Indonesian cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors, blending sweet, spicy, salty, and tangy in ways that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
From street food gems to hearty family dishes, this Southeast Asian culinary wonderland has something for everyone.
Whether you’re a foodie looking to expand your palate or just someone who loves a good meal, these Indonesian recipes are about to become your new favorites.
Ready to dive into a world of rich curries, sizzling satays, and mouthwatering desserts? Buckle up, because we’re about to take you on a flavor-packed journey through the 10+ best Indonesian recipes you absolutely need to try at least once. Trust us, your kitchen (and your stomach) will thank you.
1. Nasi Goreng Indonesia’s Famous Fried Rice
Let’s kick things off with Indonesia’s national dish, Nasi Goreng.
This isn’t your average fried rice—it’s a flavor explosion that’ll make you wonder why you ever settled for plain old takeout.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (day-old works best)
- 2 tbsp sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 red chili, sliced (optional for heat)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup mixed veggies (carrots, peas, etc.)
- 1 chicken breast, diced (or tofu for a veggie option)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Fried shallots and cucumber slices for garnish
How to Make It:
Heat the oil in a wok or large pan. Sauté the garlic, shallot, and chili until fragrant. Add the chicken (or tofu) and cook until done.
Toss in the veggies and stir-fry for a couple of minutes. Push everything to one side, crack the egg into the pan, and scramble it.
Mix it all together, then add the rice. Drizzle in the sweet soy sauce and soy sauce, stirring until everything is well-coated and heated through. Garnish with fried shallots and cucumber slices.
Why We Chose It:
Nasi Goreng is the ultimate comfort food with a twist. It’s quick, versatile, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover rice.
2. Satay Skewered Perfection
Satay is Indonesia’s answer to barbecue, and it’s downright addictive.
These skewers are marinated, grilled, and served with a peanut sauce that’s so good, you’ll want to drink it.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into strips
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water
For the Peanut Sauce:
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 2 tbsp sweet soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 red chili, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup water
How to Make It:
Mix the soy sauce, lime juice, turmeric, coriander, and garlic in a bowl. Add the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Thread the chicken onto skewers and grill until charred and cooked through.
For the sauce, combine all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer until smooth. Serve the skewers with the peanut sauce on the side.
Why We Chose It:
Satay is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for parties or weeknight dinners. The smoky, savory skewers paired with that creamy peanut sauce? Pure magic.
3. Rendang The King of Curries
Rendang is a rich, slow-cooked curry that’s often called the “world’s most delicious food.” It’s a labor of love, but every bite is worth it.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
- 4 kaffir lime leaves
- 1 turmeric leaf (optional)
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Spice Paste:
- 5 shallots
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2-inch ginger
- 2-inch galangal
- 3 red chilies
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
How to Make It:
Blend all the spice paste ingredients until smooth. Heat the oil in a pot and sauté the paste until fragrant.
Add the beef, coconut milk, lemongrass, lime leaves, and turmeric leaf.
Simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Why We Chose It:
Rendang is a showstopper. It’s complex, flavorful, and perfect for special occasions.
4. Gado-Gado The Ultimate Veggie Bowl
Gado-Gado is a vibrant salad drenched in peanut sauce. It’s fresh, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed veggies (cabbage, bean sprouts, green beans, etc.)
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 2 boiled eggs, halved
- 1 cup tofu, fried
- 1 cup tempeh, fried
- 1 cup rice cakes (lontong), optional
For the Peanut Sauce:
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 2 tbsp sweet soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 red chili, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup water
How to Make It:
Blanch the veggies and arrange them on a plate with the cucumber, eggs, tofu, tempeh, and rice cakes.
For the sauce, mix all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer until smooth. Drizzle over the salad.
Why We Chose It:
Gado-Gado is a healthy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
5. Soto Ayam Indonesian Chicken Soup
Soto Ayam is a fragrant chicken soup that’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
- 4 kaffir lime leaves
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp turmeric powder
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Rice noodles, boiled eggs, and fried shallots for serving
For the Spice Paste:
- 5 shallots
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2-inch ginger
How to Make It:
Blend the spice paste ingredients. Heat the oil and sauté the paste until fragrant.
Add the chicken, broth, lemongrass, lime leaves, bay leaves, and turmeric.
Simmer until the chicken is cooked. Serve with rice noodles, boiled eggs, and fried shallots.
Why We Chose It:
Soto Ayam is comforting, aromatic, and perfect for chilly days.
6. Martabak Manis Sweet Stuffed Pancake
Martabak Manis is a decadent dessert that’s like a cross between a pancake and a cake.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Butter, chocolate sprinkles, and condensed milk for filling
How to Make It:
Mix the flour, sugar, milk, egg, and baking powder into a batter. Cook in a greased pan until bubbles form.
Sprinkle sugar on top and fold in half. Slice open and fill with butter, chocolate sprinkles, and condensed milk.
Why We Chose It:
Martabak Manis is a sweet treat that’s impossible to resist.
7. Bakso Meatball Soup
Bakso is a hearty meatball soup that’s a street food favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup tapioca flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 8 cups beef broth
- Noodles, tofu, and fried shallots for serving
How to Make It:
Mix the beef, flour, garlic, and egg. Form into meatballs and boil in the broth until cooked. Serve with noodles, tofu, and fried shallots.
Why We Chose It:
Bakso is filling, flavorful, and perfect for a quick meal.
8. Pepes Ikan Spiced Fish in Banana Leaves
Ingredients:
- 1 whole fish (snapper or tilapia)
- 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
- 4 kaffir lime leaves
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- Banana leaves for wrapping
For the Spice Paste:
- 5 shallots
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2-inch ginger
- 2 red chilies
How to Make It:
Blend the spice paste. Rub the fish with the paste, tamarind, lemongrass, and lime leaves. Wrap in banana leaves and steam for 30 minutes.
Why We Chose It:
Pepes Ikan is aromatic, healthy, and full of flavor.
9. Klepon Sweet Coconut Rice Balls
Klepon are bite-sized desserts filled with palm sugar and coated in coconut.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup glutinous rice flour
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
- 1/4 cup palm sugar
- Green food coloring (optional)
How to Make It:
Mix the flour with water and food coloring. Form into balls, stuff with palm sugar, and boil until they float. Roll in grated coconut.
Why We Chose It:
Klepon are fun, sweet, and perfect for dessert lovers.
10. Ayam Goreng Crispy Fried Chicken
Ayam Goreng is Indonesian-style fried chicken that’s crispy and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 cup rice flour
- Oil for frying
How to Make It:
Marinate the chicken with garlic, turmeric, and coriander. Coat in rice flour and fry until golden.
Why We Chose It:
Ayam Goreng is simple, crispy, and utterly delicious.
11. Dadar Gulung Green Pancake Rolls
Dadar Gulung are sweet coconut-filled pancakes with a vibrant green hue.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 egg
- Pandan leaves (or green food coloring)
- Grated coconut and palm sugar for filling
How to Make It:
Blend the flour, coconut milk, egg, and pandan. Cook into thin pancakes. Fill with coconut and palm sugar, then roll up.
Why We Chose It:
Dadar Gulung are colorful, sweet, and uniquely Indonesian.
Conclusion
Indonesian cuisine is a flavor-packed adventure waiting to happen in your kitchen.
From the smoky satay to the rich rendang, these recipes are sure to impress.