Crispy and Juicy Indonesian Fried Chicken: A Must-Try Recipe
As someone who loves to entertain guests at home, I am always on the lookout for new and exciting recipes to serve. That’s why I want to share with you my recipe for Indonesian fried chicken, also known as Ayam Goreng. This traditional Indonesian dish packs a punch of flavor, making it perfect for impressing your guests or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal.
But why settle for bland and basic fried chicken when you can delve into the bold flavors of Indonesian cuisine? With this recipe, your taste buds will experience a complexity of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors that will leave you craving for more. Plus, the combination of tender chicken and crispy coating is simply irresistible.
This recipe may seem intimidating at first, but trust me – it’s actually quite simple to make. All you need are some basic ingredients from your pantry and a bit of patience. So let’s dive in and discover how to make this mouthwatering dish step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Indonesian Fried Chicken recipe, also known as Ayam Goreng, is a must-try for all chicken lovers. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. The combination of spices and herbs used to season the chicken is what makes this recipe stand out from your typical fried chicken.
The use of lemongrass, turmeric, gingerroot, garlic cloves, and shallots give the chicken an explosion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The seasoning mixture gets pounded into a fine paste using a mortar and pestle, creating an aromatic blend that elevates the dish to a whole new level.
Unlike other fried chicken recipes that require several ingredients and complicated prep work, this Indonesian Fried Chicken recipe requires few ingredients and minimal prep time. All you need is chicken thighs (or any chicken cut of your choice), wheat flour, water, soy sauce, and sugar to make the perfect coating for your chicken.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or prepping for a special event or party, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. You can elevate your dinner party spread by serving up some Indonesian-style fried chicken–your guests will be impressed by the unique flavors and mouth-watering aroma.
If you’re tired of traditional fried chicken recipes and want to spice up your meals with something new and exciting, give this Indonesian Fried Chicken recipe a try–you won’t regret it.
Ingredient List
To make this Indonesian fried chicken recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 4 shallots, peeled and chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks of lemongrass, bruised
- 1-inch piece of gingerroot, peeled and grated
- 1 tsp of ground turmeric
- 2 tsp of coriander seeds, crushed in a mortar and pestle
- 2 tsp of sugar
- 3 tbsp of soy sauce
- 4 cups of water
- Vegetable oil for frying
Note: If you prefer to use a whole chicken cut into pieces or wings instead of only chicken thighs, feel free to do so. Adjust the cooking time accordingly depending on the cut you use.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make the best Indonesian Fried Chicken you’ve ever tasted.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces or 6-8 chicken thighs
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
- 4 shallots, peeled and chopped
- 1 stalk of lemongrass, bruised
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander seeds
- 3 cm gingerroot, peeled and sliced thinly
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions:
- First, you need to marinade the chicken. In a large bowl or container, mix together the chopped garlic and shallots, lemongrass, turmeric, coriander seeds, gingerroot, soy sauce and sugar. Mix well until everything is combined.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade mixture and stir until each piece is coated with the marinade. Leave it in the refrigerator for at least an hour or more if possible. This step helps add flavor to the chicken and makes sure it is juicy when you fry it.
- After marinating the chicken in the refrigerator for desired time period take it out of fridge and start heating up your frying oil in a deep fryer or pot on medium-high heat until it reaches 350F. Make sure to pat dry the chicken using paper towels before starting frying to remove excess marinade from each piece.
- In a separate bowl mix together wheat flour with salt then coat all chicken pieces with mixture one by one until well-coated on both sides. Shake off any excess flour from each piece before frying.
- Once your oil is heated up add chicken pieces slowly inserting one then another after some interval of seconds while shaking them gently so that they don’t stick with each other while frying then add more based on capacity of your fryer or pot do not overcrowd your pot/fryer as doing so will lower temperature of oil which will lead to less crispiness.
- Fry each side of chicken for approximately (depending on size)7-10 minutes approximately give few turns in between until internal temperature reaches above 165F ensuring perfectly cooked and safe to consume chicken.
- Take out fried chickens from pan made by deep frying and place them aside over paper towel that will soak excess oil coming off from fried chickens.
- Your dish is now ready to be served hot with rice or noodles!
Hope you will love preparing and savoring this delicious Indonesian Fried Chicken recipe with your family and friends!
Substitutions and Variations
Cooking is never dull when you are bold and experimental with your ingredients. Here are some ways to make this Indonesian Fried Chicken recipe more personalized and interesting:
Substitutions:
– Chicken: If you’re not a fan of chicken thighs, you can use chicken wings or even a whole chicken cut into pieces.
– Coriander seeds: If you don’t have coriander seeds, you can replace it with coriander powder.
– Coconut milk: If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute coconut milk with regular milk.
Variations:
– Ayam Penyet: Once the fried chicken is cooked, pound it using a pestle and mortar until it’s flat. Top it off with spicy sambal sauce before serving.
– Ayam Geprek: Another popular Indonesian dish that spices things up by mashing the fried chicken after cooking and adding a fiery chili paste on top.
– Butter Chicken: This Indian-inspired version replaces soy sauce with a creamy, buttery sauce made from tomatoes, cream, and spices.
Remember to experiment and trust your taste buds. These substitutions and variations provide just a glimpse of how versatile this Indonesian Fried Chicken recipe can be. Go beyond what’s prescribed and unleash your creativity while retaining the essence of traditional Indonesian food!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve finished making your Indonesian fried chicken, the next question is what to serve it with. This crispy and juicy dish pairs well with many sides and beverages. Let’s explore some of them.
Firstly, an obvious choice is rice – you may go with plain steamed rice or flavorful coconut rice. The latter adds a touch of sweetness that complements the savory chicken well. You can also make some sambal, a traditional Indonesian chili sauce, to add heat, acidity, and complexity.
Another classic side is krupuk, a type of Indonesian crackers made from starch and usually shrimp or fish. These crunchy bites provide a nice texture contrast and umami flavor. You can find them in Asian markets or online.
If you prefer vegetables, try stir-fried kangkung (water spinach) or gado-gado salad. The latter consists of boiled potatoes, green beans, tofu, tempeh, egg, and peanut sauce. It’s vibrant, satisfying, and nutritious.
In terms of beverages, there are several options that go well with Indonesian fried chicken. One is es teh manis or sweet iced tea – it helps balance the richness and spiciness of the dish. You can make it by brewing black tea bags and dissolving sugar in hot water before adding ice cubes.
Another choice is beer – Bintang is a popular brand from Indonesia that works great with this food. Its light body and crisp finish cleanse your palate and enhance the flavors of the chicken.
Lastly, don’t forget to decorate your serving platter with lime wedges, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and freshness.
In conclusion, serving and pairing options for Indonesian fried chicken are manifold – it all depends on your taste and creativity. Try different combinations to discover your favorite ones!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Indonesian Fried Chicken is a dish that can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for dinner parties and gatherings. To make-ahead, simply follow the recipe as normal, cooking the chicken to completion. Once finished cooking, let the chicken cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
When ready to serve, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat your chicken by placing it in a skillet with a touch of oil over medium-low heat until warmed throughout.
One thing to keep in mind is that fried chicken can lose its crispy texture when stored in the fridge. To combat this, place your leftover chicken pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and let come to room temperature for 10 minutes before reheating in the oven.
If you have leftover sauce or marinade from your Indonesian Fried Chicken recipe, be sure to store it separately from the chicken. Keeping them together can result in soggy skin and the sauce may take longer to reheat than the chicken itself.
Overall, Indonesian Fried Chicken is a dish that keeps well and can easily be reheated for several days making it perfect for those busy weeknight dinners or last-minute guests.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have learned how to make Indonesian Fried Chicken, let’s talk about some tips on how to make sure it turns out perfectly every time.
1. Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours
One of the keys to getting that delicious flavor in your Indonesian Fried Chicken is letting it marinate for at least 4 hours. This allows the spices and seasonings to really soak into the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful and tender meat.
2. Use chicken thighs
Using chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts will give you a juicier and more tender meat, making your Indonesian Fried Chicken all the more delicious.
3. Pat the chicken dry
Before coating the chicken in flour, make sure to pat it dry with paper towels. This will help the flour stick better and ensure that you get a nice crispy coating on your fried chicken.
4. Use peanut oil for frying
Peanut oil has a high smoke point, which means it can reach high temperatures without burning or smoking. This makes it perfect for deep-frying your Indonesian Fried Chicken, as it will result in a crispy and evenly cooked exterior.
5. Fry in batches
To prevent overcrowding in the frying pan, fry the chicken in batches so that each piece has enough room to cook evenly. You don’t want the temperature of the oil to decrease too much by crowding too many pieces at once.
6. Don’t overcrowd the pan
Make sure not to put too many pieces of chicken in the frying pan at once as this can lower the temperature of the oil too much and cause uneven cooking.
7.Cook until golden brown
Make sure to cook your Indonesian Fried Chicken until it reaches a golden-brown color before removing from heat to ensure that it is cooked all the way through.
By following these tips, your Indonesian Fried Chicken is sure to be a crowd favorite at your next party or family dinner!
FAQ
As we reach the end of this Indonesian Fried Chicken Recipe article, you may be wondering about some additional questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions our home chef has received regarding this recipe, along with their best answers.
What is the secret to good fried chicken?
When dealing with poultry, it is important to prepare it correctly to ensure even cooking and optimal flavor. That’s why I recommend using a whole chicken cut into pieces to satisfy both dark meat and white meat preferences. The first step is to cut the chicken with care.
After the chicken is cut, the next step is to make a flavorful marinade. Take the time to select tasty ingredients that will complement the meat. Don’t skimp on the marinade as it will play a big role in the overall taste of the dish.
It may be tempting to rush the cooking process, especially if you’re hungry, but resist the urge to do so. Patience is key when cooking poultry. Take the time to cook the chicken until it’s thoroughly done.
Seasoning is crucial in creating a delicious dish. Apply the seasoning liberally to ensure the meat is well seasoned. Don’t be afraid to use bold flavors that will bring out the chicken’s natural taste.
When cooking, it’s important to use the correct cooking oil and temperature. Select a high-quality oil that’s suitable for high-heat cooking, such as vegetable or peanut oil. Keep a close eye on the temperature to prevent overheating, which can cause the meat to dry out.
Finally, when it comes to cleaning up, ditch the paper towels. Use a clean cloth or napkin instead to avoid any paper residue sticking to the chicken. By following these tips, you’ll create a scrumptious chicken dish that will leave your guests wanting more.
What is the Indonesian fried chicken chain?
CFC is a popular fast food chain in Indonesia offering fried chicken as its main specialty. It competes with several other franchises such as KFC, McDonald’s, A&W, and Texas Chicken. With a total of 269 locations across Indonesia as of March 2019, CFC is a well-established brand in the country.
What is the most delicious fried chicken in the world?
These are some popular restaurants in the United States that specialize in serving delicious chicken dishes.
What flour is best for fried chicken?
When it comes to batter-fried chicken, numerous recipes suggest utilizing wheat flour or a blend of wheat flour and cornstarch.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a flavorful and unique spin on fried chicken, then this Indonesian Fried Chicken Recipe is definitely worth trying. With its combination of traditional Indonesian ingredients like lemongrass, turmeric, and shallots, it’s a delicious way to bring a taste of Indonesia to your next party.
Not only is this recipe full of flavor, but it’s also versatile since it can be made with either whole chicken or cut pieces. You can even switch up the seasoning and sauces to create variations like Ayam Goreng Kalasan, Ayam Goreng Kuning, or Ayam Penyet.
Whether you’re new to the world of Indonesian food or just looking for a new take on fried chicken, this recipe is sure to impress. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Indonesian Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 shallots, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 ounces gingerroot, chopped
- 1 tablespoon turmeric
- 2 lemongrass, stalks finely chopped
- 6 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup water
- salt and pepper
- vegetable oil
Instructions
- Put shallots, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and lemon grass in a blender and process into a paste.
- Put soy sauce, water, and sugar into a large frying pan. Heat (to help sugar dissolve).
- Put chicken thighs in frying pan and cover with paste. Simmer, uncovered, until cooked (20-30 minutes). Turn about halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Heat enough vegetable oil to deep-fry the chicken. Oil must be VERY hot - almost to the smoke point.
- Remove chicken thighs, season with salt and pepper, and deep-fry 6-8 minutes until surface is crisp and golden.
- While deep-frying chicken, heat the remaining water and drippings to thicken. Use this as a dipping sauce for the chicken.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!