Indonesian Fried Chicken with Spicy Sambal Korek and Crispy Tempeh

Ingredients

For Fried Chicken:

• 1/2 kg chicken
• 1 stalk lemongrass
• 3 slices of crushed galangal
• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• Spice Paste:
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 5 shallots
  • 2 cm ginger
  • 2 cm turmeric
  • 2 cm young galangal
  • 2 candlenuts
  • 1/2 teaspoon roasted coriander seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

For Sambal Korek:

• 1 shallot
• 1 clove garlic
• 10 red bird’s eye chilies
• Sugar to taste
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons hot oil

For Fried Tempeh:

• Sliced tempeh as desired
• Spice Paste:
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds

Instructions

Fried Chicken:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Start by blending all the spice paste ingredients (garlic, shallots, ginger, turmeric, young galangal, candlenuts, roasted coriander seeds, and pepper) until smooth.
   • Heat a little oil in a pan and sauté the spice paste until fragrant.
   • Add the lemongrass, crushed galangal, kaffir lime leaves, salt, and sugar to the pan.
   • Stir in the chicken, making sure it is well coated with the spice mixture.
   • Pour in enough water to submerge the chicken, then simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together.

2. Fry the Chicken:

   • Once the chicken is cooked and the flavors have infused thoroughly, remove it from the pan and let it drain.
   • Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the chicken until it turns golden brown and crispy.

Sambal Korek:

1. Prepare the Sambal:
   • Finely grind the shallot, garlic, red bird’s eye chilies, sugar, and salt using a mortar and pestle.
   • Pour the hot oil over the mixture and stir until everything is well combined. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Fried Tempeh:

1. Prepare the Tempeh:

   • Blend the garlic, salt, and coriander seeds to make a fine paste.
   • Mix the spice paste with water in a bowl, then soak the tempeh slices in this mixture. Allow the tempeh to absorb the flavors for a few minutes.

2. Fry the Tempeh:

   • Heat oil in a frying pan.
   • Fry the marinated tempeh slices until they are golden brown and crispy.

Serving:

• Arrange the fried chicken, sambal korek, and fried tempeh on a serving plate.
• Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious and complete meal.

This recipe brings together the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine in a satisfying and delightful meal. The fried chicken is perfectly seasoned with a blend of traditional spices, while the fiery sambal korek adds a spicy kick that complements the dish beautifully. The crispy fried tempeh serves as a wonderful side, making this a well-rounded and hearty meal. Enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and textures with each bite. Happy cooking!