What does “Indonesian dishes” even meannnn? Let’s start by saying these are vibrant meals full of natural, fresh ingredients. You might be asking questions. Raising eyebrows.
You think you’ll struggle to find certain ingredients. But hey, don’t let that stop you! There is almost always a substitution. Whether it’s a simple rice side or a spicy noodle dish, you can recreate these meals at home. You’re gonna go nuts.
1. Speedy Indomie Mi Goreng Noodles
A spicy, noodley bit of super easy comfort food! Mi Goreng noodles are basically a spicy take on those instant noodles you see at the store. The big, big difference? That amazing spicy flavor packet that comes with them.
Since those aren’t always easy to find over here, this recipe is your new best friend for re-creating that spicy sauce all on your own. From there, you can toss in any veggies you have hanging out in the fridge.
Serve them up with a fried egg and some pan-fried dumplings for a dish that is SO fast and just tastes so, so good.
2. Indonesian Chicken Curry
It’s almost hard to talk about how different Indonesian curry is. It’s so rich and fragrant, just full of beautiful flavors. And you can make it as spicy or as mild as you want!
I know, the ingredient list looks a little long, but don’t let that scare you. You probably have so many of them already, like ground coriander, cinnamon, cumin, nutmeg, garlic, and shallots.
And trust me, once you see how stupidly easy it is to make your own curry paste, you will never go back to the store-bought kind. It’s a game-changer.
3. Gudeg Jogja (Yogyakarta Jackfruit Stew)
Okay, are you skeptical about jackfruit? You are not alone. But if you’re trying out meat-free Mondays or just hunting for some new vegan-friendly meals, this is SUCH a great gateway recipe. This is the one to try!
You can find most of the ingredients at the supermarket or an Asian grocery store. You might have a tough time finding candlenuts, but no big deal, you can just substitute with macadamia nuts or cashews. Galangal also a little hard to find? Just use ginger instead. See? Easy.
4. Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)
Is it just me, or is fried rice the best? I have such a soft spot for it. It’s so easy to make and is literally my favorite late-night snack.
Here’s the key: you have to start with rice that’s already cooked and cooled. I always use leftover rice that’s at least a day old. If you use fresh rice, you’re just going to get a sticky, clumpy mess.
Feel free to toss in any chopped veggies you have, and you can absolutely bulk this up with shrimp, chicken, or tofu. YUM.
5. Es-Teler (Indonesian fruit cocktail)
This is such a refreshing fruit cocktail! It uses pandan to give the coconut milk its base flavor. You should be able to grab the leaves at your local Asian grocery store, or you can just buy the extract online.
Pandan has this grassy, vanilla-like flavor that’s kind of like coconut. It’s used in SO many dishes, from sweet cakes to savory meals. It’s honestly hard to recreate, so finding that extract is a must.
Can’t find jackfruit? No worries. Just swap in some diced mango!
6. Indonesian Fried Bananas
If you think plain fried bananas are good, just WAIT until you try these. They get covered in desiccated coconut, so your banana slices get extra flavor and this amazing added crunch.
I love making these for a super-fast dessert. Just serve them up with a big scoop of ice cream. SO GOOD.
7. Bubur Manado Tinutuan (Manadonese Porridge)
I usually love my morning porridge with baked apples or honey, but this SAVORY porridge has me so, so excited.
I mean, come on! Sweet potatoes, pumpkin, corn, and spinach? There’s no doubt this nutritious meal will keep you full all the way until lunch.
The garnish of salt fish (or anchovies) was a little intense for me first thing in the morning, but when I had the leftovers for lunch? Absolute perfection.
8. Easy Sambal Balado (Indonesian Sambal Chili Sauce)
Calling all spicy food fans! I highly, highly recommend you give this recipe a try. You get to control the heat level, and it will save you so much money on those sugary jarred sauces.
It only needs seven ingredients! And if you use a food processor, it seriously takes just minutes to throw together. Stupidly easy.
9. Indonesian Spiced Rice
This is kind of like making risotto. You soften the onions and toast the rice *before* you add any liquid.
Cooking the onion and chilies with all the spices is such a great way to build the flavors, making sure your rice soaks up every last delicious drop.
Want a creamier version? Just replace some of the chicken stock with coconut milk. YUM.
10. Kopi Lethok (Coffee and Coconut Milk)
I’m going to be honest, I’m not a huge fan of coconut milk in my coffee. I just love my creamer too much!
BUT, if you’re looking for a vegan alternative to milk or cream, coconut milk is an amazing and inexpensive option. You can even heat it up with a little cinnamon or vanilla for some extra natural flavor.
11. Gado Gado (Indonesian Salad with Peanut Sauce)
It is A-MA-ZING what this sauce can do! When I was in Thailand, I was so thrilled to see peanut butter used in so many dishes. It’s this beautiful sweet and spicy mix, and I fell in love with it. So fast.
This dish is just a plate full of veggies and extras, like fried tofu. On its own, it might look a little, well, sad. But once you pour on that sauce? You will absolutely be going back for seconds.
12. Easy Chicken Rice Congee / Porridge (Bubur Ayam)
This is typically served to sick people, and this simple little dish is such a great alternative to chicken soup. It’s filled with chicken and broth, and there are no fancy cooking techniques here.
You can serve it right away or keep it in the fridge for later. Just make sure to add some extra water when you reheat it, because it definitely thickens up as it sits!
13. Tahu Gejrot Cirebon (Fried Tofu in Chili Soy Sauce)
Unlike here in the States, tofu is a total pantry staple in Indonesia. Vegans can find places to eat and tons of tofu varieties in pretty much every restaurant.
I am always on the hunt for great ways to cook tofu, but frying it is still my number one. Tofu soaks up flavor so fast! It’s best to start with firm tofu so it really holds its shape.
14. Wedang Ronde (Glutinous Rice Balls in Ginger Syrup)
So many Indonesian recipes use rice flour, and you’ve probably seen that white bag with the red writing. But! To get the right texture for this, you NEED glutinous rice flour, which looks almost the same but has green writing on the bag.
This kind of rice flour is made from a slightly different grain and it’s what gives food that awesome, chewy texture. Your dough will be sticky at first, but don’t worry. It becomes smooth and elastic right after you cook it.
15. Indonesian Coconut Turmeric Rice with Cashews
If you’re making rice as a side, why would you ever settle for some bland bowl of filler? No, friends.
Rice should be just as flavorful as the main dish, and you should give it just as much love. And it doesn’t even take a lot of effort!
Always, always start by rinsing your rice until the water runs clear. Cooking it in coconut milk is seriously the easiest way to add a ton of flavor.
16. Rawon (Indonesian Dark Beef Soup)
Looking for an alternative to that same-old beef stew? This one is for you.
It has a couple of ingredients that might be new to you, like buah keluak. This is very, very hard to find outside of Indonesia. The closest alternative we have is black truffle.
Serve this soup with rice and some bean sprouts. Just delicious.
17. Soto Ayam (Chicken Soup)
As much as I love a thick, creamy vegetable soup, I have a total weak spot for brothy soups that have lots of flavors and textures.
This soup has ALL of that, and then some. Between the amazing broth and all the chicken and veggies, this will fill you up for the entire day. It’s just SO GOOD.
18. Bakwan Sayur (Vegetable Fritter)
These fritters are typically made by street vendors, and they are sweet, crunchy, and so straightforward to make. The slaw-like mix of carrot, cabbage, and scallions is just perfect.
You get crunch, sweetness, and those oniony notes in every single bite. To get the absolute crispiest fritters, make sure you include rice flour in the batter, and keep that batter cold until you’re ready to fry.
19. Sayur Asem (Vegetables in Tamarind Soup)
Between the tamarind, lemongrass, and shrimp paste, this soup will absolutely knock your socks off.
It’s loaded with veggies and has plenty of heat, plus some sweet and tart notes from the tamarind. You can find shrimp paste online, and trust me, it makes all the difference in the world.
20. Lontong Sayur Medan (Rice Cakes with Vegetables)
This is traditionally made by wrapping jasmine rice in banana leaves and shaping it into logs. You’d need a specific dish to recreate those rice cakes you might have seen on vacation.
But here’s the good news! You can totally make them in a glass baking dish and just cut them into squares for the same amazing taste.
This method has you cook the rice in a rice cooker or Instant Pot first, and then you just press it into the dish. So easy!
