Ayam Taliwang: Spicy Lombok Grilled Chicken
A spicy grilled chicken dish from Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, marinated in a fiery chili paste.
📑 In This Guide
💡 Did You Know?
Ayam Taliwang is so popular in Lombok that it has become the island's most famous culinary export.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 free-range chicken, halved
- 200 ml thick coconut milk
- 3 tbsp cooking oil
- 3 kaffir lime leaves
- 2 lemongrass stalks, bruised
- 1 tbsp tamarind water
- 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp palm sugar
- Ground spice paste: 15 red chilies, 10 bird's eye chilies, 8 shallots, 5 garlic cloves, 2 cm aromatic ginger, 2 candlenuts, 1 tsp roasted shrimp paste, 1 tomato
👨🍳 Instructions
- Grind all spice paste ingredients. Sauté in oil until fragrant and cooked.
- Add kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass. Stir well.
- Pour in coconut milk, tamarind water, salt, and palm sugar. Bring to a boil.
- Add chicken, coat well with the sauce. Cook on low heat until sauce is absorbed and thickened.
- Heat the grill. Grill chicken while basting with remaining sauce until golden brown.
- Flip the chicken and baste again. Grill the other side until cooked.
- Serve with warm rice and plecing water spinach (water spinach).
❓Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ayam Taliwang: Spicy Lombok Grilled Chicken?
A spicy grilled chicken dish from Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, marinated in a fiery chili paste.
Where does Ayam Taliwang: Spicy Lombok Grilled Chicken come from?
Ayam Taliwang: Spicy Lombok Grilled Chicken originates from Indonesia. It is a beloved traditional dish that has been passed down through generations of Indonesian cooks.
What makes Ayam Taliwang: Spicy Lombok Grilled Chicken different from other Indonesian meat dishes?
The key distinction lies in the spice blend and cooking method. Ayam Taliwang: Spicy Lombok Grilled Chicken uses Ground spice paste: 15 red chilies, 10 bird's eye chilies, 8 shallots, 5 garlic cloves, 2 cm aromatic ginger, 2 candlenuts, 1 tsp roasted shrimp paste, 1 tomato that sets it apart. The careful preparation preserves the fresh flavors of the ingredients.
Is Ayam Taliwang: Spicy Lombok Grilled Chicken difficult to make?
Ayam Taliwang: Spicy Lombok Grilled Chicken requires moderate cooking skills. While the steps are clear, some techniques need practice.
Can I use light coconut milk for Ayam Taliwang: Spicy Lombok Grilled Chicken?
While light coconut milk can be used, the traditional recipe calls for thick coconut milk (santan kental) for authentic richness and flavor.
How can I adjust the spiciness of Ayam Taliwang: Spicy Lombok Grilled Chicken?
The spiciness can be easily adjusted by modifying the amount of chili peppers. For milder versions, reduce or omit the bird's eye chilies (cabe rawit).
How do I store leftover Ayam Taliwang: Spicy Lombok Grilled Chicken?
Store leftover Ayam Taliwang: Spicy Lombok Grilled Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the spices continue to meld.
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Recipe researched by the NusantaraEats Editorial Team
This recipe has been carefully researched, tested, and documented to preserve authentic Indonesian culinary traditions. Sources include traditional cookbooks, regional culinary experts, and cultural heritage references from Indonesia.