Ayam Goreng Lengkuas Kremes: Crispy Galangal Fried Chicken
Discover the delightful flavors of Ayam Goreng Lengkuas Kremes, a traditional Indonesian dish featuring crispy fried chicken infused with the aromatic essence of galangal and a crunchy, savory galangal crisp topping. This recipe offers a perfect balance of juicy, tender chicken and crispy galangal bits, making it a standout addition to any meal. Follow these detailed steps to create this mouthwatering dish that will surely impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 500 grams chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 galangal rhizomes, peeled and grated (about the size of a thumb)
- 3 kaffir lime leaves
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 stalk lemongrass, smashed
- For the Spice Paste:
- 6 shallots
- 4 cloves garlic
- 3 cm turmeric
- 1 thumb-sized ginger
- 1 tablespoon toasted coriander seeds
- 3 candlenuts, toasted or fried
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and washing them thoroughly under cold water. This ensures the chicken is clean and ready for seasoning. -
Prepare the Galangal:
Peel the galangal rhizomes and grate them finely. This step is crucial as the grated galangal will not only flavor the chicken but also contribute to the crispy topping. -
Make the Spice Paste:
In a blender or food processor, combine the shallots, garlic, turmeric, ginger, toasted coriander seeds, and candlenuts. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste. This aromatic spice paste will form the flavor base for the chicken. -
Simmer the Chicken:
In a large pot, add the chicken pieces along with the grated galangal, kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, lemongrass, and the prepared spice paste. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spice paste. Add enough water to just cover the chicken. Simmer over medium heat until the chicken is cooked through and the water has mostly evaporated, leaving a thick, flavorful sauce. This process will infuse the chicken with deep flavors. -
Prepare the Galangal Crisp:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set aside. Strain the remaining liquid to separate the galangal bits from the broth. The strained galangal bits are what you will use to create the crispy topping. -
Fry the Chicken:
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. This step ensures that the chicken is crispy and delicious. -
Make the Galangal Crisp:
In a separate pan, add a little oil and heat over medium heat. Add the strained galangal bits and fry them until they become crispy and golden. Be careful not to burn them, as they can become bitter if overcooked. -
Assemble and Serve:
Place the fried chicken on a serving plate and sprinkle generously with the crispy galangal bits. The combination of the juicy chicken and the crunchy, savory galangal topping creates a delightful texture and flavor contrast. -
Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve the Ayam Goreng Lengkuas Kremes hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes. The crispy galangal topping adds a unique touch to the traditional fried chicken, making this dish a true crowd-pleaser.
Note: If you prefer more galangal crisp, you can increase the amount of galangal used. The recipe above provides a balanced amount, but feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences.
Enjoy the rich flavors and textures of this Indonesian classic, and elevate your meal with the distinctive taste of Ayam Goreng Lengkuas Kremes!
