Ayam Tahu Balado: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight
Ayam Tahu Balado is a delightful Indonesian dish that combines tender chicken and tofu, perfectly seasoned with a spicy chili sauce. This recipe, rich in flavor and packed with aromatic spices, makes for an enticing meal that can be served with steamed rice for a satisfying experience. Follow the steps below to create this exquisite dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken (cut into pieces) | ¼ kg |
| Tofu (cubed) | 4 pieces |
| For Marinade | |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Shallots | 2 cloves |
| Ginger | 1 small piece |
| Salt | to taste |
| Pepper | to taste |
| For Spice Paste | |
| Bird’s Eye Chilies | 5 pieces |
| Large Red Chilies | 4 pieces |
| Small Tomato | 1 piece |
| Candlenuts (kemiri) | 1 piece |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Shallots | 2 cloves |
| Bay Leaf | 1 leaf |
| Palm Sugar | a pinch |
| Cooking Oil | for sautéing |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 kcal |
| Protein | ~25 g |
| Fat | ~20 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~15 g |
| Fiber | ~3 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by marinating the chicken pieces. In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic, shallots, ginger, salt, and pepper. Blend until you have a smooth paste. Rub this marinade all over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse. -
-
Cook the Chicken:
In a large pot, add enough water to cover the marinated chicken and bring it to a boil. Add the marinated chicken pieces and simmer until cooked through, approximately 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken and let it drain. -
Fry the Chicken and Tofu:
In a frying pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and fry them until golden brown and crispy. In the same pan, add the cubed tofu and fry until they are also golden and crispy. Once done, remove both the chicken and tofu from the pan and set aside. -
Prepare the Spice Paste:
In a blender, combine the bird’s eye chilies, large red chilies, tomato, candlenuts, garlic, and shallots. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste. -
Sauté the Spice Paste:
In the same frying pan, add a little more oil if necessary and toss in the bay leaf. Add the blended spice paste and sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring continuously to avoid burning. If the paste is too thick, you can add a small amount of water to loosen it. Season with palm sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. -
Combine and Serve:
Add the fried chicken and tofu back into the pan, stirring well to coat them with the spice mixture. Allow the mixture to cook together for a few more minutes, ensuring the flavors meld. Once the sauce has reduced and is thick, turn off the heat. -
Garnish and Enjoy:
Serve the Ayam Tahu Balado hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Pair it with steamed rice for a complete meal that brings the vibrant flavors of Indonesia to your dining table.
Conclusion
This Ayam Tahu Balado recipe offers a wonderful blend of flavors that showcases the essence of Indonesian cuisine. The combination of spices, tender chicken, and tofu creates a hearty dish that is both satisfying and delicious. Enjoy making this dish as part of your culinary journey, and experience the rich tastes that will surely delight your taste buds!
