian cuisine in every bite. This recipe is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a delightful way to experience the rich, aromatic flavors of traditional cooking.