Sweet and Spicy Indonesian Chicken (Ayam Sambal Kecap)

Ayam Sambal Kecap: A Spicy-Sweet Indonesian Chicken Dish

Ingredients:

• Chicken:
  • 1/2 large free-range chicken, cut into 12-16 pieces
  • Juice of 1 lime
• Spice Paste:
  • 5 shallots
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 5 bird’s eye chilies (adjust according to heat preference)
• Sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons sambal sauce
  • 4 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (kecap Inggris)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1/2 tablespoon margarine
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (optional; can be omitted)
• Additional Ingredients:
  • Oil for sautéing
  • Water, as needed
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Clean and cut the chicken into 12-16 pieces. Rub the chicken pieces with lime juice and let them marinate for 15 minutes. Rinse off the lime juice and set the chicken aside.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • In a blender or food processor, blend the shallots, garlic, and bird’s eye chilies until smooth. This will create a fragrant and spicy paste that forms the base of the dish.

3. Cook the Chicken:

   • Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the chicken pieces. Cook until the chicken is half done, then remove from the pot and set aside.

4. Sauté the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a generous amount of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant and golden brown.

5. Add the Margarine and Chicken:

   • Add the margarine to the wok with the spice paste. Stir until the margarine has melted and combined with the paste. Add the partially cooked chicken pieces to the wok, ensuring they are well-coated with the spice paste.

6. Incorporate the Sauces:

   • Increase the heat to high and pour in the sweet soy sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Shaoxing wine (if using) around the edge of the wok. Allow the mixture to come to a boil.

7. Simmer:

   • Add water as needed to adjust the sauce consistency. Stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

8. Serve:

   • Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has reduced to a rich, glossy consistency, remove from heat. Serve the Ayam Sambal Kecap hot with steamed rice.

Enjoy your delightful Indonesian meal! 😄