Editorial sample recipeIndonesianintermediateGluten-FreeDairy-Free

Ayam Rica-Rica (North Sulawesi Spicy Lemongrass Chicken)

Name: Ayam Rica-Rica (North Sulawesi Spicy Lemongrass Chicken)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Indonesian
Ingredients: 600 g halal chicken thighs, boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces; 6 pcs red bird's eye chilies, roughly chopped; 4 pcs red chilies, roughly chopped; 6 pcs shallots, peeled; 20 g fresh ginger, peeled; 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised at the base; 4 leaves kaffir lime leaves, torn slightly; 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, packed; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tsp salt

A vibrant, fiery North Sulawesi chicken dish cooked in a coarsely ground red chili paste infused with fragrant lemongrass and fresh Thai basil.

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 25 min
Total: 40 min

AI-generated illustration of Ayam Rica-Rica (North Sulawesi Spicy Lemongrass Chicken)

AI illustration

Technique to learn

Bumbu Tumis

Sautéing coarsely ground spice paste in oil over medium heat to render out raw flavors and release aromatic oils.

Instructions

Step 1: Coarsely grind the shallots, red chilies, bird's eye chilies, and ginger using a food processor or mortar and pestle.
Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Step 3: Add the ground chili paste, bruised lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves, sautéing for 4 to 5 minutes until aromatic and oil begins to separate.

Step 4: Add the chicken pieces and salt, stirring thoroughly to coat the chicken in the spice paste.

Step 5: Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and sauce thickens.

Step 6: Stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves just before turning off the heat, cooking for 1 minute until wilted.

Step 7: Transfer to a serving dish and serve hot alongside steamed rice.

Cooking tips

Do not over-blend the paste; a coarse texture gives the dish its signature rustic finish.
Reduce bird's eye chilies by half if you prefer a milder heat level.
Original home-cooking adaptation inspired by Indonesian; regional versions vary.
Use halal-certified meat, poultry, stock, sauces, cheese and other processed ingredients. Check labels and avoid cross-contamination. Recipe screening is not halal certification.

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