Ayam Goreng is a popular dish in both Indonesia and Malaysia, translating to “fried chicken” in Malay and Indonesian. This dish is not just any fried chicken; it’s a flavourful and aromatic delicacy that has been deeply marinated in a rich blend of spices before being deep-fried to perfection.
Marination and Spices
Unlike many fried chicken recipes that use batter or flour, Ayam Goreng is seasoned with a combination of ground shallot, garlic, Indian bay leaves, turmeric, lemongrass, tamarind juice, candlenut, galangal, salt, and sugar. The chicken is marinated in this spice mixture for an extended period, allowing it to fully absorb the flavors. This marination process might also involve heating the chicken in the spices to enhance spice absorption. Before deep frying, the chicken often has a yellowish tint from the turmeric, a process known in Javanese as “ungkep.”
Serving Suggestions
Ayam Goreng is typically served with steamed rice and accompanied by sambal terasi (chili with shrimp paste) or sambal kecap (sliced chili and shallot in sweet soy sauce) as condiments. Garnishes often include slices of cucumber and tomato. Additional side dishes might include fried tempeh and tofu.
Variants
There are numerous versions of Ayam Goreng, each with its unique twist. Some of the popular ones include Ayam Goreng Lengkuas (galangal fried chicken), Ayam Goreng Padang (Padang style), Ayam Goreng Kalasan (Javanese style from Kalasan village, Yogyakarta), and Ayam Goreng Kremes (Javanese fried chicken with crispy granules).
Conclusion
Ayam Goreng Malaysia offers a delightful culinary experience, with its rich spices and deep-fried perfection. Whether you’re in Malaysia, Indonesia, or anywhere else in the world, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
References
- Wikipedia: Ayam Goreng
- “Ayam Goreng (Indonesian Fried Chicken)”
- Fried Chicken: Recipes for the Crispy, Crunchy, Comfort-Food Classic [A Cookbook]
Article curated by Suwaytha Gopal
