Sweet & Spicy Indonesian Soy Sauce Chicken

Sweet and Spicy Soy Sauce Chicken (Ayam Kecap Pedas Manis)

This delightful Indonesian dish, Ayam Kecap Pedas Manis, showcases chicken simmered in a flavorful blend of sweet soy sauce, aromatic spices, and a touch of heat. Perfectly balanced between sweet and spicy, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 kg chicken (cleaned and cut into pieces)
• 6 shallots (peeled)
• 5 garlic cloves (peeled)
• 5 small red chilies (adjust to taste)
• 4 kaffir lime leaves (torn into pieces)
• 2 tablespoons ground black pepper
• 1 block palm sugar (about 1 inch)
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger (smashed)
• Sweet soy sauce (enough to coat the chicken generously, similar to making stew)
• Salt (to taste)
• Water (as needed)
• 3 tablespoons oil (for sautéing)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:

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   • In a blender or food processor, combine the shallots, garlic, and small red chilies. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste. This mixture will form the aromatic base for your dish.

2. Sauté the Spices:

   • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Cook the Chicken:

   • Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, stirring well to coat them with the sautéed spices. Cook the chicken until it starts to brown slightly on all sides.

4. Add Sweetness and Flavor:

   • Dissolve the palm sugar in a small amount of hot water to make a syrup. Add this syrup to the skillet along with the torn kaffir lime leaves and ground black pepper. Stir well.

5. Simmer the Dish:

   • Pour in enough water to just cover the chicken. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer until the chicken is halfway cooked, approximately 20-25 minutes. This will help tenderize the chicken.

6. Incorporate Soy Sauce:

   • Once the chicken is partially cooked, add a generous amount of sweet soy sauce to the skillet. Stir to ensure the soy sauce is evenly distributed. Continue to cook, uncovered, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce coats the chicken evenly.

7. Adjust the Seasoning:

   • Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if needed. If you prefer more heat, you can add extra black pepper or additional chopped chilies at this stage.

8. Finish Cooking:

   • Cook until the sauce has reduced to your desired consistency and has been absorbed by the chicken, about 10-15 minutes. The chicken should be tender and flavorful, coated in a rich, glossy sauce.

9. Serve:

   • Once done, transfer the chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with additional chopped chilies or fresh herbs if desired.

10. Enjoy:

    • Serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes. Enjoy the sweet, spicy flavors of Ayam Kecap Pedas Manis!

Feel free to experiment with the level of sweetness and spiciness to match your taste preferences. Happy cooking! 😄