Spicy Sweet Basil Chicken Stir-Fry

Indulge in the aromatic and flavorful world of Indonesian cuisine with this Spicy Sweet Basil Chicken recipe. Known locally as Ayam Kemangi Kecap Pedas, this dish combines tender chicken with a medley of spices, fresh herbs, and a sweet-spicy sauce. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or a hearty dinner, this recipe promises a burst of flavors with every bite. Follow these simple steps to create a deliciously fragrant and spicy meal that will transport your taste buds to a whole new level.

Ingredients:

• Chicken: 1/2 kg (cut into medium pieces, pre-cooked briefly)
• Sweet Basil: 1 bunch
• Tomato: 1 (sliced)
• Bird’s Eye Chili: 4 (sliced)
• Sweet Soy Sauce (Kecap Manis): to taste
• Spicy Sauce: to taste
• Oyster Sauce (Saori Saus Tiram): to taste
• Onion: 1 large (sliced)
• Water: 2 cups
• Seasoning Powder: to taste
• Lemongrass: 1 stalk (crushed)
• Galangal: 1 cm (crushed)
• Bay Leaves: 2
• Kaffir Lime Leaves: 2
• Spice Paste:
  • Ground Pepper: 1/2 tablespoon
  • Candlenuts: 2 (whole)
  • Shallots: 5
  • Garlic: 5 cloves

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Base: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the sliced onion until translucent. Add the sliced tomato and cook until softened. Introduce the spice paste (ground pepper, candlenuts, shallots, and garlic) to the pan, along with the bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and crushed galangal. Sauté until fragrant.

2. Build the Sauce: Pour in 2 cups of water, followed by the seasoning powder, spicy sauce, oyster sauce, and sweet soy sauce. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.

3. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pan. Stir to ensure the chicken is well-coated with the sauce. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.

4. Add Fresh Ingredients: After the initial simmering, open the pan and stir in the sliced bird’s eye chili and sweet basil. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste, and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the fresh basil to infuse its flavor into the dish.

5. Final Touches: Once the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove from heat. Transfer to a serving dish.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with extra basil leaves if desired and serve hot. Enjoy this flavorful dish with steamed rice or your favorite side.

Happy cooking and bon appétit! 🌟