Crispy Indonesian Sinjay Fried Chicken with Aromatic Spice Mix

Sinjay-Style Fried Chicken (Ayam Goreng Ala Sinjay)

Indulge in the deliciousness of Sinjay-style fried chicken, a beloved Indonesian dish that combines crispy, golden chicken with a rich, aromatic blend of spices. This recipe ensures each piece of chicken is infused with flavorful spices, then fried to a perfect crisp. Ideal for a hearty meal or a special gathering, this dish can be enjoyed on its own or with sambal and fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 kg chicken (cut into pieces)
• 1 lime (juiced)
• Water (as needed)
• 3 bay leaves
• 5 kaffir lime leaves
• For the spice paste:
  • 9 cloves garlic
  • 10 shallots
  • 1 small piece of turmeric (approximately 1 inch)
  • 2 segments ginger (each about 1 inch)
  • 1 large knob of galangal (about 3 inches)
  • 1 stalk lemongrass
  • 1 teaspoon roasted coriander seeds
  • 3 roasted candlenuts
  • 1/4 teaspoon roasted cumin seeds
  • A pinch of nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

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   • Clean the chicken pieces thoroughly and rub them with lime juice. Allow them to sit for a few minutes to absorb the lime. Rinse the chicken again to remove any excess lime and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken:

   • In a large pan or wok, add the prepared spice paste along with bay leaves and kaffir lime leaves. Stir-fry the paste until it becomes fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the spices.
   • Add the chicken pieces to the pan, ensuring they are coated with the spice mixture. Pour in enough water to just cover the chicken. Stir to mix the spices evenly with the chicken.
   • Simmer the chicken over medium heat, uncovered, until the water reduces and the chicken is tender. Continue to cook until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the liquid has mostly evaporated.

3. Fry the Chicken:

   • Once the chicken is tender and the cooking liquid has reduced, remove the chicken pieces from the pan and set them aside in a separate dish. Reserve the cooking liquid for later use.
   • Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pan over medium heat. Fry the chicken pieces until they turn a deep golden brown and become crispy. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.

4. Prepare the Spice Topping:

   • Strain the remaining cooking liquid to remove any solids. Take the spice remnants and lightly sauté them in a small amount of oil until they are dry and aromatic. This will create a flavorful spice mix for topping the fried chicken.

5. Serve:

   • Arrange the crispy fried chicken pieces on a serving platter. Sprinkle the prepared spice mix over the chicken for added flavor.
   • For an authentic experience, serve the chicken with sambal (spicy chili paste) and fresh vegetables or salad on the side. The dish is delicious both with or without the sambal.

Enjoy your homemade Sinjay-style fried chicken, bursting with rich flavors and crispy perfection!