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IndonesianAuthentic Cuisine

Ayam Goreng

Serves 4 to 6 Entree chicken, Poultry

Ayam Goreng

Ayam Goreng, a staple of Javanese cuisine, is a dish that epitomizes the essence of home cooking in Indonesia. Traditionally, it is prepared with a generous hand, both in seasoning and spirit, making it a favorite at family gatherings and communal meals. The recipe captures the essence of how an Indonesian family cook would naturally prepare it, with no exact measurements, just instinct and taste guiding the way.

The result is chicken that is deeply aromatic, with the warmth of turmeric and garlic permeating each piece. The coriander adds a subtle earthiness, while the salt is adjusted by feel, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced. It's a dish meant for sharing, served simply on the table, inviting everyone to dive in together.

Ingredients

  • 800 gchicken pieces
  • 3 clovesgarlic
  • 1 tspturmeric
  • 2 tbspvegetable oil
  • 1 tspcoriander
  • to tastefine sea salt

Method

  1. Begin by patting the 800 g chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures the chicken will brown nicely. Season the chicken generously with fine sea salt, 1 tsp turmeric, and 1 tsp coriander, making sure each piece is evenly coated with the spices.
  2. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken pieces skin-side down. Brown the chicken on all sides until the skin is golden and crisp, about 5-7 minutes per side. This step locks in the flavors and gives the chicken a beautiful color.
  3. Peel and finely chop 3 cloves of garlic. Add the garlic to the skillet with the chicken, stirring gently to ensure the garlic doesn't burn. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and tender, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step infuses the chicken with aromatic flavors.
  4. Check the skillet for any excess liquid. If the sauce is too watery, increase the heat slightly and allow it to reduce until it thickens to your liking. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt if necessary. The sauce should cling lightly to the chicken pieces.
  5. Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, ensuring each piece is coated with the flavorful sauce. Serve the Ayam Goreng immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy this traditional Indonesian dish with family and friends.
Cover of Authentic Indonesian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Indonesian Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Indonesian Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Indonesian volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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