Indonesian Sweet and Savory Fried Chicken (Ayam Goreng Bacem)

Ayam Goreng Bacem: Simple and Savory Fried Chicken Recipe

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Ayam Goreng Bacem, a beloved Indonesian dish that combines succulent fried chicken with a rich, aromatic marinade. This simple recipe is perfect for those looking for a budget-friendly meal with a touch of elegance. Whether you’re a student living on a tight budget or just craving something comforting, this dish will not disappoint.

Ingredients:

• 400 grams chicken, cut into pieces
• 6 cloves garlic
• 2 candlenuts (kemiri)
• 1/2 teaspoon toasted coriander seeds (ketumbar)
• 4 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
• 5 cm ginger (jahe)
• 2 cm galangal (lengkuas)
• Brown sugar, to taste
• Soy sauce (kecap), to taste
• Bouillon powder (masako), to taste
• Salt, to taste
• 3 tablespoons cooking oil
• 2 bay leaves (daun salam)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   Related Articles

   • 
     Fiery BBQ Chicken Wings with Spicy Chili Sauce
   • 
     Crispy Indonesian Chicken Sempol Skewers
   • 
     Savory Indonesian Butter-Fried Chicken with Sweet Soy Sauce
   • 
     Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wings ala Wida
   • In a food processor or mortar and pestle, blend the garlic, candlenuts, toasted coriander seeds, and ginger into a smooth paste. This fragrant mixture will form the base of our marinade.

2. Sauté the Spice Paste:

   • Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the spice paste and sauté until it becomes aromatic and golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Add Aromatics:

   • Incorporate the kaffir lime leaves, bruised galangal, bruised lemongrass, and bay leaves into the pan. Continue to cook until the leaves are fragrant and slightly wilted, around 2 minutes.

4. Cook the Chicken:

   • Add the chicken pieces to the pan, ensuring they are well-coated with the spice paste. Sauté the chicken, turning occasionally, until it starts to brown and firm up, about 5-7 minutes.

5. Simmer:

   • Pour in enough water to cover the chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the liquid has reduced by half, allowing the flavors to concentrate and the chicken to become tender, about 20 minutes.

6. Season the Sauce:

   • Once the liquid has reduced, stir in brown sugar, soy sauce, bouillon powder, and salt. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Continue to cook until the liquid has almost completely evaporated and the chicken is coated with a thick, flavorful glaze, about 10-15 minutes.

7. Fry the Chicken:

   • Remove the chicken from the pan and drain on paper towels. Heat additional oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per side.

8. Serve:

   • Remove the fried chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot, and enjoy the sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors of Ayam Goreng Bacem.

This recipe is not only budget-friendly but also incredibly satisfying. Perfect for a casual dinner or a special treat, Ayam Goreng Bacem brings a taste of Indonesian comfort food right to your table. Enjoy!