Ayam Goreng Mentega (Indonesian Butter Fried Chicken)
This delightful Indonesian dish, Ayam Goreng Mentega, showcases tender chicken pieces that are first fried until golden and crispy, then enveloped in a rich, savory sauce made with butter, sweet soy sauce, and a medley of other flavorful ingredients. Perfect for a comforting family meal or a special dinner, this recipe combines the deep flavors of traditional Indonesian cuisine with a creamy, buttery finish.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped
- 1 lime
- 50 grams unsalted butter (divided: some for frying and some for cooking)
- 5 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- Water, as needed
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chicken: Clean the chicken thoroughly, then drizzle with lime juice and sprinkle with salt. Mix well and let it marinate for about 15 minutes. For a deeper flavor, you may let it sit longer.
-
Fry the Chicken: Heat some cooking oil in a large pan and add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Fry the marinated chicken pieces until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove from the pan and set aside.
-
Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Sauté the sliced onion and chopped garlic until fragrant and translucent.
-
Make the Sauce: Add the sweet soy sauce, tomato ketchup, oyster sauce, and ground black pepper to the pan. Stir well to combine, ensuring that the sauce is evenly distributed.
-
Combine and Simmer: Return the fried chicken pieces to the pan. Pour in enough water to create a sauce that lightly coats the chicken. Stir to combine everything and allow it to simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
-
Finish and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add the chopped green onions and give it a final stir. Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove from heat.
-
Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving dish, spooning the rich, buttery sauce over the top. Serve warm and enjoy this flavorful Indonesian classic with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.
This Ayam Goreng Mentega brings together the comforting flavors of buttery chicken with the sweet and savory notes of Indonesian cuisine, making it a dish that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
