Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- A Taste of Indonesia at Home
- What Makes Ayam Bakar So Unique?
- Grilled Chicken Recipes That Spark Joy
- Perfect Pairings for This Indonesian Classic
- Bring the Heat with Homemade Spice
- Simple Tips for Grilled Chicken Success
- Notes & Tips
Key Takeaways
Ayam Bakar is a traditional Indonesian grilled chicken recipe bursting with complex spices, smoky depth, and caramelized richness. It’s perfect for dinner recipes and an amazing way to explore grilled chicken recipes that are both easy and flavorful. Patricia from Patricia Universe brings this cultural gem to your kitchen with simple ingredients and bold results.
A Taste of Indonesia at Home
If you’re craving a culinary escape without leaving your kitchen, this Ayam Bakar is your ticket. As one of the most vibrant grilled chicken recipes from Southeast Asia, it layers traditional spices with smoky goodness and just a touch of sweetness. Dinner recipes don’t have to be boring — this dish adds a cultural spark to any mealtime!
What Makes Ayam Bakar So Unique?
Unlike your average BBQ, this dish uses a flavor-packed paste made with garlic, shallots, candlenuts, and galangal to marinate and simmer the chicken before grilling. This two-step method ensures the chicken stays juicy inside while developing that perfect grilled char. This easy recipe also makes use of pantry staples like turmeric, soy sauce, and brown sugar, making it simple yet unforgettable.
Grilled Chicken Recipes That Spark Joy
Grilled chicken recipes often fall into routine — not Ayam Bakar! This vibrant Indonesian dish proves that grilled chicken can be bold, exotic, and comforting all at once. Pair it with fragrant jasmine rice, a cucumber salad, or even your favorite cheesy potatoes easy recipe for a fusion twist. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ or cozy family dinner, this recipe brings flavorful flair to the table.
Perfect Pairings for This Indonesian Classic
When serving this grilled masterpiece, think beyond the ordinary. Steamed rice is a must, but spicy sambal or pickled vegetables add the perfect tangy kick. It even goes well with sides from other cuisines — imagine pairing it with a quick chicken stirfry easy recipe or incorporating into your next recipes for dinner lineup.
Bring the Heat with Homemade Spice
Ayam Bakar’s charm lies in its bold use of fresh aromatics and toasted spices. Don’t shy away from customizing the heat level — add extra chili if you dare! This dish is adaptable, fun to prepare, and a guaranteed conversation starter around the grill. If you’re looking for easy recipes ninja creami meals with global inspiration, this is a must-try.
Simple Tips for Grilled Chicken Success
To get the best results, allow the chicken to marinate in the spice paste for a few hours before cooking. Grill over medium heat for the perfect char without drying it out. And don’t forget to baste with the leftover sauce — that’s where all the magic happens. This is one of those grilled chicken recipes that rewards patience with unbeatable flavor.
Notes & Tips
For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least two hours. Use palm sugar if available for authentic taste, but brown sugar works well too. Don’t skip the sweet soy sauce — it’s essential to achieving the dish’s signature glaze. Leftovers can be stored and reheated the next day, making it a great option for meal prep or packed lunches.
Indonesian Grilled Chicken (Ayam Bakar) – Grilled Chicken Recipes
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, quartered
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 cloves garlic
- 6 shallots
- 3 candlenuts or macadamia nuts
- 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
- 1 inch galangal, sliced
- 1 stalk lemongrass, smashed
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 2 tablespoons palm sugar or brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- In a food processor or blender, combine garlic, shallots, candlenuts, ginger, galangal, coriander, and turmeric. Blend until smooth.
- Heat oil in a large pan and sauté the blended spice paste until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the lemongrass, sugar, soy sauce, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Add chicken pieces and coat evenly with the spice mixture.
- Pour in water and simmer for 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat. Grill the chicken pieces until lightly charred and caramelized, brushing with leftover sauce.
- Serve hot with steamed rice and extra sweet soy sauce if desired.
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