Bebek Sinjay: The Iconic Culinary Treasure of Madura
If you're crossing the Suramadu Bridge towards Madura Island, one of the must-visit culinary destinations is Bebek Sinjay. More than just a simple eatery, the name Sinjay has become synonymous with a uniquely delicious fried duck. Its legendary flavor comes from a unique cooking process that results in a crispy, crunchy exterior while the meat inside remains incredibly tender and juicy.
The secret to Bebek Sinjay's outstanding taste lies in its meticulous preparation. Fresh duck is first marinated and boiled (ungkep) in a rich blend of spices until the flavors are deeply infused and the meat becomes fall-off-the-bone tender. Only then is it deep-fried to achieve its signature crispy skin.
However, the complete Bebek Sinjay experience is defined by its harmonious components. A plate is never complete without the iconic sambal pencit (young mango chili sauce), which adds a refreshing, tangy, and spicy kick. This is complemented by a sprinkle of crispy spiced flakes (serundeng) that adds an extra layer of savory crunch. This unique combination of flavors and textures is what makes every bite so unforgettable.
Bebek Sinjay Recipe to Make at Home
You can try to replicate this legendary dish in your own kitchen. Here is a simple recipe to follow.
Ingredients
For the Duck:
- 1 whole duck, cut into 4 pieces
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 stalks of lemongrass, bruised
- Salt to taste
- Water for boiling
Spices (Ungkep Paste):
- 12 shallots
- 8 cloves of garlic
- 3 cm fresh turmeric
- 2 cm fresh ginger
- 1 tsp roasted coriander seeds
- ½ tsp ground white pepper
- 2 roasted candlenuts
For the Sambal Pencit:
- 10 bird's eye chilies (adjust to your preference)
- 5 red chilies
- 3 shallots
- 1 young mango, coarsely grated
- Salt and sugar to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Duck: Thoroughly clean the duck pieces. Blend all the spices for the ungkep paste until smooth.
- Boil the Duck (Ungkep): Rub the duck pieces with the spice paste, salt, bay leaves, and bruised lemongrass. Place the duck in a pot, add enough water to cover it, and boil over low heat for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours until the meat is very tender and the spices have fully absorbed.
- Fry the Duck: Once the duck is tender, remove it from the pot and drain. Heat a generous amount of cooking oil. Fry the duck until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and drain.
- Make the Sambal Pencit: Grind all the sambal ingredients—bird's eye chilies, red chilies, and shallots—in a mortar and pestle until they form a coarse paste. Add salt and sugar to taste. Gently mix in the grated young mango without over-pounding to maintain its texture.
- Serve: Place the fried duck on a plate. Sprinkle it with the crispy fried spices from the boiling liquid. Serve it with warm rice, the freshly made sambal pencit, and a side of fresh vegetables like cucumber or basil.
Enjoy your meal!
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