Cara Memasak Ayam Rica-Rica

>Hello Sohib EditorOnline, are you a fan of spicy food? If so, then you must try ayam rica-rica. This dish is originally from Manado, North Sulawesi and has gained popularity throughout Indonesia. Ayam rica-rica is a spicy chicken dish cooked with a mixture of various spices and herbs. In this article, we will guide you on how to cook ayam rica-rica step by step. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

Before we start cooking, let’s prepare the ingredients first. Here are the ingredients you will need:

Ingredients	Amount
Chicken	1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
Red chili pepper	10 pieces, chopped
Bird’s eye chili pepper	5 pieces, chopped
Garlic	10 cloves, chopped
Shallots	5 pieces, chopped
Tomato	2 pieces, chopped
Lime leaves	5 pieces
Lemongrass	2 stalks, crushed
Salt	to taste
Sugar	to taste
Oil	3 tablespoons

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken

First, marinate the chicken with salt and lime juice for about 30 minutes. This will help to tenderize the meat and reduce the gamey smell. After 30 minutes, discard the excess lime juice and set aside the chicken.

2. Saute the aromatics

Heat up the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic, shallots, lemongrass, and lime leaves. Saute until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add the chili peppers

Add the chopped red chili pepper and bird’s eye chili pepper. Mix well and saute for another 2-3 minutes until the chili peppers are wilted.

4. Add the tomatoes

Add the chopped tomatoes and mix well. Let the tomatoes cook until they turn soft and mushy, about 5 minutes.

5. Add the chicken

Add the marinated chicken to the pan and mix well with the aromatics. Cook the chicken until it changes color and is no longer pink.

6. Season with salt and sugar

Once the chicken is cooked, season the dish with salt and sugar to taste. Mix well and let it cook for another 5 minutes until the spices and herbs are well absorbed by the chicken.

Tips for Making Ayam Rica-Rica

1. Adjust the spiciness according to your preference

If you prefer a milder version of ayam rica-rica, you can reduce the amount of chili peppers used in the recipe. Alternatively, if you like it really spicy, you can add more chili peppers or use hotter varieties of chili peppers.

2. Use fresh ingredients

To get the best flavor out of the dish, it is essential to use fresh ingredients. Fresh ingredients will give the dish a more vibrant color, aroma, and taste.

3. Use a non-stick pan

Since ayam rica-rica has a lot of spices and herbs, it tends to stick to the pan easily. Using a non-stick pan will make the cooking process easier and prevent the chicken from sticking.

4. Let the chicken cook thoroughly

Make sure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly before serving. Cut the chicken to the bone to check if it is cooked. The meat should be white and the juices should run clear.

5. Serve with steamed rice

Ayam rica-rica is best served with steamed rice. The rice will help to balance out the spiciness of the dish and provide a neutral base for the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs if you prefer. Chicken thighs are more tender and flavorful than other parts of the chicken.

2. Can I substitute the chili peppers with another ingredient?

The chili peppers are the main ingredient that gives ayam rica-rica its signature spiciness. However, if you cannot handle spicy food, you can substitute the chili peppers with bell peppers or capsicum.

3. Can I store leftover ayam rica-rica?

Yes, you can store leftover ayam rica-rica in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply heat in a pan or microwave until heated through.

4. Can I freeze ayam rica-rica?

Ayam rica-rica can be frozen for up to 1 month. To freeze, let the dish cool completely and transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

5. Is ayam rica-rica healthy?

Ayam rica-rica is a relatively healthy dish as it is mainly made from chicken and spices. However, it can be high in sodium if you use too much salt. To make it healthier, you can use less salt and oil, and use skinless chicken.

That’s it, Sohib EditorOnline. We hope that you find this article helpful in guiding you on how to cook ayam rica-rica. Don’t forget to share your cooking experience with us!

Cara Memasak Ayam Rica-Rica