Flavorful Ayam Ungkep: Marinated Chicken Ready to Fry

Ingredients

• 1/2 kg chicken
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 shallots
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 2 thumb-sized pieces of turmeric
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
• 2 thumb-sized pieces of galangal
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• Seasoning to taste
• 125 ml water (about half a cup)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by thoroughly washing the chicken pieces. Once clean, set them aside.

2. Blend the Spices: In a mortar and pestle or a food processor, coarsely grind the garlic, shallots, and coriander seeds. Add the turmeric, ginger, and galangal to the mixture. Blend until you have a rough paste.

3. Marinate the Chicken: Combine the ground spices with the washed chicken pieces. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spice mixture.

4. Simmer the Mixture: Pour 125 ml of water into the chicken and spice mixture. Add the galangal, which should be bruised or lightly crushed to release its flavor. Cook the mixture over medium heat for approximately 20 minutes. This step allows the spices to infuse into the chicken and helps tenderize the meat.

5. Cool and Store: After cooking, turn off the heat and allow the chicken to cool. Transfer the chicken and its marinade into a plastic container. Let the steam escape before sealing the container. Place the container in the refrigerator to marinate further.

6. Ready to Fry: When you’re ready to cook, simply remove the chicken from the refrigerator and fry it according to your preference. The chicken will be marinated and ready to fry whenever you need it.

Enjoy your flavorful Ayam Ungkep, perfectly seasoned and ready for a quick and delicious meal!