Ayam Goreng Tacos with Sambal Matah (Indonesian × Mexican)

Method

1. Cut the chicken thighs into 2 cm-wide strips and put them in a bowl with the finely grated garlic and ginger, turmeric, ground coriander and 80% of the salt. Massage it in and leave to marinate for 15 min.

   Add in this stepBoneless chicken thighs 300 gGarlic cloves 2Fresh ginger 8 gGround turmeric ¾ tspGround coriander ¾ tspSalt 0.6 tsp

2. Sambal matah: slice the shallots paper-thin, slice only the tender inner part of the lemongrass very thinly, strip the centre vein from the lime leaves and cut them into fine threads, and chop the chillies. Put everything in a heatproof bowl with the rest of the salt and the juice of half the limes and stir. Heat the coconut oil in a small pan over medium heat for 1 min until hot, pour it over and mix.

   Add in this stepShallots 50 gLemongrass stalks 1Makrut lime leaves 3Bird's eye chillies 2Salt ⅛ tspLimes ½Coconut oil 25 ml

   medium heat

3. Avocado crema: mash the avocado with a fork and mix it with the sour cream and the juice of a quarter of the limes until smooth. Shred the cabbage very finely.

   Add in this stepAvocado 1Sour cream 60 gLimes ¼Red or white cabbage 80 g

4. Pour oil 1.5 cm deep into a 24 cm frying pan and heat over medium-high heat to 170 °C. Keep the pan handle turned inwards and don't walk away from it.

   Add in this stepNeutral oil for frying 200 ml

   medium-high heat

5. Mix the cornflour and flour, coat the chicken evenly and shake off the excess. Fry in 1 batch(es) over medium heat for 6 min each, turning, until deep golden and cooked through: cut the thickest strip open to check there's no pink. Drain on a rack.

   Add in this stepCornflour (cornstarch) 40 gPlain flour 20 g

   medium heat

6. Heat a dry pan over medium-high heat and warm the tortillas one at a time for 30 sec on each side until soft and pliable, then wrap them in a clean tea towel to keep warm.

   Add in this stepCorn tortillas (15 cm) 6

   medium-high heat

7. Spread each tortilla with crema, then add cabbage, chicken and sambal matah. Top with coriander leaves and serve with the remaining lime cut into wedges.

   Add in this stepCoriander leaves (cilantro) 5 gLimes ¼