Grilled Indonesian Spiced Chicken (Ayam Bakar Taliwang)

Ayam Bakar Taliwang

Discover a taste of Indonesia with this mouthwatering recipe for Ayam Bakar Taliwang, a richly spiced grilled chicken dish that’s both fragrant and flavorful. This dish, originating from the island of Lombok, is known for its complex blend of spices and its irresistible caramelized finish. Perfect for serving with warm rice, this recipe brings a touch of authentic Indonesian cuisine to your table.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole free-range chicken (young or teenager, known as ayam kampung)
• 1 tablespoon sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• ½ tablespoon palm sugar (gula merah)
• 10 shallots, finely ground
• 5 garlic cloves, finely ground
• 10 red chilies, finely ground
• 15 bird’s eye chilies, finely ground
• 1 thumb-sized piece of kencur (a type of galangal), finely ground
• ½ teaspoon shrimp paste (terasi)
• 1 glass of water
• Salt and sugar to taste
• Optional: flavor enhancer or seasoning (penyedap rasa)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Mixture: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely ground shallots, garlic, red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, and kencur. Sauté the mixture until it becomes aromatic and the raw scent dissipates. Incorporate the shrimp paste and continue cooking for a few more minutes until the spices are well-cooked and fragrant.

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2. Cook the Chicken: Place the whole chicken into the skillet with the spice mixture. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.

3. Simmer: Add the water to the skillet. Stir in the palm sugar, sweet soy sauce, and salt to taste. If using a flavor enhancer, add it now. Allow the mixture to simmer over medium heat, occasionally stirring, until the liquid reduces and the chicken absorbs the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

4. Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the skillet, allowing any excess sauce to drip off. Grill the chicken, turning occasionally, until the skin is crispy and caramelized, and the chicken is cooked through. This process should take about 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken and the heat of your grill.

5. Serve: Once the chicken is nicely grilled, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve it warm with freshly steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Enjoy this delightful Indonesian dish that’s rich in flavor and perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory elements makes Ayam Bakar Taliwang a standout recipe in your culinary repertoire.