Rica Rica Ayam Kecap: Indonesian Spicy Chicken with Sweet Soy Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound chicken wings, cut into pieces
- Spice Paste:
- 8 red chilies (keriting)
- 5 bird’s eye chilies (rawit)
- 8 shallots
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1 cm ginger
- 2 cm turmeric
- 2 bay leaves (daun salam)
- 2 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)
- 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
- Salt to taste
- Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) to taste
- Soy sauce (motto) to taste
- Chicken bouillon powder to taste
- Water as needed
- Cooking oil as needed
- 1 cm galangal, bruised
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken:
- Clean the chicken wings and cut them into pieces as desired.
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Make the Spice Paste:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, shallots, garlic, ginger, and turmeric. Blend into a smooth paste.
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Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pan, stirring well to coat them with the spice paste.
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Add the Flavorings:
- Pour in enough water to cover the chicken. Stir to combine.
- Season with salt, chicken bouillon powder, sweet soy sauce, soy sauce (motto), and granulated sugar (if using). Mix well.
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Add the Aromatics:
- Add the bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and galangal to the pan. Stir to incorporate.
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Simmer:
- Allow the mixture to simmer gently, uncovered, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste.
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Serve:
- Once the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded together, remove from heat.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional herbs if desired, and enjoy with steamed rice or your choice of side dishes.
Bon appétit and enjoy your flavorful Indonesian chicken dish!
