Ayam Bakar Solo: A Delicious Indonesian Grilled Chicken Recipe
Ayam Bakar Solo, a traditional Indonesian dish, offers a tantalizing mix of flavors with its marinated chicken infused with aromatic spices. This recipe showcases the unique taste of Solo-style grilled chicken, known for its rich and savory profile. Perfect for family gatherings or a special dinner, this recipe brings a taste of Indonesian culinary tradition to your table.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole kampong chicken, cut into 4 pieces
- 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar (gula merah), shaved
- Coconut water (enough to cover the chicken for simmering)
Spice Paste:
- 8 shallots
- 6 garlic cloves
- 2 candlenuts (kemiri), toasted
- A thumb-sized piece of turmeric
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Spice Paste:
- Start by grinding the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, turmeric, and salt into a smooth paste. A mortar and pestle or a food processor can be used for this step.
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Marinate the Chicken:
- Rub the prepared spice paste all over the chicken pieces. Massage the paste into the meat to ensure it is well-coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
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Simmer the Chicken:
- In a large pot, add the marinated chicken along with coconut water until it covers the chicken pieces. Stir in the palm sugar and sweet soy sauce. Season with additional salt if needed.
- Simmer over medium heat until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened. This process helps the chicken to be fully infused with the rich flavors.
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Grill the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce has reduced, remove the chicken from the pot and prepare to grill.
- Preheat your grill or oven to a medium-high heat. Grill the chicken pieces, turning occasionally, until they are charred and have a crispy, caramelized exterior. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on your grill or oven.
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Serve:
- Serve the Ayam Bakar Solo hot from the grill, garnished with your choice of fresh herbs or slices of lime. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and a side of vegetables.
Enjoy the savory and slightly sweet flavors of this traditional Solo-style grilled chicken. It’s a delightful dish that captures the essence of Indonesian cuisine in every bite.
