Opor Ayam

About This Recipe

Opor Ayam is Indonesia's signature Eid (Lebaran) dish — chicken cooked in a mild, aromatic coconut broth with turmeric, ginger, and galangal. Unlike the spicy red curries, opor is white and gentle, symbolizing purification and new beginnings during the Islamic celebration. It's served with yellow rice and is a dish of tradition and family reunion.

Ingredients

Serves 6

• 1 wholechicken, cut into pieces
• 2 canscoconut milk (400ml each)
• 1 tbspturmeric
• 3 tbspfresh ginger, grated
• 2 tbspgalangal, sliced
• 2shallots, sliced
• 3 clovesgarlic, minced
• 2 stalkslemongrass, bruised
• 2bay leaves
• 1 tspsalt
• 2 tbspoil

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook aromatics

   Heat oil. Add shallots, garlic, ginger, galangal. Cook until fragrant, 2 minutes.

2. 2

   Add chicken

   Add chicken and cook until lightly golden.

3. 3

   Add coconut milk

   Add coconut milk, lemongrass, bay leaves, and turmeric. Bring to boil.

4. 4

   Simmer

   Reduce heat and simmer 35 minutes until chicken is very tender.

5. 5

   Serve

   Season with salt. Serve with yellow rice and vegetables.

Variations

• •

  Add potatoes or hard-boiled eggs.

• •

  Make with tofu for vegetarian version.

Storage

Refrigerate up to 4 days.

Frequently Asked Questions