Classic Sambal Geprek

The authentic Indonesian sambal geprek that has captured hearts across the archipelago. This recipe delivers the perfect balance of crispy chicken and fiery sambal that makes this dish irresistible.

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

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. Place the fried chicken on a serving plate.
2. Spoon the sambal generously over the chicken.
3. Using a pestle or the back of a spoon, gently smash the chicken with the sambal to help the flavors penetrate.
4. Serve immediately with steamed rice and fresh vegetables.

Chef's Tips

• Don't skip the smashing step - this is what makes geprek unique and allows the sambal to penetrate the crispy coating.
• Adjust the chili quantity based on your heat tolerance. Start with fewer chilies and add more next time if needed.
• Use a combination of chilies for complex flavor - red chilies for body and bird's eye chilies for heat.
• The oil must be very hot when added to the sambal to release the aromatic compounds.
• Short on time? This bottled sambal captures the essence of traditional recipes.

Variations

• Cheese Geprek: Add a slice of cheese on top of the hot chicken before adding sambal
• Extra Crispy: Double-coat the chicken in flour for extra crunch
• Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh

Storage

Best enjoyed fresh and hot. Leftover sambal can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and used as a condiment for other dishes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes