Crispy Koloke Ayam with Sweet Soy Glaze

Koloke Ayam: Crispy Chicken with Sweet and Savory Sauce

Koloke Ayam, a delightful Indonesian dish, combines tender chicken fillets with a crispy coating and a vibrant, flavorful sauce. This recipe provides a delicious balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, making it a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire. Here’s how to make this delectable dish from scratch:

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1/4 kg chicken fillets, thinly sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• A pinch of ground white pepper
• Salt to taste

For the Coating:

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Seasoning powder (e.g., Royco), to taste
• Water, as needed

For the Sauce:

• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt to taste
• Seasoning powder (e.g., Royco), to taste
• A slurry of cornstarch (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

   • Thinly slice the chicken fillets and place them in a bowl.
   • Add the minced garlic, a pinch of ground white pepper, and salt to taste. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

2. Prepare the Coating:

   • In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and seasoning powder. Gradually add water to the mixture until you achieve a slightly thick batter.

3. Fry the Chicken:

   • Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Dip the marinated chicken slices into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off.
   • Fry the chicken pieces in hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.

4. Make the Sauce:

   • In another pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and sliced onion until fragrant and translucent.
   • Add the julienned carrots and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
   • Pour in a small amount of water to create a light sauce base. Stir in the soy sauce, sugar, salt, and seasoning powder. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
   • Add the sliced cucumber and continue to cook for another minute.

5. Thicken the Sauce:

   • Before removing the pan from the heat, stir in the cornstarch slurry. This will help thicken the sauce slightly. Cook for another minute or until the sauce has reached your desired consistency.

6. Serve:

   • Arrange the crispy chicken on a serving plate. Pour the warm sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly covered.

Enjoy your Koloke Ayam with steamed rice or as a flavorful addition to your meal. This dish brings a delightful blend of textures and flavors, making it a wonderful choice for any occasion!