Ayam Goreng Kremes – Indonesian Style Crunchy Fried Chicken
Ayam Goreng Kremes is an Indonesian fried chicken dish that’s as vibrant in flavor as it is crispy in texture. This dish features chicken cooked in a fragrant coconut-based broth, followed by a quick stir-fry with garlic and red chilies, and finished off with crispy crumbs made from coconut batter. It’s perfect for serving as an appetizer, with a delightful crunch from the fried coconut discs that are crumbled and tossed with the chicken. The addition of kaffir lime leaves, coriander seeds, and lemon juice gives the chicken a unique, aromatic flavor profile that will transport you straight to the heart of Indonesian cuisine.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cashew nuts | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic | 8 cloves |
| Onion | 1 medium |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Kaffir lime leaves | 5 leaves |
| Coriander (Dhania) seeds | 2 teaspoons |
| Tender coconut water | 1 cup |
| Salt | to taste |
| Chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes) | 200 grams |
| Whole Egg | 1 |
| Rice flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Sunflower oil (for frying) | 2 teaspoons + for deep frying |
| Dry red chilies (crushed) | 2 |
Preparation Time:
- 10 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 20 minutes
Total Time:
- 30 minutes
Servings:
- 4 servings
Cuisine:
- Indonesian
Course:
- Appetizer
Diet:
- High Protein, Non-Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Grind the Aromatics:
- Begin by placing cashew nuts, garlic, and onion into a mixer jar. Add a bit of water and grind them into a smooth paste. This will form the flavorful base for the chicken.
-
-
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a kadai (wok) or deep pan over medium heat. Add the freshly ground masala paste to the pan, followed by tender coconut water, salt, kaffir lime leaves, lemon juice, and coriander seeds. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Add the chicken pieces into the mixture and cook for 12-15 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the coconut water mixture and set it aside.
- Transfer the remaining coconut water mixture into a separate bowl for later use.
-
Prepare the Stir-Fry:
- In a separate pan, heat sunflower oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until it turns golden brown.
- Add the crushed dry red chilies to the pan, and immediately toss in the cooked chicken pieces. Stir-fry on high heat for about 2 minutes to give the chicken a quick crisp and golden finish. Remove from the heat and transfer to a mixing bowl.
-
Make the Crispy Coconut Crumbs:
- In the same mixing bowl containing the coconut water mixture, add 1 egg and salt. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Heat sunflower oil in a kadai or wok over medium-high heat. Drop spoonfuls of the coconut water batter into the hot oil and deep fry until the batter turns a deep golden brown color. Continue frying until all the batter is used up.
- Once fried, place the coconut discs on absorbent paper to drain excess oil.
- Once cooled slightly, use your fingers to crumble the fried discs and transfer them to a mortar and pestle. Pound the discs until they are evenly crumbed into small, crispy bits.
-
Assemble the Ayam Goreng Kremes:
- Add the crumbled coconut batter crumbs to the bowl with the sautéed chicken and toss everything together until the chicken is coated in the crispy crumbs. This gives the chicken its signature crunchy texture and flavor.
-
Serve:
- Transfer the finished Ayam Goreng Kremes to a serving platter. Serve it immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of fresh flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- This Indonesian Crunchy Fried Chicken makes an excellent appetizer. Pair it with a refreshing side like Sambal Telor (Indonesian style eggs cooked in sambal) and Nasi Uduk (lemongrass coconut rice) for a complete Indonesian meal.
- For dessert, try serving it alongside a Lemon Frozen Yogurt for a perfect balance of flavors.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-500 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 500-600mg |
| Cholesterol | 100mg |
Ayam Goreng Kremes is a perfect dish to share with family and friends at any gathering. The crispy coconut crumbs add a delightful crunch, while the fragrant chicken simmered in coconut water and spices provides rich flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more.
