Bubur Ayam, a popular Indonesian dish, is a delicious and comforting chicken porridge that is packed with flavors. It is a perfect meal prep option for the week, as it is filling, nutritious, and easy to store. The dish consists of rice porridge topped with seasoned shredded chicken, fried shallots, boiled eggs, and a mix of condiments like soy sauce, sambal, and crackers. In this article, we will guide you on how to prepare Bubur Ayam for meal prep, ensuring you have a delicious and satisfying dish ready for several days. slot bisa depo 5000
Ingredients
For the Bubur Ayam base (the rice porridge):
1 cup of rice (preferably jasmine rice or white rice)
6 cups of chicken broth (you can make your own or use store-bought)
1-2 pandan leaves (optional, but adds fragrance)
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
Salt to taste
A pinch of white pepper
For the chicken topping:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cloves of garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of sesame oil
1 tablespoon of oyster sauce (optional)
1 tablespoon of honey or sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
For garnishing:
2 boiled eggs (cut in half)
Fried shallots (available at most Asian grocery stores or you can fry your own)
Pickled vegetables (like carrots and cabbage, optional)
Soy sauce (to taste)
Sambal (spicy chili paste) (to taste)
Fried crackers (krupuk)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rice Porridge (Bubur)
Rinse the rice: Wash the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too gooey.
Cook the rice: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and stir for a couple of minutes until it becomes slightly translucent. Add the chicken broth and pandan leaves (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer the rice: Reduce the heat and let the rice simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it breaks down into a creamy consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste. If the porridge becomes too thick, add more chicken broth or water until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Topping
Poach the chicken: In a separate pot, place the chicken breasts and cover with water. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks.
Season the chicken: In a small pan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add the shredded chicken to the pan and stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce (optional), and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it cook for a few minutes to absorb the flavors, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Boil the Eggs
Boil the eggs: Place the eggs in a small pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and let the eggs cook for 10 minutes for hard-boiled eggs. Once done, transfer the eggs to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. Peel the eggs and set them aside for garnishing.
Step 4: Assemble the Bubur Ayam
Prepare your containers: If you're meal prepping for the week, divide the rice porridge into meal prep containers. Let the porridge cool slightly before adding the toppings.
Top the porridge: Once you have your rice porridge in each container, add the seasoned shredded chicken on top. Add half of a boiled egg to each container.
Garnish: Sprinkle with fried shallots, drizzle with soy sauce, and add a spoonful of sambal (if you like it spicy). Optionally, you can also add some pickled vegetables for a tangy touch and fried crackers for crunch.
Step 5: Store and Reheat
Storage: Store the assembled Bubur Ayam containers in the fridge. The porridge base will keep well for 4-5 days. You can store the garnishes (fried shallots, crackers, eggs, etc.) separately to keep them crisp and fresh.
Reheating: When you're ready to eat, reheat the porridge in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Add the fresh garnishes after reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Tips for Bubur Ayam Meal Prep
Use a slow cooker: If you prefer hands-off cooking, you can use a slow cooker to cook the rice porridge. Add the rice and chicken broth (with optional pandan leaves) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the rice breaks down into a creamy consistency. Then, add the shredded chicken and season as mentioned in the recipe.
Customize the toppings: Bubur Ayam can be topped with various ingredients. Some other popular options include fried tofu, tempeh, or even crispy chicken skin for added flavor. You can also use your favorite chili sauce or sambal to adjust the spice level to your liking.
Make it vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The fried shallots, crackers, and soy sauce will still provide plenty of flavor.
Adjust the porridge texture: Depending on your preference, you can make the porridge thicker or thinner. If you prefer it thinner, just add more liquid. For a creamier texture, cook the rice longer or add more broth.
Spice it up: If you enjoy spicy food, don’t forget to add sambal or chili flakes to your Bubur Ayam. The sambal adds a nice kick that pairs perfectly with the savory porridge.
Why Bubur Ayam Makes a Great Meal Prep
Versatile: Bubur Ayam is a versatile dish that can be modified to suit different dietary preferences, including vegetarian or gluten-free options. The toppings can also be changed based on what you have on hand, making it a great fridge clean-out meal.
Filling and Nutritious: This dish is filling because of the rice porridge base, and it is rich in protein from the chicken, eggs, and soy sauce. The addition of fried shallots, pickled vegetables, and sambal helps elevate the flavor and provide balance.
Time-saving: Once prepared, Bubur Ayam can be easily reheated for a quick and satisfying meal. The dish’s components can be made in bulk, saving you time throughout the week.
Affordable: With simple and accessible ingredients, Bubur Ayam is an affordable meal prep option that won't break the bank.
Final Thoughts
Bubur Ayam is a fantastic meal prep option that combines the comforting flavors of chicken porridge with savory toppings and garnishes. Whether you're looking for a healthy and hearty lunch or a satisfying dinner, Bubur Ayam is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed throughout the week. The best part is, it’s easy to customize to your taste preferences, making it a perfect dish for those who want to enjoy homemade, flavorful meals every day without the hassle of cooking from scratch each time.