Ayam Kecap Bumbu Ulek
Ayam Kecap Bumbu Ulek is a delightful Indonesian dish featuring tender chicken cooked with a rich, aromatic sauce. This recipe combines the savory sweetness of kecap (sweet soy sauce) with a blend of spices and aromatic ingredients. Perfect for a comforting meal, this dish can be paired with steamed rice for a complete experience.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 kg chicken, cut into pieces
- Sweet soy sauce (kecap) to taste
- Granulated sugar to taste
- Chicken bouillon (Masako) to taste
- Salt to taste
- Ground pepper and/or chili powder to taste
- 2 red shallots, thinly sliced
- A stick of cinnamon
- Oil for frying (butter or margarine can be used)
For the Bumbu Ulek (Ground Spice Paste):
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 candlenuts (kemiri)
- A small piece of ginger
- A small piece of turmeric
Instructions:
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Prepare the Bumbu Ulek: Begin by making the bumbu ulek. In a mortar and pestle, grind the garlic, candlenuts, ginger, and turmeric until you obtain a smooth paste. Alternatively, you can use a food processor for convenience.
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Cook the Aromatics: Heat oil (or butter/margarine) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and the prepared bumbu ulek. Sauté until the shallots are softened and the mixture is fragrant.
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Add the Chicken: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Stir-fry the chicken for a few minutes until it is slightly browned.
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Season and Simmer: Pour in the sweet soy sauce to coat the chicken. Add granulated sugar, chicken bouillon, salt, and ground pepper (and chili powder if using) to taste. Stir well to combine. Add a small amount of water to help the sauce coat the chicken evenly. Allow the chicken to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through. The liquid should reduce and become more concentrated.
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Finish and Serve: Once the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, turn off the heat. Remove the cinnamon stick and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.
Enjoy the rich, savory flavors of Ayam Kecap Bumbu Ulek, a perfect blend of Indonesian spices and sweet soy sauce that will surely delight your taste buds!
