English (International) 
Try ayam goreng mentega, Indonesia’s crispy fried chicken glazed in a savory-sweet butter sauce with onions and Worcestershire sauce. A Chinese-Indonesian favorite you’ll want to make again and again!
About the Dish
Ayam goreng mentega is a beloved Indonesian dish shaped by Chinese-Indonesian culinary influence, and it shows up everywhere from Chinese restaurants and family cafés to home kitchens preparing something special. What makes it instantly recognizable is the combination of crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a glossy, savory-sweet butter sauce, fragrant with sautéed onions and a distinct kick from Worcestershire sauce.
Part of the dish’s lasting appeal lies in its balance. The sauce is rich but never overwhelming, sweet but never cloying, which makes it incredibly easy to love across generations and palates. It strikes that perfect middle ground between comfort food and something a little more indulgent, which is exactly why it remains a go-to order at Chinese-Indonesian eateries and a frequent star at family celebrations. Whether served at a casual lunch or a bigger gathering, ayam goreng mentega never fails to satisfy.
Key Ingredients and Their Role
- Chicken forms the foundation of the dish. Marinated with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil before being coated in cornstarch and fried, it develops a crispy exterior that holds up beautifully once tossed in the sauce, while staying juicy and flavorful inside.
- Margarine (or butter) is what gives this dish its name and signature character. Melted into the sauce along with the sautéed onions, it creates a rich, glossy base that coats every piece of chicken, adding a subtle creaminess that distinguishes this dish from other Indonesian fried chicken variations.
- Worcestershire sauce (kecap Inggris) brings a tangy, slightly smoky depth that cuts through the richness of the butter. Combined with oyster sauce and sweet soy sauce, it creates the layered umami-sweet profile that makes the sauce so addictive.
Ingredients
Main:
- 1 kg chicken
- ½ onion, sliced
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3–4 tbsp margarine
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp seasoning powder
- 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sweet soy sauce
- Water, as needed
- Cooking oil, as needed
Marinade:
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 knob ginger, minced
- 1 tsp seasoning powder
- Ground pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tbsp oyster sauce
- 2–3 tbsp sesame oil
- Cornstarch, as needed (for coating before frying)
Instructions
- Wash the chicken and cut into small pieces so it cooks quickly and absorbs the seasoning well.
- Marinate the chicken with garlic, ginger, seasoning powder, ground pepper, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Mix thoroughly and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
- Add a little cornstarch to the marinated chicken and mix evenly.
- Heat enough oil in a pan. Fry the chicken until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove and drain.
- In a separate pan, heat a little oil and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the margarine, sugar, seasoning powder, Worcestershire sauce, oyster sauce, and sweet soy sauce. Add a splash of water and stir until the sauce is well combined.
- Add the fried chicken into the sauce. Cook while stirring until the sauce reduces and coats the chicken evenly.
- Remove from heat and serve warm.
Serving Suggestion
Ayam goreng mentega pairs perfectly with steamed white rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables like kailan or pak choy. For a more festive spread, serve it alongside other Chinese-Indonesian favorites such as fried rice or sweet and sour dishes.
Bring Indonesia Closer, Learn the Language
Dishes like ayam goreng mentega show just how rich and diverse Indonesian cuisine can be, shaped by centuries of cultural exchange and creativity. If exploring Indonesian food has made you curious to understand the language and people behind it, BASANTARA is here to help you take that next step. We offer Bahasa Indonesia courses designed specifically for foreign speakers, from beginner to advanced levels. Connect with us on WhatsApp at +62 852 1396 8601 or visit basantara.net to start learning today.
