Ayam Rendang Balado Recipe
Discover the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this delicious Ayam Rendang Balado, a dish that harmoniously blends spicy rendang with a fiery balado sauce. Perfect for those who love bold and savory dishes, this recipe will guide you through creating a rich and aromatic meal.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1/2 chicken, cut into pieces
- Bumbu Ungkep: 1 packet (pre-made spice mix)
- Tomatoes: 2 small, diced
- Red Chilies: 10, seeded
- Bird’s Eye Chilies: 5, seeded (adjust based on your spice preference)
- Shallots: 2 cloves
- Candlenuts: 2
- Cooking Oil: For frying
- Masako: 1-2 teaspoons (or adjust to taste)
- Sugar: 1-2 teaspoons (or adjust to taste)
- Salt: To taste
- Water: As needed
- Coconut Milk: 1 cup (optional, for added richness)
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken: Start by cleaning the chicken pieces thoroughly. Marinate them briefly in salted water to enhance flavor and tenderness.
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Sauté the Bumbu Ungkep: Heat a small amount of oil in a pan. Add the pre-made bumbu ungkep spice mix and cook briefly until fragrant. Add enough water to the pan to make a thin sauce.
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Simmer the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken pieces into the pan with the sautéed bumbu ungkep. Cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
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Fry the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pan once it’s tender, and fry it until it is golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
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Prepare the Spice Blend: While the chicken is cooking, blend the red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, shallots, and candlenuts into a smooth paste using a blender or traditional mortar and pestle.
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Cook the Spice Paste: In a separate pan, heat some oil and sauté the spice paste until it becomes aromatic and the oil starts to separate from the paste.
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Combine and Simmer: Add the cooked chicken to the spice paste. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the paste. Add a bit of water to the pan to create a sauce. Season with masako, sugar, and salt according to your taste.
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Add Coconut Milk (Optional): For a richer flavor, stir in the coconut milk. Let the mixture simmer until the sauce has reduced and thickened, and the chicken is well-coated.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, sugar, or masako as needed.
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Serve: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove from heat and serve hot. Enjoy with steamed rice for a complete meal.
This Ayam Rendang Balado brings together the deep, complex flavors of rendang with the fiery kick of balado, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Perfect for a special family dinner or when you’re craving something flavorful and unique.