Often overlooked by international chefs and home cooks alike, traditional Indonesian recipes offer a world of flavors waiting to be explored. These dishes, characterized by their bold and aromatic profiles, are surprisingly easy to make at home. Despite the fact that some ingredients may require a trip to an Asian market or specialty store, there’s almost always a suitable substitution available, allowing you to recreate these vibrant meals without breaking a sweat.
From humble rice sides and fragrant stir-fries to spicy noodles and sambals, Indonesian cuisine is renowned for its natural flavors derived from the freshest ingredients. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or prefer milder dishes, this list of recipes caters to various tastes, allowing you to adjust the heat level to your liking in almost every case.
Once you start cooking through these incredible Indonesian recipes, keep this list handy – you’ll likely find yourself eager to tackle each subsequent dish, drawn by their unique flavors and aromas.
Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)
Just like many people, I’m hopelessly drawn to fried rice. It’s a comforting dish that never fails to hit the spot when I need it late at night. When it comes to making the ultimate fried rice, there’s one crucial step to follow: starting with cooked and cooled rice. I find it best to use leftover rice that’s been sitting in the fridge for at least 24 hours – using fresh rice will only result in a clumpy mess.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility; don’t be afraid to add any chopped veggies you like, and feel free to bulk it out with protein options such as shrimp, chicken, or tofu.
Indonesian Coconut Turmeric Rice with Cashews
Ditch the dull and flavorless side dishes, like plain rice that fails to impress. Imagine your main course paired with a flavorful accompaniment that complements its taste and leaves you wanting more. The good news is, it’s easy to elevate your rice game without much extra effort.Begin by rinsing your rice thoroughly until the water runs clear, then cook it in coconut milk – this simple trick adds depth and richness to what was once a boring staple.
Easy Sambal Balado (Indonesian Sambal Chili Sauce)
Joining the ranks of spicy food enthusiasts, I highly recommend this recipe for its unparalleled flavor and versatility. Not only can you customize the heat level to your liking, but it’s also an economical alternative to relying on overly sweetened jar sauces that often lack authenticity. With a mere seven ingredients, this recipe is remarkably simple to prepare, and using a food processor streamlines the process, allowing you to have a delicious homemade sauce in just minutes.
Gado Gado (Indonesian Salad with Peanut Sauce)
Just as I experienced during my trip to Thailand, peanut butter can be an incredibly versatile ingredient in cooking. Its unique combination of sweetness and spiciness makes it a standout condiment that pairs well with a variety of dishes. The Thai version, which I was fortunate enough to try, is made by mixing peanut butter with other ingredients to create a sauce that’s both bold and aromatic.
When this sauce is added to a plate of veggies and extras like fried tofu, it instantly elevates the dish from ordinary to extraordinary. And what’s remarkable is how quickly you’ll be reaching for seconds, as the flavors in the sauce are simply irresistible.
Gudeg Jogja (Yogyakarta Jackfruit Stew)
Many people share your skepticism about jackfruit, and that’s perfectly understandable. However, if you’re on the lookout for some exciting new meat-free options or are simply looking to spice up your vegan repertoire, this dish is certainly worth a try. Most of the necessary ingredients can be easily sourced at your local supermarket or even an Asian grocery store. Nevertheless, there may be two ingredients that prove somewhat elusive: candlenuts and galangal.
Fortunately, these can be substituted with macadamia nuts or cashews in place of candlenuts, while ginger makes a suitable replacement for the latter.
Rawon (Indonesian Dark Beef Soup)
Zeroing in on something new, this beef stew recipe offers a refreshing twist for those tired of the same old flavors. Its unique ingredients, such as buah keluak, can be challenging to find outside of Indonesia – but fortunately, we have a suitable substitute in the black truffle.To fully experience its distinct taste, serve it with rice and bean sprouts, allowing each component to complement the rich flavors of the soup.
Tahu Gejrot Cirebon (Fried Tofu in Chili Soy Sauce)
People often think of Indonesia as a destination where meat is the primary source of protein, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, tofu has become an integral part of Indonesian cuisine, with many restaurants serving a variety of dishes made with this versatile ingredient. As a result, vegans and vegetarians can easily find places to eat that cater to their dietary needs.
When it comes to cooking tofu, I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to prepare it, but I must admit that my favorite method is still frying it in a pan. This is because tofu has an incredible ability to absorb flavors quickly, making it an excellent candidate for marinades and sauces. To get the best results when cooking with firm tofu, it’s essential to start with high-quality ingredients so that the dish holds its shape even after cooking.
Indonesian Fried Bananas
With just a few simple ingredients, you can elevate the humble fried banana to new heights of flavor and texture. Wrapping banana slices in desiccated coconut adds a delightful extra layer of crunch, not to mention an explosion of tropical flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert or a sweet treat to serve with a scoop of ice cream, this version is sure to impress.
Bakwan Sayur (Vegetable Fritter)
Year after year, these sweet and crunchy fritters remain a popular snack among locals and visitors alike, often made by street vendors with ease. The slaw-like combination of finely chopped carrot, cabbage, and scallions adds an incredible depth of flavor to each bite, providing crunch, sweetness, and a subtle onion note that elevates the overall experience.
To achieve the crispiest fritters possible, it’s essential to include rice flour in the batter for added tenderness and crispiness, and be sure to keep the mixture refrigerated until you’re ready to fry for optimal results.
Speedy Indomie Mi Goreng Noodles
Keeping in mind that Mi Goreng noodles are not as widely available as regular instant noodles, many people have taken to recreating the spicy version at home. One of the key differences between this and regular instant noodles is the inclusion of a spicy packet of flavoring that adds a distinct kick to the dish. To replicate this flavor, you can use the recipe provided below, which allows you to create your own spicy sauce from scratch.
Once you have the sauce ready, feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables and other ingredients. Finally, serve the noodles hot with a fried egg and some pan-fried dumplings on the side for a delicious and quick meal.
Kopi Lethok (Coffee and Coconut Milk)
Unfortunately, I’m not a fan of coconut milk in my coffee, preferring instead to indulge in rich and creamy dairy-based alternatives like traditional creamer. Nevertheless, if you’re searching for a suitable vegan substitute for milk or cream that’s also budget-friendly, coconut milk emerges as an excellent option.
Lontong Sayur Medan (Rice Cakes with Vegetables)
Perhaps the most distinctive feature of traditional jasmine rice cakes is their unique presentation, which typically involves wrapping the rice in banana leaves and shaping it into logs. However, recreating this look can be challenging without access to these specific ingredients or cooking methods. Fortunately, a simpler alternative exists, allowing you to create rice cakes with similar flavor profiles using a glass baking dish.
Wedang Ronde (Glutinous Rice Balls in Ginger Syrup)
Not all types of rice flour are created equal, and when it comes to Indonesian recipes, getting the right one can make all the difference. The common white bag with red writing on the front is usually regular rice flour, but for recipes that require a chewier texture, you’ll need to look for glutinous rice flour instead.
This type of flour, often mistakenly assumed to be the same as regular rice flour due to its similar appearance, is actually made from a slightly different grain and has green writing on its packaging. As a result, it’s designed to provide a distinct cooking experience, where your dough may start out sticky but ultimately transforms into a smooth and elastic consistency once cooked.
Es-Teler (Indonesian fruit cocktail)
Sayur Asem (Vegetables in Tamarind Soup)
Presenting a flavor explosion that will leave you speechless is this Southeast Asian-inspired soup. Packed with an array of colorful vegetables and infused with the bold flavors of lemongrass and tamarind, it’s a taste sensation like no other. The addition of shrimp paste, available online for those who can’t find it in local stores, elevates the dish to new heights, balancing out the heat with its sweet and tangy undertones.
Indonesian Spiced Rice
Adding an extra step to your cooking process can elevate the flavor of this rice dish just like adding aromatics to risotto. By softening onions and toasting the rice before incorporating liquid, you’re giving it a solid foundation for absorbing flavors. This process is essential, as it ensures that every component, including the spices, onion, and chilies, works together in harmony.
To take it up another notch, consider substituting some of the chicken stock with coconut milk for an indulgent creamier twist.
Soto Ayam (Chicken Soup)
Elevating my taste buds to new heights is the brothy texture of a perfectly crafted soup. While I adore thick and creamy vegetable soups, there’s something about a clear broth that lets the flavors and textures shine through. This particular soup hits all the right notes, with its mouthwatering broth complemented by tender chicken and an array of colorful vegetables. As a result, it makes for a filling meal that can keep you satisfied throughout the day.
Indonesian Chicken Curry
Rich in flavor and aroma, Indonesian curry stands out from other types of curries. Its unique taste profile is due to a blend of spices that can be adjusted to suit individual preferences for spiciness levels. The ingredient list may appear lengthy at first glance, but chances are you already have many of the necessary components on hand – ground coriander, cinnamon, cumin, nutmeg, garlic, and shallots being just some examples.
Once you witness how effortless it is to prepare the curry paste from scratch, store-bought alternatives will seem like a thing of the past.
Easy Chicken Rice Congee / Porridge (Bubur Ayam)
Lighting a fire on a cold winter’s day is often associated with a warm bowl of chicken soup, but this simple dish can easily be replaced by a hearty serving of chicken and broth that requires no advanced cooking techniques. This comforting meal can be served straight away or stored in the fridge for later consumption, making it an ideal option for those feeling under the weather. Just remember to add some extra water when reheating as the mixture tends to thicken over time.
Bubur Manado Tinutuan (Manadonese Porridge)
Just as I adore my sweet morning porridge with baked apples or a drizzle of honey, this savory version has really piqued my interest. Between the wholesome ingredients like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, corn, and spinach, it’s clear that this nutritious meal will keep you satisfied until lunchtime. The addition of salt fish (or anchovies) as a garnish was overpowering for me at first thing in the morning, but when I had some leftovers for lunch, it added just the right amount of flavor.
