Ayam Geprek

INDONESIA

We all should be smashing our fried chicken

SUBMITTED BY

Angela

When I put out the call for Chicken & Rice recipes, Angela come through in a big way! Ayam Geprek is a popular Indonesian dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of food lovers both locally and globally. This flavorful fried chicken dish is characterized by its crispy exterior, juicy meat, and a spicy sambal sauce that elevates the dish to new heights. Originating from the culinary traditions of Java, Ayam Geprek combines simplicity with bold flavors, making it a must-try for anyone exploring Indonesian cuisine.

What is Ayam Geprek?

The term “Ayam Geprek” translates to “smashed chicken,” which refers to the way the chicken is prepared. The chicken is typically deep-fried until golden and crispy, then smashed gently to tenderize the meat and create a surface for the sauce. It is then topped with a vibrant sambal, a spicy condiment made from chili peppers, garlic, and other ingredients. The result is a dish that is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor.

Key Ingredients

  1. Chicken: Bone-in pieces such as thighs or drumsticks are commonly used. The chicken is marinated to infuse it with flavor before frying.

  2. Breading: A mixture of flour and spices is used to coat the chicken, creating a crispy outer layer that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat inside.

  3. Sambal: This spicy sauce is the star of the dish. It can be made from various types of chili peppers, garlic, shallots, lime juice, and sometimes fried shallots for added texture and flavor.

  4. Vegetables: Often served with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce, which provide a refreshing balance to the heat of the sambal.

  5. Rice: Ayam Geprek is usually served with steamed white rice, making it a complete meal.

Preparation Method

Making Ayam Geprek involves several steps, but the process is rewarding and straightforward:

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Start by marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of spices, garlic, and salt for at least 30 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the chicken.

  2. Prepare the Breading: In a shallow dish, mix flour with spices such as paprika, garlic powder, and pepper. This seasoned flour will give the chicken its crispy coating.

  3. Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium heat. Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in the seasoned flour, ensuring they are well coated. Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, typically around 10-15 minutes.

  4. Make the Sambal: While the chicken is frying, prepare the sambal. In a blender, combine fresh chilies, garlic, and other ingredients. Adjust the spice level according to your preference. Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency.

  5. Smash the Chicken: Once the chicken is fried, place it on a plate and gently smash it with a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon. This step helps the sambal cling to the chicken better.

  6. Serve: Top the smashed chicken with a generous amount of sambal and serve it with steamed rice and fresh vegetables on the side.

Nutritional Benefits

Ayam Geprek is a balanced meal that provides protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the rice, and vitamins from the vegetables. The use of fresh ingredients and spices also offers health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties from the chili peppers.

Ayam Geprek is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary experience that showcases the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine. Its crispy texture, juicy chicken, and fiery sambal make it a favorite among spice lovers. Whether enjoyed at a local street food stall or prepared at home, Ayam Geprek is a delightful way to explore the rich culinary heritage of Indonesia. Treat yourself to this delicious dish and savor the explosion of flavors that make it a standout in the world of fried chicken!

Ingredients
  

  • chicken pieces can be thighs, breast, or wings
  • salt
  • chicken boullion powder
  • coriander powder
  • garlic powder
  • turmeric
  • all-purpose flour as needed
  • oil for frying
  • Indonesian sambal to taste
  • cooked white rice for serving
  • cucumber, cabbage or lettuce, other veggies for serving

Instructions
 

  • Marinate the chicken with salt, chicken bouillon, garlic powder, coriander powder, and turmeric powder. Leave it for few hours or overnight
  • For the wet batter, all purpose flour to a shallow bowl, along with a little bit of seasoning like salt, chicken bouillon, and more coriander powder if you like. Add water a little bit at a time, mixing as you go. The final consistency should be half thick half watery.
  • For the dry batter, add all purpose flour to another shallow bowl, along with a little bit of seasoning, with no water.
  • After all of the chicken is marinated, toss it into the wet batter and then into the dry batter.
  • Pre heat the oil, deep fry the chicken until golden brown.
  • Lay a piece of chicken on a board and top with a spoonful of sambal. With a pestle (or similarly heavy tool) smash the chicken until it looks shredded.
  • Serve with rice and fresh veggies (lalapan) like raw cabbage, cucumber, lettuce, etc.
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Region: Asia

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About Beryl

I have been in the film and media industry for the past 12 years and have worked for companies including Great Big Story, ABC, CNN, Martha Stewart, News Corporation, Harper Collins and Fast Company.

About Beryl

I have been in the film and media industry for the past 12 years and have worked for companies including Great Big Story, ABC, CNN, Martha Stewart, News Corporation, Harper Collins and Fast Company.