Simple Soy Sauce Chicken (Ayam Kecap Sederhana)
Welcome to Love with Recipes, where we bring you delightful and easy-to-follow recipes that make every meal a joyous occasion. Today, we are excited to present a beloved Indonesian dish – Simple Soy Sauce Chicken, or Ayam Kecap Sederhana. This dish combines tender chicken pieces with rich, flavorful soy sauce, making it a comforting meal perfect for any day of the week. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 medium-sized potato, cut into cubes
- Shallots, garlic, and onion, finely chopped
- Red chili peppers, seeds removed
- Bay leaves and kaffir lime leaves (finely chopped)
- Lemongrass and ginger, bruised
- Tomato (optional)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Mushroom bouillon
- Sweet soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Olive oil or butter
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken:
- Begin by thoroughly washing the chicken drumsticks. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Season the chicken with salt and black pepper. Press the seasoning into the chicken to ensure it is well absorbed. Allow the chicken to rest for approximately 15 minutes.
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Light Frying:
- Heat a small amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Lightly fry the chicken pieces until they are golden brown on the outside. This step is to seal in the juices and add a bit of color. Set the fried chicken aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
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Sautéing the Aromatics:
- In the same pan, add olive oil or butter. Over medium heat, sauté the chopped shallots, garlic, and onion until they become fragrant and translucent.
- Add the red chili peppers, bay leaves, chopped kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, ginger, and tomato (if using). Continue to sauté until the mixture is aromatic and well combined.
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Cooking the Chicken:
- Return the lightly fried chicken to the pan. Let it sit for a moment, then flip the pieces to ensure both sides are coated with the aromatic mixture.
- Add the cubed potatoes to the pan.
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Seasoning and Simmering:
- Season the dish with salt, black pepper, mushroom bouillon, oyster sauce, and sweet soy sauce. Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more sweet soy sauce or a pinch of sugar if needed.
- Pour in enough water to cover the chicken and potatoes. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
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Simmer Until Tender:
- Lower the heat and allow the mixture to simmer gently. Stir occasionally and let the chicken cook until it is tender and the potatoes are soft. This should take about 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
- During this process, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Ensure the sauce is well absorbed by the chicken and potatoes.
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Final Touch:
- Once the sauce has reduced and thickened to your liking, and the chicken is fully cooked, remove the pan from the heat.
- Serve the Simple Soy Sauce Chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This Simple Soy Sauce Chicken is best enjoyed with steamed white rice or fluffy jasmine rice, which helps to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a complete meal, pair it with a side of sautéed greens or a simple cucumber salad to add a refreshing crunch.
We hope you enjoy making and savoring this delightful Indonesian dish. Stay tuned for more delicious recipes from Love with Recipes, where every meal is made with love!
