Indonesian Grilled Chicken with Spicy Tamarind Glaze

Ayam Bakar Bumbu Rujak Recipe

Ayam Bakar Bumbu Rujak is a delightful Indonesian grilled chicken dish renowned for its rich and spicy flavor profile. The combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy elements makes it an irresistible addition to any meal. Follow this recipe to create a succulent and aromatic grilled chicken that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken
• 3 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• 5 cm galangal (lengkuas), crushed
• Tamarind paste (as desired)
• 1/2 tablespoon palm sugar (gula merah)
• 1.5 tablespoons granulated sugar (gula putih)
• Salt to taste
• 200 ml thick coconut milk (santan kental)
• For the Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus):
  • 8 shallots (bawang merah)
  • 4 garlic cloves (bawang putih)
  • 3 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)
  • 1/4 kg red chilies (cabe merah)
  • 4 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit)
  • A handful of roasted peanuts (kacang tanah)

Steps:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:

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   • Blend the shallots, garlic, red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, and roasted peanuts into a smooth paste. This will form the aromatic base of your dish.

2. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste and sauté until it becomes fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the paste.

3. Add Aromatics and Seasonings:

   • To the pan, add the crushed galangal, kaffir lime leaves, tamarind paste, and palm sugar. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and cook for a few minutes until the flavors meld together.

4. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Season the whole chicken with salt. Place the chicken into the pan with the spice mixture. Pour in the sweet soy sauce, granulated sugar, and thick coconut milk. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the chicken is well-coated with the spices and seasonings.

5. Simmer:

   • Allow the chicken to cook in the mixture over low heat. Simmer until the liquid has reduced significantly and the spices have deeply penetrated the chicken. This process will also help the chicken absorb the rich flavors.

6. Cool and Grill:

   • Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove the chicken from the pan. Let it cool slightly. Preheat your grill or non-stick grilling pan. Grill the chicken over medium heat until the skin is crispy and slightly charred, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.

7. Serve:

   • Serve the Ayam Bakar Bumbu Rujak hot, accompanied by steamed rice and your favorite side dishes.

Enjoy this aromatic and flavorful grilled chicken as a centerpiece of your meal, bringing a taste of Indonesia to your table.