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Tongseng Ayam

A fragrant Indonesian spiced chicken stir-fry with turmeric, galangal, and crispy shallots. Quick, aromatic, and deeply savory.

35 minMediumServes 4320 cal/serving

IndonesianDinnerStovetopStandard

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Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced
  • 8 shallots, thinly sliced
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 2 tbsp galangal paste
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 4 scallions, sliced
  • 1/4 cup crispy fried shallots

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat 2 tbsp coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 8 thinly sliced shallots and cook until golden and crispy, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel and set aside.

  2. 2

    In the same pan, add 6 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp minced fresh ginger, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Add 1 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp chili powder, and 2 tbsp galangal paste. Stir and cook for 1 minute.

  4. 4

    Add 1.5 lbs diced boneless skinless chicken thighs and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

  5. 5

    Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tsp brown sugar, and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Simmer for 5 minutes.

  6. 6

    Taste and adjust seasonings. Top with 4 sliced scallions and 1/4 cup crispy fried shallots. Serve hot over rice.

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Questions

What is Tongseng Ayam?

A fragrant Indonesian spiced chicken stir-fry with turmeric, galangal, and crispy shallots. Quick, aromatic, and deeply savory. This reference files it under Indonesian dinner: made on the stovetop, rated medium and about 35 minutes start to finish.

Is there a substitute for galangal in Tongseng Ayam?

The entry for Tongseng Ayam calls for 2 tbsp galangal paste. In its place: Fresh ginger with a little lime zest is the workable substitute. Galangal is more piney and peppery, so the result reads slightly different.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs in Tongseng Ayam?

Yes, with care. Breasts dry out sooner: pull them at 165 F, which usually means a few minutes less than the thighs would take. As written, the entry for Tongseng Ayam uses 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced.

Can I make Tongseng Ayam less spicy?

Yes. The heat in Tongseng Ayam comes from 1 tsp chili powder. For a milder plate, halve the chili powder; nothing else in the method changes.

How many calories are in Tongseng Ayam?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 320 calories, with 28 g protein, 12 g carbohydrate and 18 g fat, plus 2 g fiber and 680 mg sodium.

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