Grilled Chicken Wonogiri Style Recipe

 

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg), cleaned and cut into pieces

5 tablespoons sweet soy sauce

2 tablespoons cooking oil

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon tamarind paste, dissolved in 3 tablespoons water

200 ml coconut milk

Spice Paste (ground ingredients):

6 shallots

4 cloves garlic

4 candlenuts

3 cm galangal, peeled

3 cm ginger, peeled

1 teaspoon coriander seeds

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

5 red chilies (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon shrimp paste (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Wash the chicken thoroughly and cut it into smaller pieces. Pat dry and set aside.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

Blend or grind the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, galangal, ginger, coriander seeds, turmeric, red chilies, and shrimp paste into a smooth paste.

3. Cook the Chicken:

Heat the cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the spice paste until fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.

4. Add the Chicken:

Add the chicken pieces to the pan and stir until they are well coated with the spices. Cook for about 5 minutes, ensuring the chicken starts to absorb the flavors.

5. Season the Dish:

Add salt, sugar, tamarind water, and coconut milk. Mix well, reduce the heat, and simmer for 20–30 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Grill the Chicken:

Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Reserve the sauce for basting. Preheat a grill or charcoal stove. Grill the chicken pieces, basting them with the sauce and sweet soy sauce, until the surface is caramelized and slightly charred. This step enhances the smoky flavor.

7. Serve:

Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving plate. Serve with steamed rice, sambal (spicy chili sauce), and fresh vegetables like cucumber or lettuce.

Tips for Perfect Wonogiri-Style Grilled Chicken:

- Use charcoal for grilling to achieve authentic smoky flavors.

- Adjust the chili quantity to match your spice preference.

- If coconut milk is unavailable, substitute with regular milk or broth, but the taste may vary slightly.

This grilled chicken, inspired by Wonogiri's culinary tradition, is rich in flavors with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. Enjoy it as part of a hearty meal with family or friends!