Sweet and Sour Chicken (Ayam Asam Manis)
Ingredients:
- 500 grams chicken fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 15 Thai bird chilies, thinly sliced
- 1 red chili, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch, dissolved in a little water
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- Sugar, salt, and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: Begin by thoroughly washing the chicken pieces. Squeeze the lime juice over the chicken and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse the chicken again. Rub the chicken with minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then refrigerate for approximately 1 hour to marinate.
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Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Add the marinated chicken pieces and toss until they are evenly coated with the flour mixture. Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
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Prepare the Sauce: In another pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Sauté the sliced garlic and onion until fragrant and golden. Add the sliced chilies and continue to cook until they release their aroma. Stir in the julienned carrot and add a splash of water to help soften it.
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Make the Sauce: Add the tomato ketchup, sugar, salt, and pepper to the pan. Mix well and allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes. Add the diced tomatoes and cook until the tomatoes start to break down and the sauce thickens slightly.
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Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the sauce bubbles and thickens to your desired consistency.
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Combine and Serve: Gently fold the fried chicken pieces into the sauce, ensuring they are well-coated. Alternatively, you can serve the sauce separately, pouring it over the chicken just before serving to keep the chicken crispy. Enjoy this delightful dish with steamed rice or your favorite side.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness and sourness of the sauce according to your taste preferences. This dish is perfect for a flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Enjoy!