Ayam Kecap Rempah: A Delightful Indonesian Spiced Chicken Recipe
Indulge in the aromatic and flavorful experience of Ayam Kecap Rempah, a traditional Indonesian chicken dish brimming with rich spices and savory notes. This dish is perfect for those who appreciate a blend of sweet and savory flavors with a hint of exotic spices. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a succulent, spiced chicken that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 cardamom pods
- 2 star anise
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- Soy sauce, to taste
- Water, as needed
- Sugar, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Seasoning (such as Totole), to taste
For the Spice Paste:
- 6 shallots
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
- 1/4 thumb-sized piece of turmeric
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken:
- Begin by washing the chicken pieces thoroughly. Squeeze the lime juice over the chicken and season with salt. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse and drain.
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Initial Frying:
- Briefly fry the chicken pieces in a hot pan. The goal is not to cook them through but to give them a light sear. They should not turn brown or yellow.
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Prepare the Spice Paste:
- While the chicken is resting, prepare the spice paste. Blend the shallots, garlic, ginger, and turmeric into a smooth paste.
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Sauté Aromatics:
- Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant. Add the sliced onion, cardamom pods, star anise, and cinnamon stick. Continue to sauté until the onions become soft and translucent.
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Simmer the Dish:
- Pour in enough water to cover the chicken pieces. Stir in the sugar, salt, soy sauce, black pepper, and oyster sauce. Mix well. Add the partially fried chicken pieces into the pan.
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Cook:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer gently until fully cooked and tender, allowing the flavors to meld together. This should take about 30-40 minutes.
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Final Adjustments:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional sugar, salt, soy sauce, or seasoning powder as desired.
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Serve:
- Once the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove from heat. Serve hot with steamed rice or your choice of side dishes.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, you can let the dish simmer for a longer period, allowing the sauce to reduce and intensify.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and oyster sauce according to your taste preference for sweetness and saltiness.
Enjoy your Ayam Kecap Rempah, a dish that brings a taste of Indonesia right to your dining table with its delightful blend of spices and savory goodness.
