Cheese Sambal Geprek

A modern fusion take on the traditional sambal geprek that adds creamy, melted cheese to balance the fiery heat of the sambal. This crowd-pleasing variation has become increasingly popular in urban Indonesian eateries.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into pieces
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• Oil for frying

For the Sambal:

• 15 red chilies
• 5 bird's eye chilies (adjust to taste)
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 shallots
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp hot oil

For the Cheese Topping:

• 200g mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 100g cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
2. Coat the chicken in flour, ensuring each piece is well covered.
3. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
4. Fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

Making the Sambal:

1. Prepare the chilies by removing stems (keep seeds for extra heat).
2. Slice the garlic and shallots thinly.
3. In a mortar and pestle, grind chilies, garlic, shallots, salt, and sugar until you achieve a coarse paste.
4. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil until smoking hot.
5. Pour the hot oil over the sambal mixture and mix well.

Assembly:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your broiler to high.
2. Place the fried chicken in an oven-safe dish.
3. Spoon the sambal over the chicken.
4. Using a pestle or the back of a spoon, gently smash the chicken with the sambal.
5. Cover generously with the shredded cheeses, mixing both mozzarella and cheddar for optimal melt and flavor.
6. Bake or broil for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and starting to bubble and brown.
7. Serve immediately while the cheese is still hot and stretchy.

Chef's Tips

• Use a mix of cheeses - mozzarella provides the stretch, while cheddar adds flavor depth.
• Don't overcook the cheese - you want it melted and slightly browned, not burnt.
• For an extra indulgent version, add a drizzle of cream or a dollop of sour cream under the cheese.
• The contrast between spicy sambal and creamy cheese is what makes this dish special - make sure both elements are well-balanced.

Variations

• Three-Cheese Geprek: Add some crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola for a more complex flavor profile
• Cheese-Stuffed: Butterfly the chicken and stuff with cheese before frying for a molten center
• Mexican Fusion: Add some jalapeños and use Monterey Jack cheese for a Mexican-Indonesian fusion

If preparing from scratch isn't an option, this quality sambal is a worthy substitute for the homemade version.

Storage

Best enjoyed fresh while the cheese is still melted. Can be reheated in an oven or microwave, but the texture of the chicken may not be as crispy.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes