Ayam Goreng Kuning (Fried Turmeric Chicken)

Have you ever heard of Ayam Goreng Kuning?

I had never experienced this distinctive Indonesian meal before I went to Java.

It was wonderful to smell the shallots, turmeric, and lemongrass cooking in coconut oil!

I can still recall it now. Since then, some incredibly talented cooks and chefs have taught me much about Indonesian cuisine.

Ayam Goreng Kuning is a particularly significant meal for the people of Java. It exemplifies how using food to socialise and honour traditions may be done.

It’s a way to spread love and joy to friends and family. So, it’s more than simply a dinner.

Are you ready to learn how to make Ayam Goreng Kuning at home?

Don’t worry if you’ve never cooked Indonesian food before. I’ll show you everything you need to know! Not only will we make a yummy dish, but we’ll also learn about the culture and traditions behind it.

Cooking and sharing food are a special part of many cultures. And I’m excited to take you on a journey to discover all the amazing flavors of Ayam Goreng Kuning.

How to cook Ayam Goreng Kuning?

Preparing Time

To make the serving of 4-6 people, it takes a total of 40 minutes. You need only 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients.

While cooking, the dish only takes 30 minutes. It means you can easily make it in a short time. So, for your small get-togethers or a quick meetup, it is a perfect dish to serve. 

To cook the dish, check the list of the following ingredients. This is my personalized list. I like to make it in an authentic style. You will find all these items easily from your local market:

Don’t forget to check out my honey lemon chicken wings recipe.

The History of Ayam Goreng Kuning

Ayam Goreng Kuning has evolved over centuries, adopting regional variations and techniques, becoming a cherished family recipe passed down through generations.

Each island, community, and household has added its unique touch, using locally sourced ingredients and culinary traditions.

Beyond its flavorful evolution, Ayam Goreng Kuning is a cultural icon. It graces special occasions, from weddings to religious ceremonies, symbolizing unity and abundance.

It’s a dish that brings families and communities together, exemplifying the spirit of Indonesian hospitality and togetherness.

The dish’s roots can be traced back to Java, the cultural heart of Indonesia, and reflects the Javanese tradition of incorporating turmeric, a revered spice with medicinal properties, into their cuisine.

The use of turmeric gives the dish its distinctive golden hue, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.

Today, Ayam Goreng Kuning remains a cultural treasure, reflecting Indonesia’s culinary history’s rich tapestry and an aromatic bridge connecting past and present.

Things to Remember

In my early attempts at cooking this dish, I made some simple errors that altered its flavour.

I wrote them down in my personal diary to avoid repeating those mistakes.

Now, whenever I prepare this dish, I refer to my notes to ensure that I replicate its authentic taste using simple steps.

I recommend reading these common mistakes thoroughly to make this dish perfectly on your first try.

• Skip the marinating: The chicken must be marinated. The flavor depth will be lost if this step is skipped. For the spices to fully infuse, let it marinade for at least an hour, preferably longer.
• Ineffective Use of Turmeric: The main ingredient in Ayam Goreng Kuning is turmeric. Ensure you use enough turmeric to get the distinctive flavor and golden color.
• Not Balancing Flavors: Ayam Goreng Kuning shouldn’t have an unbalanced flavor profile of sweet, savoury, and spicy. An excessively sweet or salty food might result from neglecting this balance.
• Overcrowding the Frying pan: An overcrowded frying pan might result in uneven cooking and decreased crispiness when frying chicken. If required, fry in batches.
• Undercooking the Chicken: Use a thermometer to determine if the chicken is fully cooked. Eating undercooked chicken is dangerous.
• Using the Wrong Soy Sauce: Kecap manis, or sweet soy sauce, is essential. Regular soy sauce won’t produce the desired flavor.

Making the Essential Dipping Sauce

The flavors of a dish are always enhanced with a dipping sauce. And my favorite partner with Ayam Goreng Kuning is Sambal Kecap.

It is easy to make and complements this dish. It is just sliced chili, shallots and a few tablespoons of kecap manis.

Kecap manis is also known as sweet soy sauce. To make this dip, you should wash and chili peppers, garlic, and shallot.

Mix it with sweet soy sauce, salt, and lime juice or tamarind paste. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

If you also like the combination of sweet and Savoury, you should also pair your Ayam Goreng Kuning with Kecap Manis. 

On a Final Note

Cooking Ayam Goreng Kuning is a journey worth undertaking.

Following the steps in this guide, you can recreate this golden-fried chicken at home and capture the essence of a dish that has been a centrepiece of family gatherings, celebrations, and daily meals in Indonesia.

You can savor a slice of Indonesia’s rich culture and tradition through Ayam Goreng Kuning, sharing the joy of culinary exploration.