Bubur Ayam

Bubur ayam is Indonesia's breakfast of choice, sold from carts before the sun is properly up. Jasmine rice is simmered right down into a soft, savoury porridge, then loaded with shredded poached chicken and a pile of crunchy toppings.

What makes it more than plain congee is the seasoning. The rice cooks in chicken stock with ginger, lemongrass and turmeric, so the base tastes of something before a single topping goes on.

The toppings are the fun part, so be generous. Crispy fried ikan bilis, spring onion, fried shallots, a drizzle of kecap manis and a spoonful of sambal for anyone who wants it.

Servings
4
Prep Time
15
mins
Cook Time
60
mins
Ingredients
15
Total Time
75
mins

Ingredients

  • 200g jasmine rice, rinsed until the water runs clear
  • 2 litres chicken stock
  • 400g chicken thigh fillets
  • 3cm piece fresh ginger, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, bruised
  • 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp kecap manis
  • 60g ikan bilis (dried anchovies)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil, for frying
  • 3 spring onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp crispy fried shallots
  • Prawn crackers and sambal oelek, to serve

Instructions

  1. Bring the chicken stock to a gentle boil in a large heavy-based saucepan. Add the chicken thighs, ginger, garlic and lemongrass and poach for 15 minutes until cooked through.
  2. Lift out the chicken and set aside to cool, leaving the aromatics in the stock.
  3. Add the rinsed rice, turmeric and salt to the stock. Simmer uncovered over low heat for 45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes so it does not catch on the base.
  4. The porridge is ready when the grains have collapsed and it drops slowly off the spoon. Loosen with a splash of hot water if it thickens too far.
  5. While the rice cooks, shred the cooled chicken and toss it with the sesame oil and 1 tbsp of the kecap manis.
  6. Heat the vegetable oil in a small frying pan over medium heat and fry the ikan bilis for 2 minutes until golden and crisp, then drain on paper towel.
  7. Fish out the ginger, garlic and lemongrass from the porridge and taste for salt.
  8. Ladle into bowls, top with the shredded chicken, fried ikan bilis, spring onion and fried shallots, then drizzle over the remaining kecap manis. Serve with prawn crackers and sambal.

Never miss a recipe

Join thousands of subscribers and get our best recipes delivered to direct to your inbox!

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.