Ayam Penyet Recipe (Indonesian Smashed Fried Chicken)

Ayam Penyet is a popular Indonesian dish that consists of fried chicken that is smashed and served with a flavorful spice paste, rice, and a side of vegetables. It is a dish that is known for its bold flavors and crispy texture.

To make Ayam Penyet, you will need the following ingredients:

• Chicken pieces (legs or wings)
• Garlic cloves
• Shallots
• Red bird’s eye chilies
• Tomatoes
• Kaffir lime leaves
• Lime juice
• Salt and pepper
• Oil for frying
• Served with steamed rice and cucumbers

To prepare Ayam Penyet, start by marinating the chicken pieces with a mixture of garlic, shallots, red bird’s eye chilies, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. Then, heat oil in a frying pan and fry the chicken until golden and crispy.

In the meantime, prepare the spice paste by blending garlic, shallots, red bird’s eye chilies, tomatoes, kaffir lime leaves, salt, and lime juice. Once the chicken is fried, remove it from the pan and drain the excess oil. Using a pestle or the back of a knife, smash the chicken pieces to flatten them.

To serve, place the smashed fried chicken on a plate, spoon the spice paste over it, and serve with steamed rice and cucumbers on the side. The combination of the crispy chicken, flavorful spice paste, and refreshing cucumbers creates a satisfying and delicious meal.

Ingredients

• Chicken: The primary component of this dish is the chicken. You will need chicken pieces, such as thighs or drumsticks, to make Ayam Penyet.
• Spices: To enhance the flavor of the chicken, you will need a variety of spices such as garlic, shallots, turmeric, ginger, and galangal. These spices add a rich and aromatic taste to the dish.
• Tamarind Paste: Tamarind paste is used to create the tangy and slightly sour flavor in Ayam Penyet. It adds a unique element to the dish.
• Palm Sugar: Palm sugar is used to balance the flavors in Ayam Penyet. It adds a subtle sweetness to the dish.
• Lime Juice: Lime juice is an essential ingredient that adds a refreshing and tangy taste to the chicken.
• Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is used for frying the chicken, giving it a crunchy and golden exterior.

In addition to these main ingredients, you may also need other seasonings and condiments such as salt, pepper, and shrimp paste to further enhance the flavors. It’s important to gather all the ingredients before starting the preparation to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Preparation

To prepare Ayam Penyet, start by gathering all the necessary ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 4 red chili peppers
• 3 shallots
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of chicken stock powder
• 1 tablespoon of tamarind juice
• 1 cup of water
• Oil for frying

Next, prepare the marinade for the chicken by grinding the garlic, red chili peppers, and shallots into a smooth paste using a mortar and pestle or a blender. Mix the paste with salt, sugar, chicken stock powder, tamarind juice, and water in a bowl until well combined.

Marinate the chicken thighs in the mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. Once marinated, heat oil in a frying pan or deep fryer and fry the chicken thighs until golden brown and cooked through.

Cooking Process

To start, the chicken is marinated in a mixture of spices and seasonings such as garlic, ginger, turmeric, and lemongrass. This marinade helps to infuse the chicken with delicious flavors and also tenderizes the meat. After marinating for at least 1 hour, the chicken is then deep-fried until it turns golden brown and crispy.

Once the chicken is fried, it is then smashed or “penyet” using a pestle or the back of a knife. This step helps to break down the fibers of the meat and create a more tender texture. The smashed chicken is then served with a sambal, a spicy chili paste made from chili peppers, shallots, and lime juice.

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• Marinate the chicken in a mixture of spices and seasonings for at least 1 hour.
• Deep-fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy.
• Smash the fried chicken using a pestle or the back of a knife.
• Serve the smashed chicken with spicy chili paste.

Note: The cooking process may vary slightly depending on personal preferences and regional variations. Some recipes may also include additional steps such as boiling the chicken before frying or adding other ingredients to the marinade.

Serving Suggestions

1. Sambal Belacan: Ayam Penyet is traditionally served with a spicy and tangy condiment called Sambal Belacan. It is made from chili, shrimp paste, and other ingredients, and adds a delicious kick to the fried chicken. You can either make your own Sambal Belacan or purchase it from a local store.

2. Steamed Rice: Ayam Penyet is typically enjoyed with a side of steamed rice. The fragrant and fluffy rice complements the crispy chicken and helps balance out the spicy flavors of the Sambal Belacan. Serve a generous portion of steamed rice alongside your Ayam Penyet.

• 3. Fresh Vegetables: To add a refreshing element to your meal, serve Ayam Penyet with a side of fresh vegetables. You can opt for a simple salad of cucumber, lettuce, and tomato, or try blanched vegetables like green beans or cabbage. The crispiness of the chicken pairs well with the crunchiness of the vegetables.
• 4. Fried Tofu and Tempeh: For a complete Indonesian meal, consider adding fried tofu and tempeh to your plate. Tofu and tempeh are traditional Indonesian ingredients made from soybeans, and they make a delicious accompaniment to the Ayam Penyet. You can either fry them yourself or purchase them pre-fried.

These serving suggestions will help elevate your Ayam Penyet meal and give you a taste of authentic Indonesian cuisine. Feel free to experiment with different combinations and add your own personal touch to the dish!