Penyet Chicken, a popular Indonesian dish, is a tantalizing blend of flavors and textures. The crispy, succulent chicken is paired with aromatic spices and served with a side of fiery sambal, creating a dish that is sure to excite your taste buds. In this article, we'll explore how to create this delectable dish from scratch, including the required ingredients, preparation steps, serving suggestions, tips, variations, and even a glimpse into its nutritional content.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Oil for frying
For the Sambal:
- 5-6 red bird's eye chilies (adjust according to your spice preference)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 medium-sized tomato
- 1 teaspoon shrimp paste (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Lime juice
Preparation:
- Begin by marinating the chicken thighs with minced garlic, grated ginger, turmeric powder, coriander powder, salt, and sugar. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the marinated chicken thighs until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
- While the chicken is frying, prepare the sambal. In a mortar and pestle, grind the red chilies and garlic into a coarse paste. Add chopped tomato, shrimp paste (if using), salt, and lime juice. Mix well.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oil and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
Serving:
- Serve the Penyet Chicken hot with a generous serving of sambal on the side.
- Accompany it with steamed rice, cucumber slices, and fresh lettuce leaves for a complete meal.
Tips:
- For extra crispy chicken, coat the marinated chicken thighs with a thin layer of cornstarch before frying.
- Adjust the spiciness of the sambal by adding or reducing the number of red chilies.
- To save time, you can use a food processor to grind the ingredients for the sambal.
Variations:
- Try using chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option.
- Experiment with different spices in the marinade, such as cumin or chili powder, to customize the flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute tofu or tempeh for the chicken.
Nutritional Information:
- The calorie content of Penyet Chicken can vary depending on factors such as portion size and cooking method. On average, one serving of Penyet Chicken with sambal contains approximately 400-500 calories.
