Kerisik Chicken

Kerisik Chicken, also known as Ayam Kerisik, is a popular dish in Malaysian and Indonesian cuisine. It is renowned for its rich and nutty flavor, primarily derived from kerisik, a type of toasted coconut paste. This dish is often savored during festive occasions and family gatherings. With its combination of aromatic spices and creamy coconut, Kerisik Chicken is a true representation of Southeast Asian culinary heritage. The kerisik adds a unique depth to the dish, making it stand out as a beloved comfort food.

Ingredients

• 750g of chicken, cut into pieces (chicken)
• 150g toasted grated coconut (kerisik)
• 3 tablespoons of cooking oil (cooking oil)
• 400ml coconut milk (coconut milk)
• 1 stalk of lemongrass, crushed (lemongrass)
• 2 kaffir lime leaves, finely sliced (kaffir lime leaves)
• 1 turmeric leaf, finely sliced (turmeric leaf)
• Salt to taste (salt)
• Sugar to taste (sugar)
• 4 red chilies, ground into paste (red chilies)
• 2 tablespoons of tamarind juice (tamarind juice)

Spice Paste

• 8 shallots (shallots)
• 4 cloves garlic (garlic)
• 2 cm ginger (ginger)
• 3 candlenuts (candlenuts)

Preparation

1. Begin by preparing the kerisik if not using pre-made. Toast the grated coconut over low heat until golden brown, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Once done, grind it until it becomes a paste-like consistency. Set aside.
2. Using a blender, combine shallots, garlic, ginger, and candlenuts to create a smooth spice paste.

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat cooking oil in a large wok over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant, approximately 3-5 minutes.
2. Add the red chili paste to the wok and continue to cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Introduce the chicken pieces to the wok. Stir well to ensure each piece is coated with the spice mixture.
4. Pour in the coconut milk and bring it to a simmer.
5. Add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, turmeric leaf, salt, and sugar. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
6. Let the dish cook over a low heat, stirring occasionally. This should take about 20-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Use a cooking timer to keep track of the time.
7. Once the chicken is tender, stir in the kerisik and tamarind juice.
8. Allow the dish to thicken to your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and sugar as necessary.
9. Once done, remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish.

Serving Suggestions

Kerisik Chicken is best enjoyed with steamed white rice, which complements its rich flavors. You can also pair it with traditional Malaysian side dishes such as a cucumber salad or sambal belacan for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Making Kerisik Chicken at home is a rewarding experience that brings the extraordinary taste of Southeast Asian cuisine to your table. The key to success is in the careful toasting of the kerisik and balancing the spice blend to suit your palate. Take your time, use a cooking timer, and enjoy the process. With patience, you'll be rewarded with a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying.