Babi Guling: Balinese Spit-Roasted Suckling Pig
Bali's most celebrated dish — whole suckling pig rubbed with a fiery spice paste and spit-roasted until the skin is crackling crisp and the meat impossibly tender.
📑 In This Guide
💡 Did You Know?
This authentic recipe has been passed down through generations, preserving the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 whole suckling pig (about 5-7 kg), cleaned
- Spice paste: 20 red chilies, 15 shallots, 10 garlic cloves, 5 candlenuts, 5 cm galangal, 3 cm ginger, 3 cm turmeric, 2 cm aromatic ginger, 1 tbsp shrimp paste, 1 tsp coriander, 1 tsp pepper
- 3 lemongrass stalks, bruised
- 5 kaffir lime leaves
- 2 turmeric leaves
- Salt to taste
- Lemongrass stalks for stuffing
👨🍳 Instructions
- Grind all spice paste ingredients into a smooth paste.
- Score the pig's skin in a crosshatch pattern. Rub the spice paste all over the inside of the cavity.
- Stuff the cavity with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and turmeric leaves.
- Sew or skewer the cavity closed. Rub the outside with salt.
- Mount on a spit and roast over hot coals, turning continuously for 3-4 hours.
- Baste occasionally with the rendered fat and spice juices.
- The pig is done when the skin is golden-brown and crackling, and the meat pulls easily from the bone.
- Carve and serve with steamed rice, lawar, sambal matah, and vegetables.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
What is Babi Guling: Balinese Spit-Roasted Suckling Pig?
Bali's most celebrated dish — whole suckling pig rubbed with a fiery spice paste and spit-roasted until the skin is crackling crisp and the meat impossibly tender.
Where does Babi Guling: Balinese Spit-Roasted Suckling Pig come from?
Babi Guling: Balinese Spit-Roasted Suckling Pig originates from Indonesia. It is a beloved traditional dish that has been passed down through generations of Indonesian cooks.
Is Babi Guling: Balinese Spit-Roasted Suckling Pig difficult to make?
Babi Guling: Balinese Spit-Roasted Suckling Pig requires moderate cooking skills. While the steps are clear, some techniques need practice.
How can I adjust the spiciness of Babi Guling: Balinese Spit-Roasted Suckling Pig?
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 Babi Guling: Balinese Spit-Roasted Suckling Pig?
Store leftover Babi Guling: Balinese Spit-Roasted Suckling Pig in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the spices continue to meld.
🍽️You Might Also Like
🗺️More from Indonesia
🥘Recipes Using Similar Ingredients
← Previous Recipe
Nasi Liwet: Sundanese Coconut Rice Feast
Indonesia
Next Recipe →
Tinutuan: Manado Mixed Porridge
Indonesia
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.