Hello, Hello! It's Gembira! I recently had the chance to eat ayam penyet again and it’s still as good as I remember! It's a popular Indonesian fried chicken dish that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and topped with the most flavorful, spicy sambal. "Ayam Penyet" literally means "smashed chicken" because after frying, they smash the chicken with a pestle. This smashing step makes the chicken extra juicy and gives it a unique texture.
This dish comes from Java, Indonesia, and is loved as street food across the country. The flavors in Ayam Penyet are all about balance: spicy, tangy, and just a little sweet. The key ingredients that make it so special are tamarind paste, turmeric, and coriander. Tamarind adds a nice tangy flavor, turmeric gives the chicken that warm, earthy taste and golden color, and coriander brings a fresh, citrusy note. Together, these ingredients create the perfect bold and unforgettable flavor.
Making Ayam Penyet at home is pretty straightforward. You marinate the chicken in turmeric, coriander, and tamarind paste, then fry it until it’s crispy. After frying, you smash the chicken and top it with sambal made from chili, garlic, shallots, and a bit of sugar for that perfect balance of heat and sweetness. The result? Absolutely delicious!
If you’re ever in the mood for something new, Ayam Penyet should be at the top of your list. It's a crispy, spicy, and tangy dish all at once!