Main Course · Dinner · Asian ·

Fragrant Balinese Ayam Betutu

Name: Fragrant Balinese Ayam Betutu
Prep time: 55 min
Cook time: 165 min
Total time: 220 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Whole chicken, 1 (approx. 1.5 kg); Lime juice, 2 tbsp; Salt, 1 tbsp; Garlic, 3 cloves, minced; Shallots, 5, minced; Red chili peppers, 2, chopped; Fresh turmeric, 2 tsp, chopped; Fresh ginger, 2 tsp, chopped; Fresh galangal, 2 tsp, chopped; Lemongrass stalks, 2, trimmed and bruised; Coriander seeds, 1 tbsp, toasted; Black peppercorns, 1 tbsp; Nutmeg, 1 tsp; Banana leaves, Sufficient to wrap the chicken; Kitchen twine or toothpicks; Cassava leaves, 200 g, blanched and chopped; Garlic, 3 cloves, sliced; Coconut oil, 2 tbsp; Salt, To taste

A flavorful Balinese dish where chicken is marinated in a vibrant paste of spices and herbs, wrapped with banana leaves, and slowly cooked to perfection.

4.6(409 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·July 27, 2025

Fragrant Balinese Ayam Betutu — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

55 min

Cook

2 h 45 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Chicken Marinade

For the Spice Paste

For Wrapping

For the Cassava Leaves

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 979 kcal
Protein: 70.5 g
Carbs: 11.7 g
Fat: 71.9 g
Fiber: 2.1 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 3916 kcal
Protein: 281.8 g
Carbs: 46.9 g
Fat: 287.6 g
Fiber: 8.2 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Whole chicken 1 (approx. 1.5 kg)	3450	270	0	255	0
Lime juice 2 tbsp	8	0	3	0	0
Salt 1 tbsp	0	0	0	0	0
Garlic 3 cloves, minced	14	0.6	3	0	0.2
Shallots 5, minced	22	0.6	5	0	0.8
Red chili peppers 2, chopped	18	0.7	4	0.2	0.7
Fresh turmeric 2 tsp, chopped	8	0.2	1.5	0.2	0.5
Fresh ginger 2 tsp, chopped	6	0.2	1.5	0.1	0.1
Fresh galangal 2 tsp, chopped	6	0.1	1.5	0.1	0.2
Lemongrass stalks 2, trimmed and bruised	6	0.2	1.5	0	0.2
Coriander seeds 1 tbsp, toasted	15	0.8	2.8	0.9	1.1
Black peppercorns 1 tbsp	17	0.7	4	0.2	1.7
Nutmeg 1 tsp	12	0.1	1.1	0.9	0.5
Banana leaves Sufficient to wrap the chicken	0	0	0	0	0
Kitchen twine or toothpicks	0	0	0	0	0
Cassava leaves 200 g, blanched and chopped	74	7	12	1	2
Garlic 3 cloves, sliced	14	0.6	3	0	0.2
Coconut oil 2 tbsp	240	0	0	28	0
Salt To taste	0	0	0	0	0

These nutrition estimates are approximations and not intended as dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Chicken

1
Clean Chicken
Clean the chicken and pat dry.
2
Apply Marinade
Rub the chicken with lime juice and salt. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
3
Rinse and Dry
Rinse off the salt and lime juice, pat dry again with paper towels.

Preparing the Spice Paste

1
Combine Ingredients
In a food processor, combine garlic, shallots, chili peppers, turmeric, ginger, galangal, lemongrass, coriander seeds, black peppercorns, and nutmeg.
Tip: Ensure the chicken is dry before applying the spice paste to prevent excess moisture.
2
Blend Paste
Blend to a smooth paste, occasionally scraping down the sides.
3
Sauté Paste (Optional)
Sauté the paste in a small amount of oil to mellow the spice intensity.

How to Make Fragrant Balinese Ayam Betutu

Total time: 3 h 40 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Spice Paste Application
Generously rub the spice paste inside and outside the chicken.
2
Wrapping
Encapsulate the chicken in banana leaves and secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
3
Cooking
Steam the wrapped chicken for 90 minutes then finish in the oven for a roasted flavor.