Balinese Chicken with Sambal Matah
Low CarbUnder 30 MinsHigh ProteinStovetopDinnerPan-Asian
Medium
25min
380kcal
2people
MACROS
per serving※gProtein
◆gFat
▣gCarbs
◎gSugar
◇gFiber
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Juicy pan-seared chicken breast topped with a vibrant, raw Balinese relish made of lemongrass, red onion, chilies, and hot oil.
Bring the vibrant, aromatic flavors of Bali right to your kitchen with this Balinese Chicken with Sambal Matah. Sambal Matah is a famous raw, spicy shallot and lemongrass relish that instantly elevates any dish. We're taking juicy pan-seared chicken breast and topping it generously with a mix of finely sliced red onions, lemongrass, and fresh chilies. A splash of hot oil lightly cooks the aromatics, releasing incredible fragrances, while a dash of fish sauce provides the deep umami usually achieved with shrimp paste. Finish with fresh lemon juice for that essential citrusy tang. This dish is fresh, fiery, and completely irresistible!
Ingredients
- 2 pc Chicken Breast
- 1 pc Red Onion (about ½ cup finely sliced)
- 2 stalks Lemongrass
- 4 pc Fresh Red Chilies
- 0.5 pc Lemon
- 1 tsp Fish Sauce
- 4 tbsp Olive Oil
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Brown Sugar
Instructions
- 1Season the chicken breast generously with a pinch of salt on both sides.
- 2Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breast for about 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside to rest.
- 3While the chicken cooks, prepare the Sambal Matah. Peel the outer hard layers off the lemongrass, then slice the tender white inner core as thinly as possible.
- 4In a heat-proof bowl, combine the thinly sliced lemongrass, finely sliced red onion, chopped fresh red chilies, salt, brown sugar, and fish sauce. Toss everything together.
- 5In a small pan, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil until it is very hot and shimmering (almost smoking).
- 6Carefully pour the hot olive oil directly over the bowl of aromatics. It will sizzle immediately! Stir the mixture well, then squeeze in the juice from the lemon.
- 7Slice the rested chicken breast into strips and arrange on a serving plate. Spoon the fragrant Sambal Matah and its seasoned oil generously over the chicken. Serve immediately.
Chef's Tips
- •The key to a perfect Sambal Matah is slicing everything extremely thin, especially the lemongrass. Only use the tender white part at the bottom, and discard the woody green tops.
- •Fish sauce is acting as our savory umami substitute here for the traditional roasted shrimp paste (terasi) usually used in Bali.
- •Make sure the oil is very hot before pouring it over the aromatics. This flash-cooks the raw ingredients just enough to release their essential oils without turning them soft or mushy.
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