Indonesian ayam bakar inspired spicy tawa grilled chicken

Ayam Bakar, meaning “grilled chicken” in Indonesian, is a smoky and flavorful dish that showcases the rich spices of Indonesia. The chicken is marinated in a blend of turmeric, garlic, ginger, coriander, and sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), then slow-grilled to perfection. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a slightly charred and caramelized exterior.

Often served with steamed rice, sambal (spicy chili sauce), and fresh vegetables, Ayam Bakar is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, making it a beloved dish across Indonesia and beyond.

I've been inspired by this beautiful dish from one of my favorite Indonesian spots that I often go to, they serve this grilled chicken that is so flavourful so smokey, and so juicy it melts in your mouth. I've used my chopper to chop and make a coarse paste of the chili and aromatics and then marinated the chicken for a few hours resulting in the most delicious grilled chicken I've ever tasted.

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Prep Time 2

Cook Time 30

Course ayam bakar, bhuna chicken, grilled chicken, Main Course, main dish

Cuisine balinese, indonesia inspired, indonesian

Servings 2 serves

Equipment

1 tawa/grill pan/grill
1 chopped/mixer to make the marination

Ingredients

2-4 pieces of chicken cut in medium
7 cloves garlic
1 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp fresh or powder turmeric
10 fresh red chili/soaked dried red chili
1/2 cup coriander
1/2 cup spring onion
1 red onion/shallot cut
1tsp lemon juice
2 chicken stock cubes/vegeta for flavour msg works too
2 tbsp sweet soy sauce
1 tbsp Ketchup
1 tbsp sweet chili sauce
2 lime leaves optional
2 tsp fried shallots to garnish
2 green chili optional
1 tsp lemongrass optional
fresh coriander to garnish

Instructions

in a mixer/chopper add turmeric, chilis, ginger, garlic, lemongrass, coriander, shallots/red onion, spring onion and blend until coarse paste.
marinate the chicken pieces with this chili paste along with sweet chili sauce, ketchup, sweet soy sauce, chicken seasonings and lemon juice.
Mix very well and let it marinate at least 2 hours, better overnight.
In a pan/grill add some oil and add the marinated chicken.
cook until charred on both sides. put the heat to low and cover and cook for 10 minutes each sides again.
Now add the rest of the marination and keep basting the chicken pieces with the chicken sauce and marination oil in the pan.
Keep cooking on low heat while basting the chicken pieces until they’re fully cooked. with my medium-sized chicken pieces, it took me 20-25 minutes.
Add the lime leaves for a nice fragrant, add some fresh chili and coriander too.
Serve with some plain/coconut rice, lemon, fried shallots and some salads on the side.

Keyword grilled chicken, sambal chicken, spicy chicken, tawa chicken

Explore Indonesian Ayam Bakar Inspired Spicy Tawa Grilled Chicken

Indulge in the smoky and spicy flavors of Ayam Bakar, an Indonesian-inspired dish that promises a burst of flavor with every bite. Marinated in a rich blend of turmeric, garlic, ginger, and more, this chicken is grilled to perfection, offering a juicy and smoky experience.

What Makes Ayam Bakar Inspired Tawa Grilled Chicken Special?

• Rich Aromatics: The marinade is a complex mix of shallots, spring onions, lemongrass, and dried red chilies, ground into a coarse paste.
• Smokey Goodness: Slow-grilled for that perfect char and smoky flavor.

How to Make This Delicious Chicken

1. Prepare the Marinade: Blend turmeric, chilies, ginger, garlic, lemongrass, and onions into a coarse paste.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken thoroughly and let it sit, preferably overnight.
3. Grill to Perfection: Cook the chicken on a grill or tawa until charred and juicy.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Accompany with steamed rice or sambal for a truly Indonesian experience.

Serve It Right

• Accompaniments: Perfect with coconut rice or a simple salad.
• Occasion: Ideal for a weekend family dinner or a special meal.

Bring a taste of Indonesia to your kitchen with this Ayam Bakar-inspired recipe and savor the rich, smoky flavors of one of the best-grilled chicken dishes you’ve ever tasted.

Enjoy!

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A Must Try Easy And Delicious Spicy Grilled Chicken!!