Name: Garang Asem Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Indonesian
Ingredients: 1 whole free-range chicken, cut into pieces; 10 pieces bilimbi (or green tomatoes), sliced; 5 shallots, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 5 bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste); 2 bay leaves; 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised; 2 inches galangal, bruised; 500 ml thin coconut milk; 150 ml thick coconut milk; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp seasoning powder (optional); ½ tsp sugar

Garang Asem Chicken is a vibrant Indonesian dish that combines the tangy freshness of bilimbi or green tomatoes, the creaminess of coconut milk, and the aromatic notes of lemongrass, galangal, and bird’s eye chilies. It’s a perfect blend of spicy, sour, and savory that’s comforting and exciting in every bite.

Garang Asem Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold, aromatic, and tangy flavors
Comforting and unique broth made with herbs and coconut milk
Easily adaptable for vegetarian or low-carb diets
Ideal for family meals or special occasions

Ingredients

1 whole free-range chicken (cut into pieces)
10 pieces bilimbi (or green tomatoes), sliced
5 shallots, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
5 bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)
2 bay leaves
2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
2 inches galangal, bruised
500 ml thin coconut milk
150 ml thick coconut milk
1 tsp salt
1 tsp seasoning powder (optional)
½ tsp sugar

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics:
Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté shallots and garlic until soft and fragrant.
Add Herbs:
Stir in the bruised lemongrass, bay leaves, and galangal. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
Cook Chicken:
Add chicken pieces. Cook until they turn opaque, stirring occasionally.
Add Chilies & Bilimbi:
Mix in bird’s eye chilies and sliced bilimbi (or green tomatoes).
Simmer in Thin Coconut Milk:
Pour in thin coconut milk. Simmer until chicken is tender (around 25–30 minutes).
Finish with Thick Coconut Milk:
Stir in thick coconut milk, salt, seasoning powder (if using), and sugar. Cook gently for 5–10 minutes without boiling, to prevent curdling.
Serve:
Serve hot over steamed rice. For an authentic touch, serve on banana leaves.

Recipe Info

Servings	Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Calories
4 servings	15 minutes	45 minutes	1 hour	350–400 kcal per serving

Tips & Variations

Vegetarian: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken.
Tangy Alternative: Tamarind paste can replace bilimbi or green tomatoes.
Richer Flavor: Use coconut cream instead of thick coconut milk for a deeper flavor.
Fragrant Boost: Add kaffir lime leaves for an extra herbal note.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat gently on low heat; add water or coconut milk if needed.

FAQs

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of bilimbi?
Yes, use under-ripe green tomatoes or add tamarind paste for similar sourness.

Is it spicy?
It can be! Adjust the chilies to your spice tolerance.

Can I prepare it ahead?
Yes. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.

Low-carb friendly?
Yes, just skip the rice or serve with cauliflower rice.

Conclusion

Garang Asem Chicken is a soul-warming, tangy, and aromatic Indonesian classic. With its tender chicken, fragrant herbs, and creamy-sour broth, it offers a unique and satisfying experience that’s both comforting and bold. Whether you’re exploring Indonesian cuisine or just craving something new, this dish is a flavorful adventure worth trying!