Are you looking for a tasty and simple dish to try out? Look no further than Ayam Goreng Kunyit Kering, a popular Indonesian fried chicken dish that is flavored with turmeric. This dish is not only incredibly flavorful but also easy to make at home. In this blog article, we will provide you with a detailed and comprehensive recipe to help you recreate this delicious dish in your own kitchen.
Ayam Goreng Kunyit Kering, also known as dry turmeric fried chicken, is a beloved dish in Indonesian cuisine. The combination of crispy chicken and aromatic spices makes it a favorite among both locals and tourists. The dish is typically made by marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of turmeric, garlic, and other spices, before frying them until they are golden brown and crispy.
Ingredients
To make Ayam Goreng Kunyit Kering, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons turmeric powder
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Choosing the Right Chicken
When making Ayam Goreng Kunyit Kering, the first step is to choose the right chicken for the dish. It is important to opt for fresh chicken pieces with the skin on for the best flavor and texture. The skin adds an extra layer of crispiness to the fried chicken, while also helping to keep the meat moist and juicy.
You can use either bone-in or boneless chicken pieces, depending on your preference. Bone-in chicken tends to have more flavor, while boneless chicken is easier to eat. Whichever option you choose, make sure that the chicken pieces are of similar size so that they cook evenly.
Marinating the Chicken
The key to achieving a flavorful Ayam Goreng Kunyit Kering lies in the marinade. The marinade not only infuses the chicken with delicious flavors but also helps to tenderize the meat. To prepare the marinade, you will need turmeric powder, minced garlic, salt, sugar, ground white pepper, and chicken bouillon powder.
In a large bowl, combine the turmeric powder, minced garlic, salt, sugar, ground white pepper, and chicken bouillon powder. Mix everything together until well combined. The turmeric powder gives the chicken its vibrant yellow color and imparts a warm, earthy flavor to the dish.
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and mix well, ensuring that each piece is coated with the marinade. Use your hands to massage the marinade into the chicken, making sure that every nook and cranny is covered. This will ensure that the chicken absorbs all the flavors and spices.
Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. For even more intense flavor, you can refrigerate the chicken overnight. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more pronounced the flavors will be.
Frying Tips
Once the chicken has marinated and absorbed all the flavors, it is time to fry it to perfection. Frying the chicken requires a few tips and tricks to ensure that it turns out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
First, choose a deep pan or wok for frying the chicken. The deep pan will prevent oil splatters and give you enough space to fry the chicken pieces without overcrowding. Overcrowding the pan can result in uneven cooking and soggy chicken.
Next, heat vegetable oil in the pan over medium-high heat. It is important to heat the oil to the right temperature before adding the chicken. The oil should be hot but not smoking. To check if the oil is ready, you can drop a small piece of bread into the oil. If it sizzles and turns golden brown within a few seconds, the oil is ready.
Carefully add the marinated chicken pieces to the hot oil, one at a time. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the temperature of the oil and result in greasy chicken. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary.
Allow the chicken to fry undisturbed for a few minutes until the bottom side turns golden brown and crispy. Then, use tongs to flip the chicken pieces and fry the other side until it is equally crispy. Flip the chicken pieces occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. On average, it takes about 8-10 minutes per side to achieve a golden brown and crispy exterior. To ensure that the chicken is fully cooked, you can use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. The paper towels will absorb any excess oil and help keep the chicken crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Ayam Goreng Kunyit Kering is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of side dishes to complete the meal. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Steamed Rice
One of the most common accompaniments to Ayam Goreng Kunyit Kering is steamed rice. The fragrant and fluffy rice pairs perfectly with the flavorful and crispy chicken. You can serve the chicken on a bed of steamed rice or on the side, allowing your guests to enjoy the chicken and rice separately or together.
Sambal Chili Sauce
No Indonesian meal is complete without sambal chili sauce. Sambal is a spicy condiment made from chili peppers, garlic, shallots, and other ingredients. It adds a fiery kick to the chicken and complements the flavors of the dish. You can either make your own sambal or purchase it from a store.
Cucumber Slices
For a refreshing and cooling element, serve Ayam Goreng Kunyit Kering with cucumber slices. The crispness of the cucumber provides a nice contrast to the crispy chicken. You can simply slice the cucumbers or make a cucumber salad with a dressing of your choice.
Fresh Salad
Another great option is to serve the chicken with a fresh salad. A simple salad made with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions can provide a refreshing and nutritious accompaniment to the flavorful chicken. Drizzle some olive oil and lemon juice over the salad for a light and tangy dressing.
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken can be reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick and tasty meal the next day. To maintain the crispiness of the chicken, you can reheat it in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.
When reheating in the microwave, place a damp paper towel over the chicken to prevent it from drying out. Heat the chicken in short intervals, checking after each interval to avoid overheating.
It is important to note that reheated fried chicken may not be as crispy as when it was freshly cooked. However, it will still be delicious and flavorful. Serve the reheated chicken with your preferred side dishes for a satisfying meal.
Now that you have all the information you need, it's time to gather the ingredients and start cooking your own Ayam Goreng Kunyit Kering. Whether you are a fan of Indonesian cuisine or simply looking to try something new, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy the crispy and flavorful chicken, and savor the unique blend of spices and turmeric. Happy cooking!