Indonesian Sweet Soy Chicken (Ayam Kecap) Recipe

Ayam Kecap: A Savory Indonesian Chicken Dish

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 kg chicken, cut into small pieces

For the Marinade:

• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 cm turmeric
• 1 cm ginger
• 2 teaspoons coriander
• 1 bay leaf
• Coarse salt

For the Sauce:

• 10 shallots
• 5 cloves garlic
• 3 candlenuts
• 20 bird’s eye chilies
• 4 large red chilies, thinly sliced
• 3 stalks green onions, chopped
• 2 cm galangal, crushed
• 2 stalks lemongrass, crushed
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt, to taste
• Sugar, to taste
• Seasoning, to taste
• Sweet soy sauce, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Clean the chicken pieces thoroughly. Marinate with the garlic, turmeric, ginger, coriander, bay leaf, and coarse salt. Allow it to sit for about 30 minutes.
   • Cook the marinated chicken in a pot over medium heat until tender and fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Fry the Chicken:

   • Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the chicken pieces until they are halfway cooked and golden brown. Remove and drain excess oil.

3. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In a separate pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, and bird’s eye chilies. Sauté until fragrant.
   • Add the sliced red chilies, green onions, galangal, bay leaf, and lemongrass. Continue to cook until the mixture becomes aromatic and the shallots are translucent.

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • Pour in the sweet soy sauce and stir well. Add salt, sugar, and seasoning to taste. Mix thoroughly.
   • Add the fried chicken pieces to the pan. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.

5. Simmer:

   • Pour in a glass of water and mix. Cover and let simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

6. Taste and Serve:

   • Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is well-coated, remove from heat.

7. Serving Suggestion:

   • Serve the Ayam Kecap warm with steamed rice for a delightful Indonesian meal.

Enjoy the rich, savory flavors of Ayam Kecap, a dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and spicy soy sauce blend. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or special occasions.