Main Course · Dinner · Asian ·

Spicy Balinese Sambal Ayam with Sweet Potato Mash

Savor the bold and aromatic flavors of Bali with this spicy sambal chicken paired perfectly with a velvety sweet potato mash.

4.9(328 reviews)
·By Ethan Brooks·
Spicy Balinese Sambal Ayam with Sweet Potato Mash — Main Course served and photographed from above
Prep
30 min
Cook
1 h 30 min
Difficulty
Intermediate
Serves
4

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Chicken

  1. 1

    Combine Chicken

    In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs with salt and set aside.

  2. 2

    Blend Sambal Paste

    In a blender, blend the red chili peppers, shrimp paste, shallots, and garlic into a smooth paste.

    Tip: Ensure the shrimp paste is fully dissolved in the sambal to avoid clumps. If you prefer milder heat, remove the seeds from the chili peppers before blending.

  3. 3

    Marinate Chicken

    Marinate the chicken with the sambal paste for at least 30 minutes.

Preparing the Sweet Potato Mash

  1. 1

    Boil Sweet Potatoes

    Boil the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 20 minutes.

  2. 2

    Drain and Mash

    Drain and mash the sweet potatoes.

  3. 3

    Finish Mash

    Stir in the coconut milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

How to Make Spicy Balinese Sambal Ayam with Sweet Potato Mash

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

  1. 1

    Sautéing the Sambal

    In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat and add the sambal paste. Cook until fragrant, about 5 minutes.

  2. 2

    Cooking the Chicken

    Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and skin is crisp, about 25 minutes.

  3. 3

    Finishing the Mash

    Return the mashed sweet potatoes to low heat and stir continuously for a further 5 minutes to heat through.

Chef's Tips

    Further reading

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

    Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but bone-in will enhance the flavor.

    How long can I store leftovers?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    Can I make this dish less spicy?

    Yes, reduce the number of chili peppers or remove the seeds for a milder version.

    Can sweet potatoes be substituted with regular potatoes?

    Yes, regular potatoes can be used for a less sweet and more savory mash.

    How do I reheat the leftovers?

    Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out the chicken.

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