Welcome to the rich culinary world of Brunei, where flavors are bold, and traditions are cherished. One dish that stands out in the Bruneian gastronomic landscape is the renowned Ayam Penyet. This delectable dish combines crispy fried chicken with a fiery chili paste, creating a taste sensation that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Brunei.

Ayam Penyet, literally translated as "smashed chicken," captures the essence of Bruneian cuisine by offering a perfect blend of textures and flavors. The dish is a celebration of crispy fried chicken, smashed to perfection to create a succulent and tender interior. What elevates Ayam Penyet to a culinary masterpiece is the accompanying sambal, a spicy chili paste that adds a kick to each bite.

Join us on this culinary journey as we guide you through the steps to recreate the authentic Brunei Ayam Penyet in your own kitchen. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the perfect harmony of crunch, tenderness, and spice that defines this beloved Bruneian dish.

Ingredients:

For the Fried Chicken:

• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Oil for deep frying

For the Sambal:

• 10 red bird's eye chilies (adjust to taste)
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Side Dishes:

• Fresh cucumber slices
• Fresh tomato slices
• Fried tempeh
• Fried tofu

Instructions:

Fried Chicken:

1-Marinate the chicken thighs in buttermilk for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator. This helps tenderize the meat.

2-In a bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

3-Heat oil in a deep fryer or large, deep pan to 350°F (175°C).

4-Dredge each chicken thigh in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.

5-Carefully place the coated chicken thighs into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, approximately 12-15 minutes. Ensure the chicken is cooked through.

6-Remove the fried chicken and place it on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Sambal:

1-In a food processor, blend red chilies, garlic, tamarind paste, palm sugar, and salt until a smooth paste is formed.

2-Heat a small amount of oil in a pan and sauté the chili paste for about 5-7 minutes, or until the oil separates.

3-Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more sugar or salt if necessary.

Assembly:

1-Take a fried chicken thigh and place it on a cutting board.

2-Using the back of a cleaver or a mallet, gently smash the chicken to make it more tender.

3-Serve the smashed chicken on a plate, accompanied by a generous spoonful of the prepared sambal.

4-Garnish with fresh cucumber and tomato slices, and serve with fried tempeh and tofu on the side.

5-Get ready to savor the delightful blend of crispy chicken, fiery sambal, and a variety of textures with each mouthwatering bite. This Brunei Ayam Penyet recipe brings the essence of Bruneian street food straight to your dining table. Enjoy!

Nutritional Values

It's important to note that nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods. However, here are approximate nutritional values for each ingredient per serving:

Fried Chicken (per chicken thigh):

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g

benefits:

• Rich in protein for muscle repair and growth.
• Provides essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins and zinc.
• Skin adds additional flavor and texture.

Buttermilk (per cup):

• Calories: 100
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 12g

benefits:

• Contains probiotics that promote gut health.
• High in calcium for strong bones.
• Adds a tangy flavor to the chicken and helps tenderize it.

All-Purpose Flour (per cup):

• Calories: 455
• Protein: 13g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 95g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 1g

benefits:

• A good source of energy from carbohydrates.
• Contains small amounts of protein and essential minerals.
• Contributes to the crispy texture when fried.

Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder (per teaspoon each):

• Calories: negligible

benefits:

• Enhance the flavor of the chicken.
• Provide small amounts of essential minerals.

Oil for Deep Frying (per tablespoon):

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g

benefits:

• Adds crispiness to the fried chicken.
• Provides energy from healthy fats.

Red Bird's Eye Chilies (per chili):

• Calories: 2
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0.5g
• Fiber: 0.1g
• Sugars: 0.3g

benefits:

• Contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Rich in vitamins A and C.

Garlic (per clove):

• Calories: 5
• Protein: 0.2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0.1g
• Sugars: 0g

benefits:

• Possesses anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
• Adds a distinctive flavor to the sambal.

Tamarind Paste (per tablespoon):

• Calories: 30
• Protein: 0.2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7.3g
• Fiber: 0.6g
• Sugars: 1.5g

benefits:

• Adds a tangy flavor to the sambal.
• Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Palm Sugar (per tablespoon):

• Calories: 50
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 13g

benefits:

• Provides sweetness to balance the heat in the sambal.
• Contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Fresh Cucumber (per cup, sliced):

• Calories: 16
• Protein: 0.8g
• Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 3.1g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugars: 1.5g

benefits:

• Hydrating and low in calories.
• Provides vitamins K and C.

Fresh Tomato (per cup, sliced):

• Calories: 32
• Protein: 1.6g
• Fat: 0.4g
• Carbohydrates: 7.2g
• Fiber: 2.2g
• Sugars: 4.9g

benefits:

• Rich in vitamins A and C.
• Contains lycopene, an antioxidant that may have health benefits.

Fried Tempeh (per 3-ounce serving):

• Calories: 162
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g

benefits:

• High in protein and a good source of iron.
• Contains probiotics and may have cholesterol-lowering effects.

Fried Tofu (per 3-ounce serving):

• Calories: 94
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 0g

benefits:

• Good source of plant-based protein.
• Provides essential amino acids and minerals.

Please keep in mind that these values are approximations and can vary based on the specific brands and quantities you use in your recipe. Additionally, the nutritional content of fried foods may change depending on the absorption of oil during cooking.