Fried chicken recipes have become an internet sensation in the last few years, with chefs from around the world sharing their own twists on this classic food staple. But now that the age of fried chicken has come, a new contender for the best fried chicken recipe has emerged from Asia: Malaysian Fried Chicken (Ayam Goreng). This delicious dish marinates the chicken in curry paste made from lemongrass, garlic, and spices before tossing it in cornstarch to create an ultra-craggy, crunchy coating that makes you question if it’s even possible to do better than this.
The making of Ayam Goreng
Ayam Goreng is a Malaysian fried chicken recipe that includes marinating in a curry paste made with lemongrass, garlic, and spices before tossing in corn flour to make the coating ultra craggy and crunchy. This hot contender for best-fried chicken recipe also has a hot and spicy kick.
1. Grab your favorite frying pan or pot, heat it over medium-high heat, then add vegetable oil until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Add cut-up pieces of boneless, skinless chicken into the oil for about 10 minutes or until golden brown on all sides.
3. Remove the cooked chicken from the frying pan and place it on a paper towel to soak up excess oil.
What are some good sides to go with it?
Ayam Goreng is best served with a side of sambal-aioli, a spicy and slightly sweet chili sauce made with garlic and shallots. The perfect compliment to this dish! If you’re feeling adventurous, serve up some kangkung belacan (kangkong in shrimp paste), a popular Malaysian vegetable dish that’s delicious whether you like it spicy or not. Kangkong is also high in potassium and vitamin B6 so it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to up their intake of vegetables. It also goes great when paired with Ayam Goreng! If you have any leftovers make sure to try them out on top of some buttered rice.
Can we do takeaway?
Ayam Goreng is best served with a side of steamed rice and some pickled vegetables, such as cucumber, cabbage, and carrots. The chicken can be eaten with your hands, but it’s not advised as it can get messy. #1 Head to a supermarket and purchase all the ingredients needed to make your Ayam Goreng sauce – curry paste, lemongrass, garlic, and spices. #2 Cut up all the vegetables you’ll need – cucumber, cabbage, carrots.
How to make
Mix together the curry paste, vinegar, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook until reduced to a thick, dark paste. Add the chicken pieces, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. When you are ready to fry them, remove them from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking so they come up to room temperature. Heat oil in a deep pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius). Fry chicken pieces 2-3 at a time for 5 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Drain on paper towels then season generously with salt while still hot from frying. Serve with slices of raw cucumber, fried shallots, and plenty of steaming white rice.
Enjoy
Ayam Goreng is Malaysia’s answer to Southern Fried Chicken. Marinated in a curry paste made with lemongrass, garlic and spices then tossed in cornflour to make the coating ultra craggy and crunchy, Ayam Goreng is a hot contender for the best-fried chicken recipe. The spice level of this dish can be adjusted to suit your taste buds or even substituted with soy sauce if you’re not feeling adventurous enough. When it comes to this fried chicken recipe, there are no rules!
