Authentic Bebek Betutu from Indonesia — traditional Indonesian main dish with step-by-step cooking instructions

Bebek Betutu: Authentic Balinese Slow-Cooked Duck

★★★★☆4.5
|Editor's rating

A legendary Balinese dish of whole duck stuffed with a rich spice paste, wrapped in banana leaves, and slow-cooked for hours until the meat falls off the bone.

🗺️ Origin: Indonesia⏱ Time: 30 mins👥 Servings: 4 servings📊 Difficulty: Medium
📋 Recipe
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Tested by NusantaraEats Kitchen·Last updated: 29 June 2026

📑 In This Guide

🛒 Ingredients👨‍🍳 Instructions FAQ

💡 Did You Know?

This authentic recipe has been passed down through generations, preserving the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine.

🛒 Ingredients

  • 1 whole duck (about 2 kg), cleaned
  • 5 red chilies
  • 10 shallots
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 5 candlenuts
  • 3 cm ginger
  • 5 cm galangal
  • 3 cm turmeric
  • 2 cm aromatic ginger (aromatic ginger)
  • 3 lemongrass stalks, bruised
  • 5 kaffir lime leaves
  • 2 turmeric leaves, knotted
  • 1 tsp shrimp paste (shrimp paste)
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil
  • Banana leaves for wrapping

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Grind all spices (chilies, shallots, garlic, candlenuts, ginger, galangal, turmeric, aromatic ginger, shrimp paste) into a smooth paste.
  2. Rub the spice paste all over the duck, inside and out. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. Stuff the cavity with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and turmeric leaves.
  4. Wrap the duck tightly in banana leaves, then in aluminum foil.
  5. Bato in a preheated oven at 150°C for 5-6 hours, or until the meat is extremely tender.
  6. Alternatively, cook in a traditional pit with hot coals for an authentic smoky flavor.
  7. Unwrap carefully and serve with steamed rice, lawar, and sambal matah.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bebek Betutu: Authentic Balinese Slow-Cooked Duck?

A legendary Balinese dish of whole duck stuffed with a rich spice paste, wrapped in banana leaves, and slow-cooked for hours until the meat falls off the bone.

Where does Bebek Betutu: Authentic Balinese Slow-Cooked Duck come from?

Bebek Betutu: Authentic Balinese Slow-Cooked Duck originates from Indonesia. It is a beloved traditional dish that has been passed down through generations of Indonesian cooks.

Is Bebek Betutu: Authentic Balinese Slow-Cooked Duck difficult to make?

Bebek Betutu: Authentic Balinese Slow-Cooked Duck requires moderate cooking skills. While the steps are clear, some techniques need practice.

How can I adjust the spiciness of Bebek Betutu: Authentic Balinese Slow-Cooked Duck?

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 Bebek Betutu: Authentic Balinese Slow-Cooked Duck?

Store leftover Bebek Betutu: Authentic Balinese Slow-Cooked Duck 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.

📚 Traditional Indonesian Cookbooks🏛️ Cultural Heritage References👨‍🍳 Regional Culinary Experts
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