Learn how to easily make this flavorful Javanese ayam ungkep that has been braised in aromatic spices and herbs and then fried or baked (for a healthier version). Chicken can be braised with Instant Pot or on the stove.
2stalkslemongrasscut in half and bruise with heavy object to release aroma
Seasoning:
1 ½tspsalt
Instructions
Prepare the spice paste:
Place all the ingredients to grind in a food processor and process into a paste. Stir in salt, turmeric and galangal powder after that and set aside
If braising the chicken in Instant Pot:
Press saute mode. When it's "hot", add cooking oil follow by the spice paste you prepared above. Add kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass. Saute until fragrant, about 5 minutes
Add chicken pieces and stir to mix. Pour in the coconut water. Give it one last stir to mix everything. Close the lid. Turn the steam release valve to "sealing". Press "pressure cooker" and make sure it's on high pressure. Set timer to 15 minutes
After 15 minutes, release pressure immediately. Carefully unlock the lid and remove the cooked chicken pieces. Save the stock for other use. Let the chicken cool down completely. You can prepare ahead up to this point and then proceed to bake or fry the chicken step below when you are ready to serve the chicken
If braising the chicken on the stove:
Preheat an oil in a large braiser or pot. Add the spice paste you prepare earl. Add kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass. Saute until fragrant, about 5 minutes
Add chicken pieces and stir to mix. Pour in the coconut water. Give it one last stir to mix everything. Bring it to a boil and then lower the heat to let it simmer. Cover with a lid and let it braise for the next 30 minutes or until the chicken pieces are cooked through
When chicken pieces are cooked through, remove them from the pot to let them cool down completely. Save the stock for other use. You can prepare ahead up to this point and then proceed to bake or fry the chicken step below when you are ready to serve the chicken
If you bake the chicken (and braised chicken has been kept in the refrigerator):
If the chicken has been kept in the refrigerator because you prepared ahead, preheat oven to 350 F (176 C). Arrange the chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover with another foil and bake for 15 minutes, placed on 3rd rack from the top. Remove the foil and then turn off the oven and turn on the broiler on low and broil the chicken until they are nicely golden brown and has nice crispy skin
If you bake the chicken on the same day you braise them:
Arrange the chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover with another foil and bake for 15 minutes. Turn off the oven and turn on the broiler on low and broil the chicken until they are nicely golden brown and has nice crispy skin
If you fry the chicken:
Preheat about 2 inches of oil. Test the oil by dipping a skewer or chopstick into the oil. If there are bubbles around it, the oil is ready
Fry about 3-4 pieces of chicken at a time until they are crispy and golden brown. The chicken pieces are already cooked. This step is only to make them crispy and have nice golden brown color
Serve:
Serve them while they are hot with other dishes as suggested in my post above