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Pepes Ayam is a traditional Indonesian dish where chicken is marinated, coated in a fragrant spice paste, and wrapped in banana leaves before being steamed to perfection. The spice paste, made from shallots, garlic, turmeric, galangal, ginger, and toasted candlenuts, infuses the chicken with deep, aromatic flavors. The addition of lime leaves, lemongrass, and lemon basil enhances the dish with fresh, citrusy notes. The banana leaf wrapping not only locks in moisture but also imparts...
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Marinate the chicken with salt and lime juice. Let it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Blend the shallots, garlic, turmeric, galangal, ginger, and toasted candlenuts into a smooth paste.
Saute the spice paste until fragrant, then season with salt, mushroom bouillon, and white pepper.
Add lemon basil, green onion, and the marinated chicken to the spice paste. Add melted butter and combine until fully coated.
Pre-heat the banana leaves over a flame to make them softer. If unavailable, use aluminum foil.
On a banana leaf, place a bay leaf, lemongrass, the chicken, and chili.
Fold the bottom part of the leaf up over the filling, then fold inwards the left and right sides like closing an envelope, and secure with toothpicks.
Steam the wrapped chicken for 40 minutes over medium heat.
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If banana leaves are unavailable, aluminum foil can be used as a substitute.
Pre-heating the banana leaves over a flame makes them more pliable and easier to fold.
Can I use aluminum foil instead of banana leaves?
Yes, aluminum foil can be used as a substitute for banana leaves.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes in the fridge.
What is the purpose of pre-heating the banana leaves?
Pre-heating makes the banana leaves softer and easier to fold.
Can I skip the bird's eye chilies?
Yes, the bird's eye chilies are optional and can be omitted.
What can I use if I don't have candlenuts?
Macadamia nuts can be used as a substitute for candlenuts.
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