Anyone who has ever tasted Indonesian fried chicken will likely miss it and constantly crave it again. This is especially true for foreigners who rarely have the opportunity to experience the diverse flavors and spices of Indonesian cuisine.
The method for making this fried chicken recipe is incredibly simple, and you can easily obtain the necessary ingredients. Without further ado, let’s explore how to make it in this post!
Steps to Make Indonesian Fried Chicken ‘Ayam Goreng Ungkep’
What sets Indonesian fried chicken apart from its American fried chicken? If you’re familiar with American fried chicken, which is commonly found in Western fast food chains, you’ll notice a distinct difference with Indonesian fried chicken.
While American fried chicken highlights the use of flour to achieve a crispy and delicious texture, Indonesian fried chicken is first marinated in a mixture of spices before being fried. As a result, the flavor permeates the meat down to the bone.
Moreover, there are numerous variations of fried chicken recipes in Indonesia, such as spiced fried chicken, garlic fried chicken, and many others. However, there is one type of fried chicken that stands out as the most original and can be found in almost every traditional Indonesian market and restaurant.
Ayam Ungkep or yellow chicken, is one of the most favorite Indonesian fried chicken, typical of Java. The cooking method involves “ungkep,” which means boiling and covering the chicken to allow the spices to be absorbed. This is considered the most effective way to marinate the chicken.
Ingredients
- 2 kg of chicken that has been cleaned and cut
- 7 cloves of garlic
- 10 shallots
- 3 grains of turmeric
- 2 segments ginger
- 10 grains of hazelnut
- 2 tablespoons coriander powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 galangal segment (crushed)
- 2 sticks of lemongrass
- 2 bay leaves
- 5 pieces of lime leaves
- Instant coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons of mushroom stock
- Sufficient amount of water
- Cooking oil
How to Make Indonesian Fried Chicken
Step 1: Ungkep
1. First thing first, you need to prepare a chicken that has been cut and washed clean.
2. Next, blend or process all the spices until they form a soft texture. These spices include garlic, shallots, turmeric, ginger, hazelnut, and coriander. The soft texture will ensure easy absorption into the chicken meat.
3. In a skillet with hot oil, sauté the spices over medium heat.
4. Once the color and aroma become pleasant, add a piece of bruised galangal.
5. Add two bruised lemongrass stalks, bay leaves, and lime leaves. This will make the spices smell even more fragrant and get rid of the fishy smell in the chicken.
6. Stir-fry the seasoning with salt to taste, two tablespoons of mushroom stock, and coconut milk. You can opt for instant coconut milk for convenience.
7. Place the chicken into the sautéed spices, ensuring an even distribution of the seasoning over the entire surface of the chicken.
8. Add enough water to boil the chicken. This will ensure that all parts of the chicken are cooked until tender, and the sauce is reduced.
9. Cover the pot or pan to expedite the boiling process and allow the spices to infuse into the chicken. This step typically takes about 15 minutes for the water to evaporate.
10. Then turn off the heat.
Step 2: Frying
1. After the ‘ungkep‘ process is complete, the chicken will have absorbed the seasoning thoroughly. At this point, you can choose to fry it immediately or store it for later frying.
2. The next step is to fry the yellow chicken in a skillet with hot oil.
3. Put the chicken in the frying pan, over medium heat. The yellow chicken will slowly turn golden brown. Don’t forget to position the chicken so that the color is even.
4. Once the chicken has reached the desired color, remove it from the pan and drain it to reduce the oil’s consistency.
5. You are now ready to serve Indonesian fried chicken with your favorite chili sauce
What’s Good from Indonesia Fried Chicken?
You may wonder why Indonesian food, particularly fried chicken, tastes so delicious. One of the main factors is the seasoning. Indonesia is renowned for its abundant spices, which contribute to the richness of every culinary dish.
Another intriguing aspect is that many Indonesians still uphold traditional cooking methods. For instance, they prefer to soften spices using a mortar rather than a food processor. This simple technique enhances the enjoyment and adds a special touch to the dish.
However, you can still enjoy a delicious dish by using instant ayam goreng seasoning. This convenient Indonesian fried chicken recipe is more practical and can be prepared anywhere, even if you’re not in Indonesia.
There are numerous options for the best Indonesian fried chicken recipes that utilize instant spices, making them more accessible. Nyahtewel offers a convenient way to enjoy traditional flavors, making it easier for beginners who are interested in learning how to cook Indonesian food.
FAQ
- When is the best time to fry ungkep chicken or yellow chicken?
Ungkep chicken is the process of frying chicken that has previously been boiled with spices. So, the suitable time is after the chicken is not too hot. You can also leave it to fry the next day, and the taste won’t change. - What makes Indonesian fried chicken taste good?
The secret to the enjoyment of Indonesian fried chicken is the marination with sufficient spices and herbs. This step is an important part that gives the best results in cooking. Giving enough time to marinate will allow the flavors to infuse properly. - How to make chicken skin crispy for a long time?
An important step that will keep the chicken crispy for a long time, especially the skin, is to apply baking powder and place it on cooling racks. If you intend to make fried chicken with flour you can add baking powder. - What is the famous Indonesian fried chicken to make?
The most famous fried chicken dishes in Indonesia are ungkep chicken, garlic fried chicken, and spice fried chicken. These three menus are mainstays that have a distinctive taste of Indonesian spices. - Which one is the best flour for fried chicken?
Rice flour is the best type of flour if you want to make fried chicken with crispy skin. Apart from rice flour, you can replace it with cornstarch. Both will make the fried chicken even more special.