Sweet and Savory Indonesian Chicken Kecap

Ayam Kecap: A Savory Indonesian Delight

Ingredients:

• 1/2 kg chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 shallots, sliced
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 2 red chilies, sliced
• 1 piece ginger, crushed
• Oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Salt, to taste
• Royco (seasoning mix), to taste
• Palm sugar, to taste
• Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Begin by thoroughly washing the chicken pieces under running water. Rub them with lime juice and salt, then set them aside to marinate briefly. Heat oil in a pan and fry the chicken pieces until they are about 75% cooked. Remove and drain the chicken on paper towels.

2. Prepare the Aromatics:
   While the chicken is frying, slice the onion, garlic, shallots, and tomato. Slice the red chilies and crush the ginger.

3. Cook the Aromatics:
   In a separate pan, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion, garlic, shallots, and chilies, along with the crushed ginger. Sauté the mixture until the aromatics become fragrant and slightly golden.

4. Create the Sauce:
   Add water to the pan with the aromatics and bring it to a boil. Stir in palm sugar, sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), salt, and Royco seasoning mix. Allow the mixture to simmer and the flavors to meld.

5. Combine and Simmer:
   Add the partially fried chicken pieces into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce so that it absorbs the flavors. Continue to cook until the sauce has reduced and thickened slightly.

6. Thicken the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Gradually add this mixture to the pan while stirring to thicken the sauce. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

7. Serve:
   Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is well-coated, transfer the dish to a serving plate. Enjoy your Ayam Kecap with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.

This savory Indonesian Ayam Kecap offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a comforting meal.