Ayam Goreng Kecap: A Savory Indonesian Delight
If you’re looking to infuse your meals with the rich, comforting flavors of Indonesian cuisine, Ayam Goreng Kecap is an excellent choice. This dish combines tender chicken with a savory soy sauce glaze, creating a deliciously satisfying meal. Here’s a detailed recipe to guide you through making this delectable dish.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 whole chicken, cut into 6 or 7 pieces
- 1 liter chicken broth (made from the chicken you’ll be using)
- For the spice paste:
- 5 cloves garlic
- 3 shallots
- 5 red chilies (optional, for heat)
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- Soy sauce, to taste
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch, dissolved in a little water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Oil, for frying the chicken and sautéing the spices
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Start by cleaning the chicken pieces thoroughly.
- Boil the chicken in water until it reaches a rolling boil. Discard the first batch of water, then boil the chicken again in fresh water until it’s fully cooked. Reserve this broth for later use as chicken stock.
-
Fry the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the broth and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and fry until they are half-cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
-
Prepare the Spice Paste:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic, shallots, and red chilies (if using). Blend into a smooth paste.
- Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and the spice paste. Sauté until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
-
Combine Ingredients:
- Return the partially fried chicken pieces to the pan with the sautéed spices.
- Pour in the reserved chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, granulated sugar, salt, and freshly ground black or white pepper.
- Stir in the dissolved cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
-
Simmer:
- Let the mixture simmer over medium heat until the chicken is well-coated with the sauce and the sauce has thickened. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
-
Finish and Serve:
- Stir in the sesame oil for a final touch of flavor.
- Once the sauce has reduced to your desired consistency and the chicken is fully cooked and flavorful, remove from heat.
-
Enjoy:
- Serve the Ayam Goreng Kecap hot, accompanied by steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.
Tips:
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red chilies or add a dash of chili powder.
- Ensure that the chicken is well-drained before frying to avoid excess oil in the final dish.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a touch more oyster sauce or soy sauce according to your taste preferences.
This savory Ayam Goreng Kecap is perfect for any occasion and is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the delightful aroma of this Indonesian classic!
