How to Make Opor Ayam (Chicken in Coconut Milk) - A Step-by-Step Guide

Opor Ayam, or Chicken in Coconut Milk, is a traditional Indonesian dish that is commonly enjoyed during special occasions and festive gatherings. This dish is known for its rich and creamy coconut milk-based sauce, which is flavored with an aromatic blend of spices and herbs. The tender pieces of chicken are simmered in this luscious sauce until they are infused with the irresistible flavors of lemongrass, galangal, and turmeric.

One of the key components of Opor Ayam is the use of co...

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Ingredients

  • 1 (2 to 3 pound) chicken, cut into 8 pieces
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 4 candlenuts
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 7 shallots, peeled
  • 5 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1 tablespoon chopped galangal
  • ½ tablespoon chopped ginger
  • ½ teaspoon white peppercorns
  • ½ teaspoon chopped fresh turmeric root
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
  • 1 tablespoon tamarind juice
  • 5 makrut lime leaves
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon white sugar
  • 3 ⅓ cups thin coconut milk
  • 1 cup thick coconut milk
  • 1 small bunch Thai basil (Optional)
  • 1 (2.8 ounce) package fried shallots

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 50 mins
  • Additional Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 35 mins
  • Servings: 8

  • Soak chicken pieces in lemon juice for 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast candlenuts, coriander, and cumin in the skillet until fragrant, about 1 minute. Transfer to a large mortar and pestle and grind into a paste with shallots, garlic, galangal, ginger, peppercorns, and turmeric. Work in batches if necessary.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add spice paste and stir until aromatic, 2 to 3 minutes. Add lemongrass, tamarind juice, lime leaves, bay leaves, salt, and sugar.
  • Rinse lemon juice off chicken pieces and slide them into the skillet. Turn to coat evenly with spices. Pour in thin and thick coconut milk. Simmer until flavors combine, about 30 minutes. Add basil leaves. Continue cooking until chicken is tender, about 15 minutes more.
  • Serve chicken and sauce in a bowl, sprinkled with fried shallots.
  • Nutrition

    538 cal.

    • Total Fat: 46g
    • Saturated Fat: 28g
    • Cholesterol: 38mg
    • Sodium: 433mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 19g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 2g
    • Protein: 17g
    • Vitamin C: 6mg
    • Calcium: 62mg
    • Iron: 6mg
    • Potassium: 571mg