Keto Ayam Bacem (Sugar-free Braised Chicken)
Sugar-free Braised Chicken
Yes, with a tweak: aBSOLUTELY critical to ensure no palm sugar or sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) is used in the braising liquid or as a garnish. About 5g net carbs per serving, lower than 6 in 10 Indonesian dishes.
What it is
Chicken pieces are slowly braised until tender in a deeply aromatic, savory broth infused with traditional Bacem spices. Key spices include coriander, candlenut, galangal, bay leaves, and tamarind, but with all traditional palm sugar and sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) omitted or replaced with keto-friendly alternatives. The result is a savory, umami-rich chicken, often fried or grilled to finish.
Key ingredients
Chicken pieces, water or unsweetened coconut water, sugar-free soy sauce, tamarind paste (small amount), coriander, candlenut, galangal, bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, garlic, shallots, salt, pepper, keto sweetener (e.g., erythritol, stevia - optional for subtle sweetness).
How to make it keto
ABSOLUTELY critical to ensure no palm sugar or sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) is used in the braising liquid or as a garnish. Confirm replacement with keto-friendly sweeteners if any sweetness is desired.
Say this to the waiter (Indonesian)
Untuk Keto Ayam Bacem, mohon konfirmasi tidak pakai gula aren atau kecap manis di kuah ungkep atau sebagai garnish.
For Keto Ayam Bacem, please confirm no palm sugar or kecap manis is used in the braising liquid or as garnish.
Watch out for
Traditional Bacem is extremely high in sugar. Any deviation from strict sugar-free preparation makes it non-keto. Cross-contamination if cooked in shared equipment.
Macros are estimates for a typical serving and vary by restaurant. Confirm ingredients with staff, especially if you have allergies. Our ingredient lists are generated automatically and describe how a dish is typically made.
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