Indonesian Spicy Chicken Stew (Semur Ayam Pedas)

Spicy Semur Ayam (Indonesian Spicy Chicken Stew)

Dive into the rich and savory world of Indonesian cuisine with this Spicy Semur Ayam, a classic dish that marries tender chicken with a vibrant, aromatic sauce. This recipe captures the essence of traditional Indonesian flavors, blending spicy, sweet, and tangy elements into a delicious stew that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:

  • 1 whole chicken, cut into 14 pieces
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 3 shallots, thinly sliced
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 8 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit merah), whole
  • Salt, to taste
  • Sugar, to taste
  • Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), to taste
  • Oyster sauce, to taste
  • Cooking oil

• For the Spice Paste:

  • 10 shallots
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 15 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit merah)
  • 5 curly chilies (cabe keriting)
  • 4 candlenuts
  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds, toasted
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • White pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Clean the chicken pieces thoroughly. Heat some oil in a pan and fry the chicken pieces until they are half-cooked and slightly golden. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • In a blender or food processor, combine shallots, garlic, bird’s eye chilies, curly chilies, candlenuts, toasted coriander seeds, ground nutmeg, and white pepper. Blend until smooth.

3. Cook the Aromatics:

   • In a large pot or deep skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and sauté until they become fragrant and translucent. Stir in the prepared spice paste and cook until the paste is aromatic and has darkened in color.

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • Add the lemongrass, bay leaves, diced tomato, and whole bird’s eye chilies to the pot. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

5. Add the Chicken:

   • Return the fried chicken pieces to the pot. Stir in the oyster sauce and sweet soy sauce. Ensure the chicken is well-coated with the spices and sauces.

6. Simmer:

   • Pour in enough water to just cover the chicken. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the stew to simmer gently until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, and the flavors are well-blended. This should take about 30 minutes.

7. Season:

   • Season with salt and sugar to taste. Add the lime juice, adjusting the seasoning as needed. Continue to cook until the liquid has reduced and thickened to your liking.

8. Finish and Serve:

   • Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is tender, remove from heat. If desired, stir in a splash of coconut milk or cream for extra richness.

9. Garnish and Enjoy:

   • Serve the spicy semur ayam hot with steamed rice. Enjoy this flavorful Indonesian dish with a side of your favorite vegetables or pickles.

Tip: For an extra touch of richness, you can add a bit of coconut milk or fresh cream at the end of cooking. This step is optional but adds a delicious creamy element to the stew.

Happy Cooking! ❤️