Cilok Ayam Sayur: A Savory Indonesian Delicacy
Cilok Ayam Sayur is a delicious and versatile Indonesian snack made from tender chicken meat combined with a mix of flour and savory seasonings, shaped into small balls, and boiled to perfection. This recipe incorporates finely minced chicken fillet with a blend of aromatic ingredients and vegetables, creating a delightful treat that pairs beautifully with spicy peanut sauce or sambal. Here’s how to make this flavorful and satisfying snack from scratch:
Ingredients
- 1/4 pound chicken fillet (diced or minced)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup tapioca flour (or sago flour)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 shallots (finely chopped)
- 1 stalk green onion (finely sliced)
- 1 medium carrot (grated)
- 1/2 cup ice water
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chicken bouillon powder
- 4-5 ladles of hot broth or boiling water
Instructions
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Prepare the Broth:
- Utilize the chicken bones from which you’ve removed the fillet. Do not discard them; instead, simmer them to make a rich broth. Set the broth aside for later use.
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Blend the Ingredients:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the minced chicken fillet, garlic, shallots, and ice water. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
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Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, tapioca flour, grated carrot, green onion, salt, black pepper, sugar, and chicken bouillon powder. Stir these ingredients until evenly mixed.
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Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
- Gradually add the prepared chicken broth or hot water to the dry ingredients mixture, a little at a time. Stir with a spatula until the dough begins to come together.
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Knead the Dough:
- Once the dough is warm to the touch, use your hands to knead it until smooth and pliable. If the dough remains sticky, add a little more flour until it is no longer tacky.
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Shape the Cilok:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. While waiting for the water to reach a rolling boil, shape the dough into small, round balls according to your preference.
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Prevent Sticking:
- Lightly oil a plate or tray where you will place the shaped cilok balls to prevent them from sticking.
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Cook the Cilok:
- Gently drop the cilok balls into the boiling water. Cook until they float to the surface and allow them to boil for a few more minutes to ensure they are thoroughly cooked.
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Drain and Serve:
- Remove the cilok from the water with a slotted spoon and drain. Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce. For a traditional touch, you can enjoy these with pecel sambal (spicy peanut sauce) or sambal, adding a savory and spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
- Peanut Sauce: Cilok pairs wonderfully with a rich and spicy peanut sauce. You can use store-bought sambal pecel for convenience or make your own.
- Sambal: For those who enjoy extra heat, a simple sambal can add a delightful burst of spice.
Enjoy your Cilok Ayam Sayur as a tasty snack or appetizer that captures the essence of Indonesian street food. This recipe is sure to be a hit at your next gathering or as a comforting treat anytime.