Grilled Indonesian Spiced Chicken Rice Wraps (Nasi Bakar Isi Ayam Tumis)

Nasi Bakar Isi Ayam Tumis: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight

Nasi Bakar Isi Ayam Tumis is a delightful Indonesian dish that combines aromatic, spiced rice with a savory chicken filling, all wrapped in banana leaves and grilled to perfection. This dish is not only flavorful but also visually appealing, making it a great option for special occasions or a comforting meal. Here’s how to make this delicious recipe at home:

Ingredients

For the Rice:

• 500 grams of rice, washed thoroughly
• 500 ml coconut milk
• 2 cloves of garlic, finely sliced
• 3 shallots, finely sliced
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 stalk of lemongrass, bruised
• Salt, to taste
• 3 tablespoons cooking oil
• Banana leaves, for wrapping
• Skewers (lidi), for securing

For the Filling:

• 200 grams of chicken fillet, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 2 large green chilies, sliced
• 2 large red chilies (or red bird’s eye chilies for more heat)
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 stalk of scallion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce
• Salt, to taste
• Optional: flavor enhancer (penyedap rasa)
• 3 tablespoons cooking oil
• 100 ml water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice:

   • Heat the cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the shallots, garlic, lemongrass, and bay leaves until fragrant.
   • Add the washed rice to the pan and stir to coat with the aromatic mixture. Pour in the coconut milk and season with salt. Stir well to combine.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid and is nearly dry.
   • Transfer the rice to a steamer and steam until fully cooked. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • In a pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic and chilies until fragrant.
   • Add the diced carrot and chicken to the pan. Stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through.
   • Pour in the water and add the sweet soy sauce, salt, and optional flavor enhancer. Cook until the liquid has mostly evaporated and the mixture is dry.
   • Stir in the sliced scallions and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and let cool.

3. Assemble the Nasi Bakar:

   • Cut the banana leaves into square or rectangular pieces. If the leaves are too stiff, briefly heat them over a flame to make them pliable.
   • Place a portion of the cooked rice onto the center of each banana leaf piece. Flatten slightly.
   • Spoon a portion of the chicken filling onto the rice. Fold the banana leaf over the filling to form a neat package, securing the edges with skewers.

4. Grill the Nasi Bakar:

   • Preheat a grill or barbecue to medium heat.
   • Place the banana leaf-wrapped packages on the grill. Cook, turning occasionally, until the banana leaves are charred and fragrant, and the rice has developed a slightly crispy exterior.
   • Remove from the grill and let cool slightly before serving.

5. Serve:

   • Carefully unwrap the banana leaves and transfer the Nasi Bakar Isi Ayam Tumis to a serving plate. Enjoy this aromatic and flavorful dish as a main course or a special treat.

Nasi Bakar Isi Ayam Tumis brings a taste of Indonesian tradition to your table, with its rich flavors and inviting aroma. Perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a special meal, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Enjoy the unique blend of spices and textures in every bite!