Spicy Sweet Chicken (Ayam Pedas Manis)
Ingredients
- 500 grams chicken, pre-boiled and fried
- 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- Salt and sugar, to taste
Ground Spices:
- 2 red chilies
- 3 shallots
- 5 cloves garlic
- 2 candlenuts
- Coriander seeds, to taste
- 1/2 tablespoon palm sugar
Instructions
-
Prepare the Spices:
Begin by grinding the red chilies, shallots, garlic, candlenuts, coriander seeds, and palm sugar into a smooth paste. This spice blend will infuse the chicken with a rich and aromatic flavor. -
Sauté the Spice Paste:
Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the ground spice paste to the pan and sauté until it becomes fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning. -
Cook the Chicken:
Once the spice paste is well sautéed, add the pre-boiled and fried chicken pieces to the pan. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the spice mixture. -
Add the Sauces:
Pour in the sweet soy sauce and oyster sauce, stirring to combine. The sweet soy sauce will add a rich sweetness, while the oyster sauce provides a savory depth. -
Simmer to Perfection:
Add a small amount of water to the pan to create a sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer, letting the flavors meld together and the sauce to thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. -
Season to Taste:
Add salt and sugar as needed, tasting to ensure the balance of flavors is to your liking. Continue to cook until the sauce has reduced to a thick, glossy consistency that coats the chicken beautifully. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the Spicy Sweet Chicken to a serving dish. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, making it a perfect centerpiece for a family meal.
Tips:
- Adjust the Spice Level: For a spicier kick, you can add more red chilies or include some chili flakes in the spice paste.
- Chicken Preparation: Ensure the chicken is pre-boiled and fried to achieve a tender inside with a crispy outside before adding it to the sauce.
- Serving Suggestions: Garnish with sliced fresh chilies or a sprinkle of fried shallots for added texture and flavor.
Enjoy the harmonious blend of sweet and spicy in this traditional Ayam Pedas Manis, perfect for a delicious and comforting meal at home!