Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 red chili peppers, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Mortar and pestle or food processor
- Deep fryer or large frying pan
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mortar and pestle or food processor, grind lemongrass, garlic, and chili peppers into a paste.
2. In a bowl, mix together the lemongrass paste, salt, sugar, coriander, cumin, and turmeric powder.
3. Cut chicken breasts into thin fillets and coat them with the spice mixture.
4. In separate bowls, place flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs.
5. Dip each chicken fillet into the flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs.
6. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large frying pan over medium-high heat.
7. Fry the chicken fillets until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
8. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
- Oil temperature for frying: 350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 350
- Total fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Total carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 38g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Lemongrass: Lemongrass paste or lemongrass powder can be used instead of fresh lemongrass.
- Red chili peppers: Jalapeño peppers or red pepper flakes can be used instead of red chili peppers.
- Chicken breasts: Chicken thighs or chicken tenders can be used instead of chicken breasts.
Variations:
- Ayam Geprek Sambal Matah: Add chopped shallots, lemongrass, chili peppers, and lime juice to make a spicy sambal matah sauce to serve with the chicken.
- Ayam Geprek Cheese: Top the fried chicken with shredded cheese and broil until melted.
Tips and tricks:
- To make the chicken extra crispy, double coat with the flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
- Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken fillets to an even thickness for even cooking.
- Serve with a side of steamed rice and fresh vegetables.
Storage instructions:
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the chicken on a bed of lettuce or cabbage leaves for a colorful presentation.
- Garnish with chopped scallions or cilantro for added flavor and color.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of steamed rice and fresh vegetables.
- Pair with a cold beer or iced tea.
Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Indonesian-style fried rice (nasi goreng)
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the chicken is not crispy enough, increase the heat of the oil or fry for a longer time.
- If the chicken is overcooked, decrease the heat of the oil or fry for a shorter time.
Food safety advice:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Always wash hands and surfaces thoroughly before and after handling raw chicken.
Food history:
- Ayam Geprek is a popular Indonesian dish that originated in Java. It is made by pounding fried chicken with a pestle and mortar and served with a spicy sambal sauce.
Flavor profiles:
- Ayam Geprek with Lemongrass is a flavorful and aromatic dish with a spicy kick from the chili peppers and a citrusy note from the lemongrass.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the chicken hot and crispy with a side of steamed rice and fresh vegetables for a satisfying meal.
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Region: Indonesian