Are you craving for a mouthwatering chicken dish that is both buttery and crispy? Look no further! In this blog article, we will share with you an amazing recipe for Ayam Butter Nestum. This delectable dish combines the rich flavors of butter and the irresistible crunchiness of Nestum cereal, creating a tantalizing taste that will leave you wanting more. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a satisfying meal for you and your loved ones.
Originating from Malaysia, Ayam Butter Nestum has gained popularity worldwide for its unique combination of flavors and textures. The chicken is first marinated in a blend of aromatic spices, then coated with a crispy layer of Nestum cereal, and finally cooked in a buttery sauce that adds a rich and creamy finish to the dish. This recipe is perfect for those who love a balance of sweet, savory, and crispy all in one bite.
Ingredients
To recreate this delightful dish, you will need the following ingredients:
For the chicken:
- 500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 cups Nestum cereal
- Oil for frying
For the butter sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 bird's eye chilies, sliced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon curry leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create the perfect Ayam Butter Nestum:
- In a bowl, marinate the chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Set aside for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- In a separate bowl, coat the marinated chicken with cornstarch, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium heat. Fry the coated chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
- In a clean pan, melt the butter over low heat. Add minced garlic, diced onion, bird's eye chilies (if desired), and curry leaves. Sauté until fragrant.
- Turn the heat to medium and add the fried chicken to the pan. Stir-fry for a few minutes to coat the chicken with the buttery sauce.
- Sprinkle salt, sugar, and white pepper over the chicken. Mix well to combine.
- Pour in the evaporated milk and stir until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken evenly.
- Finally, add the Nestum cereal and toss the chicken until it is evenly coated with the crispy cereal.
- Transfer the Ayam Butter Nestum to a serving dish and garnish with additional curry leaves, if desired.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or as a standalone dish. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Here is the approximate nutritional information for Ayam Butter Nestum per serving:
Calories: 450
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Preparing the Chicken
The first step in making Ayam Butter Nestum is preparing the chicken. Start by cutting 500g of boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This ensures that each piece cooks evenly and is easier to eat. In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix these ingredients well, then add the chicken pieces to the bowl. Make sure each piece is coated with the marinade. Set the bowl aside and let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
While the chicken is marinating, you can start preparing the other components of the dish. Measure out 2 cups of Nestum cereal and set it aside for later. This cereal will give the dish its signature crispy texture. In a separate bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. This will be used to coat the chicken before frying to create a crispy outer layer. Having these ingredients ready will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
Frying the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated, it's time to fry it to perfection. Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium heat. It's important to use enough oil to fully submerge the chicken pieces for even frying. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when the chicken is added, but not too hot that it burns the coating before the chicken is cooked through.
To coat the chicken with the cornstarch, take each piece from the marinade bowl and dip it into the cornstarch, making sure it is fully coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch before carefully placing the coated chicken into the hot oil. Frying the chicken in batches ensures that each piece has enough space to cook evenly and allows for better control over the frying process.
As the chicken fries, you'll notice it turning golden brown and becoming crispy. This is the result of the cornstarch coating creating a delicious outer layer. Once the chicken is cooked through and crispy, remove it from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Creating the Butter Sauce
After frying the chicken, it's time to create the butter sauce that gives Ayam Butter Nestum its rich and creamy flavor. Start by melting 3 tablespoons of butter in a clean pan over low heat. As the butter melts, add 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 small diced onion, 2 sliced bird's eye chilies (if desired for some heat), and 1 tablespoon of curry leaves. Sauté these aromatics until they become fragrant and the onion turns translucent. This step infuses the butter with the flavors of the garlic, onion, chilies, and curry leaves, adding depth to the sauce.
Once the aromatics are ready, turn the heat to medium and add the fried chicken to the pan. Stir-fry the chicken for a few minutes, ensuring that each piece is coated with the buttery sauce. This step allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that every bite of chicken is infused with the delicious sauce.
Adding the Finishing Touches
To complete the Ayam Butter Nestum, it's time to add the finishing touches that take this dish to the next level. Start by sprinkling 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper over the chicken. Mix these seasonings well to ensure they are evenly distributed and enhance the flavors of the dish.
To create a luscious and creamy texture, pour in 1/4 cup of evaporated milk. Stir the mixture gently until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken evenly. This step brings all the flavors together and adds a velvety finish to the dish.
Finally, it's time to add the star ingredient - Nestum cereal. Sprinkle in 2 cups of this crunchy cereal and toss the chicken gently until it is evenly coated. The Nestum cereal adds a delightful texture to each bite, creating a satisfying crunch that complements the tender chicken and creamy sauce.
Nutrition Information
Ayam Butter Nestum is not only delicious but also provides some nutritional benefits. Here is the approximate nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 450
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
This dish is relatively high in calories and fat due to the frying process and the butter used in the sauce. However, it also provides a good amount of protein, making it a satisfying and filling meal. The carbohydrates come from the Nestum cereal and provide energy, while the fiber content helps with digestion. As with any dish, it's important to enjoy Ayam Butter Nestum in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
So there you have it - a detailed and comprehensive recipe for Ayam Butter Nestum. With its unique blend of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, this recipe is a winner. So why wait? Get cooking and enjoy the deliciousness of Ayam Butter Nestum today!