Ayam Goreng Lengkuas has been a staple in my family for as long as I can remember. This Indonesian fried chicken with galangal isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. The moment you fry the chicken, the air fills with an incredible aroma – a mix of savory spices and the unique, citrusy perfume of lengkuas, or galangal. What truly sets it apart is the topping: golden, crispy shreds of fried galangal that add an amazing crunch and a burst of flavor to the juicy chicken. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone gather around the table, eager for a taste. I’ve perfected my grandmother’s recipe over the years, and I’m so excited to share this authentic Ayam Goreng Lengkuas with you all. Let’s get cooking!
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Ingredients for Ayam Goreng Lengkuas
To make this incredible Indonesian fried chicken with galangal, you’ll need these simple yet flavorful Ayam Goreng Lengkuas ingredients:
- 8 chicken thighs – I prefer thighs because they stay so juicy, but feel free to use drumsticks!
- 150g galangal, grated – This is the star! It gives our lengkuas fried chicken its signature aroma and a slightly peppery, citrusy bite. If you can’t find fresh galangal, use extra ginger and a splash of lime juice.
- 8 shallots, chopped – These add a sweet, mild onion flavor.
- 5 cloves garlic, chopped – For that essential savory depth.
- 3cm turmeric, chopped – This gives our spice blend its beautiful golden hue.
- 3cm ginger, chopped – Complements the galangal and adds a warm spice.
- 3 bay leaves – For a subtle herbal note.
- 3 kaffir lime leaves – These add a wonderful citrus fragrance. Regular bay leaves can substitute if needed.
- 1 lemongrass stalk, smashed – Bruising it releases its aromatic oils.
- 2 tsp salt – To season everything perfectly.
- 2 tsp chicken stock powder – For an extra savory boost (optional).
- 1 liter water – To braise the chicken and create the flavorful sauce.
- Cooking oil for frying – You’ll need enough for deep-frying the chicken and spices.
How to Make Ayam Goreng Lengkuas
Let’s dive into making this amazing Indonesian fried chicken with galangal! The process is straightforward, combining a flavorful braise with a satisfying crisp. Follow these steps, and you’ll have authentic Ayam Goreng Lengkuas on your plate in no time.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Preparing the Spice Paste
First, we create the heart of our flavor. Take your grated galangal, chopped shallots, garlic, turmeric, and ginger. If you have a spice grinder, pulse them together until you have a smooth, fragrant paste. Alternatively, a mortar and pestle works wonderfully, releasing even more aroma as you grind. The scent at this stage is truly intoxicating!
Marinating and Simmering the Chicken
Now, place your chicken thighs into a pot. Add the spice paste you just made, along with the water, salt, chicken stock powder (if using), bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, and the smashed lemongrass stalk. Give everything a good mix to ensure the chicken is well-coated. Cover the pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer for about 15 minutes. This initial simmer infuses the chicken with all those incredible flavors. For more delicious chicken recipes, check out these latest recipes.
Frying the Chicken
After simmering, uncover the pot. You’ll notice most of the water has reduced. Flip the chicken pieces so they get seasoned evenly on both sides. Continue to simmer, covered, until almost all the liquid has evaporated, which should take another 10 minutes. Then, turn off the heat. In a separate deep pan, heat your cooking oil to 170°C (340°F). Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot oil and fry them until they are beautifully golden brown and delightfully crispy. Remove them from the oil and let them drain on a wire rack.
Frying the Galangal Crisp
Don’t discard that flavorful oil! Using the same oil you fried the chicken in, carefully add the remaining spice mixture from the pot. Keep stirring it continuously. You’re looking for it to turn a lovely golden brown and become wonderfully fragrant. This is what gives you that signature crispy galangal topping. Once it’s golden and smells amazing, quickly remove it from the oil and drain it on a kitchen towel-lined rack.
Assembling and Serving
The final step to how to make Ayam Goreng Lengkuas is assembly! Arrange your perfectly fried, crispy chicken pieces on a serving platter. Generously spoon the crispy, golden fried galangal mixture over the top. This adds fantastic texture and an extra punch of flavor. Serve immediately with steamed rice and your favorite sambal for a truly authentic Indonesian meal. For other flavorful dishes, consider trying our Mediterranean Chicken Recipe or our Chicken Etouffee Recipe.
Pro Tips for the Best Ayam Goreng Lengkuas
Achieving that perfect crunch and aromatic flavor for your authentic Ayam Goreng Lengkuas is all about a few key techniques. I’ve learned these tricks through trial and error, and they make all the difference in getting that delicious crispy fried chicken with galangal just right.
- Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying both the chicken and the galangal shreds. Too low, and you’ll end up with greasy, soggy results.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Work in batches to ensure each piece of chicken and galangal gets evenly crispy.
- Drain both the chicken and the fried galangal mixture thoroughly on wire racks, not paper towels, to maintain their crispiness.
What’s the secret to perfect Ayam Goreng Lengkuas?
The real secret lies in achieving that dual texture: incredibly juicy chicken and perfectly crispy fried galangal. It’s all about the double cooking process – simmering to tenderize and infuse flavor, then frying to achieve that irresistible crunch.
Can I make Ayam Goreng Lengkuas ahead of time?
You can definitely prepare the chicken and spice paste ahead of time. Store the cooked, un-fried chicken and the spice paste separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Fry just before serving for the best crispy texture.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Ayam Goreng Lengkuas?
The most common mistake is soggy galangal. This happens if the oil isn’t hot enough or if you don’t drain it properly. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan during frying, as this lowers the oil temperature and leads to greasy chicken.
Best Ways to Serve Ayam Goreng Lengkuas
Serving this incredible Ayam Goreng Lengkuas is all about creating a complete and satisfying Indonesian feast. The star, of course, is the crispy fried chicken topped with fragrant fried galangal shreds. To truly complement its rich flavors, I love serving it alongside fluffy steamed rice – it’s the perfect base to soak up any delicious juices. A dollop of spicy sambal, like sambal terasi or sambal oelek, is absolutely essential for that kick of heat and tang. For a more complete meal, consider adding some simple steamed or blanched vegetables, like long beans or bok choy. This traditional Indonesian fried chicken dish pairs beautifully with these classic accompaniments for an authentic experience. If you enjoy flavorful chicken dishes, you might also like our Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken or our Smash Chicken Caesar Tacos.
Nutrition Facts for Ayam Goreng Lengkuas
This delicious Ayam Goreng Lengkuas is a rich dish, and here’s a breakdown of its estimated nutritional content per serving. Remember, these are approximate values for one chicken thigh with the topping.
- Calories: Estimated 450-550 kcal
- Fat: Estimated 25-35 g
- Saturated Fat: Estimated 8-12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: Estimated 17-23 g
- Trans Fat: Estimated 0 g
- Protein: Estimated 30-40 g
- Carbohydrates: Estimated 5-10 g
- Fiber: Estimated 1-2 g
- Sugar: Estimated 3-5 g
- Sodium: Estimated 400-600 mg
- Cholesterol: Estimated 100-150 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and cooking methods.
How to Store and Reheat Ayam Goreng Lengkuas
Properly storing your delicious Ayam Goreng Lengkuas ensures you can enjoy those leftovers just as much as the fresh batch. Once your crispy fried chicken with galangal has cooled completely to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. For refrigeration, it will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. If you plan to store it longer, freezing is a great option; properly wrapped leftover Ayam Goreng Lengkuas can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, the best method for maintaining crispiness is to place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crisped again. You can also use an air fryer for a similar effect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ayam Goreng Lengkuas
What is Ayam Goreng Lengkuas?
Ayam Goreng Lengkuas is a classic Indonesian dish that translates to “galangal fried chicken.” It features tender, juicy chicken that’s been simmered in a fragrant blend of spices, then fried to a perfect crisp. What makes it unique is the topping of finely shredded and fried galangal, which becomes incredibly crispy and aromatic, adding a delightful texture and a signature citrusy, peppery flavor to the chicken.
Where can I find authentic Ayam Goreng Lengkuas?
For truly authentic Ayam Goreng Lengkuas, the best place to start is by making it yourself using a traditional recipe, like the one we’ve shared! If you’re looking to try it prepared, seek out Indonesian restaurants known for their traditional cuisine. Ask them if they serve ‘Ayam Goreng Lengkuas’ specifically, as this dish is quite distinct from other types of fried chicken.
Is the galangal topping really that crispy?
Absolutely! The magic happens when the finely grated galangal mixture is fried separately in hot oil until golden brown and wonderfully fragrant. When skillfully prepared, it achieves a delightful crispness that shatters with each bite, providing a fantastic textural contrast to the tender chicken. It’s what elevates this dish beyond just fried chicken.
What’s the difference between Ayam Goreng Lengkuas and regular fried chicken?
The main difference lies in the use of galangal (lengkuas) and the preparation method. While regular fried chicken might use common spices, Ayam Goreng Lengkuas features a unique spice paste that includes galangal, turmeric, ginger, shallots, and garlic. The chicken is first simmered in this paste and then fried, and crucially, the fried galangal shreds are added as a crispy topping, giving it a distinct aroma and flavor profile.
Variations of Ayam Goreng Lengkuas You Can Try
While the classic recipe for Ayam Goreng Lengkuas is fantastic, I love experimenting with ways to switch things up! Whether you’re looking for a different flavor profile or a slight modification, here are a few ideas to explore. For a kick, try making a spicy Ayam Goreng Lengkuas by adding a few bird’s eye chilies to the spice paste when you grind it. You’ll be amazed at how well the heat complements the aromatic galangal! If you’re aiming for a healthier option, consider an air fryer version. While you won’t get the exact same deep-fried crispiness, it still yields a delicious result with less oil. You could also try a lemony twist by adding extra lime zest to the spice paste for an even brighter flavor. For more dessert inspiration, check out these Churro Saltine Toffee or Nutter Butter Bars.
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Ayam Goreng Lengkuas: 6 Amazing Indonesian Fried Chicken
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ayam Goreng Lengkuas is a crispy and aromatic Indonesian fried chicken dish. It features juicy chicken topped with golden, crispy fried galangal shreds, offering a unique texture and a citrusy, peppery flavor. This dish is a traditional comfort food in Indonesia, often served with rice and sambal.
Ingredients
- 8 Chicken Thighs
- 150 g Galangal, grated
- 8 Shallots, chopped
- 5 cloves Garlic, chopped
- 3 cm Turmeric, chopped
- 3 cm Ginger, chopped
- 3 Bay Leaves
- 3 Kaffir Lime Leaves
- 1 Lemongrass stalk, smashed
- 2 tsp Salt
- 2 tsp Chicken Stock Powder
- 1 l Water
- Cooking oil for frying
Instructions
- Grind galangal, shallots, garlic, turmeric, and ginger using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle until a smooth paste forms.
- Place chicken thighs in a pot. Add water, the spice paste, salt, bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, and lemongrass. Mix well to coat the chicken.
- Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Open the lid, flip the chicken pieces to ensure even seasoning. Cover and continue simmering until most of the water evaporates, about 10 more minutes. Turn off the heat.
- Heat cooking oil in a deep pan to 170°C (340°F).
- Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy. Remove from oil and drain on a cooling rack.
- Using the same oil, fry the remaining spice mixture from the pot, stirring continuously until golden brown and fragrant.
- Remove the fried spice mixture from the oil and drain on a cooling rack lined with a kitchen towel.
- Serve the fried chicken topped with the crispy golden galangal mixture.
Notes
- Chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness, but drumsticks or whole chicken pieces can also be used.
- If fresh galangal is unavailable, substitute with extra ginger and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Salam leaves can be substituted with regular bay leaves.
- For kaffir lime leaves, lime or lemon zest can be used as a substitute.
- Serve with Nasi Liwet, boiled vegetables, and sambal for an authentic Indonesian meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising and Frying
- Cuisine: Indonesian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 thigh)
- Calories: Estimated 450-550 kcal
- Sugar: Estimated 3-5 g
- Sodium: Estimated 400-600 mg
- Fat: Estimated 25-35 g
- Saturated Fat: Estimated 8-12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: Estimated 17-23 g
- Trans Fat: Estimated 0 g
- Carbohydrates: Estimated 5-10 g
- Fiber: Estimated 1-2 g
- Protein: Estimated 30-40 g
- Cholesterol: Estimated 100-150 mg
Keywords: Ayam Goreng Lengkuas, Indonesian fried chicken, galangal, crispy fried chicken, lengkuas, authentic Indonesian recipe, spiced chicken, galangal chicken, traditional Indonesian fried chicken
