How to Cook Thai-Style Crispy Chicken with Tamarind Sauce
If you're looking to impress your friends and family with a flavorful dish, Thai-style crispy chicken with tamarind sauce is an excellent choice. This recipe combines the crunchiness of fried chicken with the tangy sweetness of tamarind, making it a delight to the palate.
Ingredients
For the crispy chicken:
- 500g chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying
For the tamarind sauce:
- 1/2 cup tamarind paste
- 1/4 cup palm sugar or brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons chili flakes (adjust to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by rinsing the chicken pieces under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to ensure the coating adheres well.
Step 2: Create the Coating
In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This combination will give the chicken its crispy texture.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. For extra crispiness, you can double-coat by dipping the chicken in the mixture a second time.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
In a large pot or deep frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of the flour mixture into the oil. If it sizzles, the oil is ready. Carefully add the chicken pieces, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
Cook the chicken for about 8-10 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). Once done, transfer the chicken to a wire rack or plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Tamarind Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine tamarind paste, palm sugar, water, fish sauce, soy sauce, and chili flakes. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Adjust the sweetness and spiciness according to your preference.
Step 6: Serve
Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is ready, place the crispy chicken on a serving platter. Drizzle the tamarind sauce generously over the chicken, or serve it on the side for dipping.
To elevate the dish, garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or sliced chilies.
Enjoy Your Thai-Style Crispy Chicken!
This dish pairs beautifully with jasmine rice or a fresh cucumber salad. Your Thai-style crispy chicken with tamarind sauce is now ready to be savored. Bon appétit!