Hello Kawan Mastah, welcome to this guide on how to make opor ayam! Opor ayam is a traditional Indonesian dish that is usually served during special occasions or family gatherings. Its unique blend of herbs and spices makes it a delicious and flavorful dish that everyone loves. In this article, we will guide you on how to make your own opor ayam from scratch. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
Before we start cooking, let’s gather all the ingredients needed for making opor ayam:
Ingredients |
Amount |
|---|---|
Chicken |
1 whole chicken, cut into pieces |
Coconut milk |
750 ml |
Galangal |
5 slices |
Lemongrass |
3 stalks, bruised |
Kaffir lime leaves |
5 leaves |
Turmeric |
1 inch, grated |
Candlenuts |
5 pieces, roasted and mashed |
Garlic |
5 cloves, minced |
Shallots |
5 pieces, minced |
Salt |
To taste |
Sugar |
To taste |
Oil |
3 tablespoons |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
The first step is to marinate the chicken in a mixture of turmeric, salt, and sugar for at least 30 minutes. This will give the chicken a nice yellow color and enhance the flavor.
Pro tip: You can also add a tablespoon of tamarind paste to the marinade to add a tangy flavor to the chicken.
2. Prepare the Spices
While the chicken is marinating, let’s prepare the spices. First, grind the roasted candlenuts into a paste using a mortar and pestle or a food processor. Then, heat the oil in a pan and sauté the minced garlic and shallots until fragrant.
Add the candlenut paste, galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves to the pan and stir until the spices are fragrant.
3. Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken to the pan and stir until the chicken is coated with the spices. Add enough water to cover the chicken, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Add the Coconut Milk
After 30 minutes, add the coconut milk to the pan and stir until well combined. Let the chicken simmer in the coconut milk for another 30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Pro tip: Be careful not to let the coconut milk boil too vigorously or it may curdle.
5. Season to Taste
Finally, season the opor ayam with salt and sugar to taste. If the sauce is too watery, you can let it simmer for a little longer until it thickens.
Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy!
FAQ
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken breast or any other parts of the chicken that you prefer. However, using a whole chicken will give you a more flavorful dish.
2. Can I substitute galangal with ginger?
No, galangal has a distinct flavor that cannot be substituted by ginger. If you cannot find galangal, you can omit it from the recipe or use dried galangal powder instead.
3. Can I use canned coconut milk?
Yes, you can use canned coconut milk for convenience. However, fresh coconut milk will give you a more authentic taste.
4. Can I freeze opor ayam?
Yes, you can freeze opor ayam for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
5. What other dishes can I serve with opor ayam?
Opor ayam is usually served with steamed rice, but you can also serve it with other Indonesian side dishes such as sambal, tempeh, or fried shallots.
Conclusion
Congratulations, Kawan Mastah! You have successfully learned how to make delicious opor ayam from scratch. We hope you enjoy cooking and savoring this traditional Indonesian dish with your loved ones. Selamat makan!