25 Authentic Indonesian Dinner Recipes

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Indonesians are one of those countries that take pride in their meals and give them enough time, effort, and the right amount of everything just to get a balanced taste. Growing up in a household where cooking was more than just making food, I learned that every Indonesian dish tells a story.

The way they balance sweet, sour, spicy, and savory flavors isn’t just about taste; it’s about harmony. For example, gado-gado isn’t complete without the right peanut sauce consistency, or nasi goreng needs that perfect wok hei. Each ingredient has its purpose, each cooking step its reason.

1. NASI GORENG (Indonesian Fried Rice)

The kecap manis adds this caramelized sweetness while the shrimp paste gives that extra oomph that makes it so addicting.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• Day-old rice (4 cups) – $0.50
• Shallots (4 pieces) – $0.75
• Garlic (4 cloves) – $0.25
• Kecap manis (3 tbsp) – $2.00
• Shrimp paste (1 tsp) – $1.00
• Eggs (4) – $1.00
• Green onions (2 stalks) – $0.30
• Vegetable oil (3 tbsp) – $0.20 Total cost per serving: ~$1.50

Cook time: 20 minute

Instructions

• First things first, finely chop those shallots and garlic until they’re super tiny
• Heat up your wok or large pan until it’s literally smoking hot
• Add oil and throw in those aromatics – cook until they’re golden and your kitchen smells amazing (about 2 mins)
• Drop in that shrimp paste and let it get fragrant (30 seconds)
• Add your rice, breaking up any clumps (no one wants rice lumps bestie!)
• Pour in the kecap manis and stir-fry for like 5 minutes until everything’s evenly coated and slightly crispy
• Push rice to one side and crack an egg in the empty space, scramble it
• Mix everything together
• In another pan, fry your eggs sunny-side up
• Serve hot with the fried egg on top and sprinkle with green onions

2. RENDANG

The meat gets so tender it falls apart, and the sauce is this incredible mix of coconut, spices, and aromatics that’s both rich and complex. 

Ingredients (serves 6):

• Beef chuck (2 lbs) – $15.00
• Coconut milk (2 cans) – $4.00
• Lemongrass (3 stalks) – $2.00
• Galangal (2 inches) – $1.00
• Turmeric (fresh, 1 inch) – $0.75
• Ginger (2 inches) – $0.50
• Shallots (8) – $1.50
• Garlic (6 cloves) – $0.30
• Red chilies (6) – $1.00
• Kaffir lime leaves (4) – $1.00 Total cost per serving: ~$4.50

Cook time: 4 hours (but so worth it!)

Instructions

• Start by blending shallots, garlic, chilies, ginger, galangal, and turmeric into a smooth paste
• Heat oil in a heavy pot and fry the paste until fragrant (about 5 mins)
• Add lemongrass and lime leaves
• Put in your beef chunks and stir to coat
• Pour in coconut milk and bring to a simmer
• Now here’s the tea – you need to cook this low and slow, stirring occasionally
• After about 3 hours, the liquid will reduce and oil will separate
• Keep cooking until meat is tender and the sauce turns dark and thick
• You’ll know it’s ready when the oil separates and the meat is uber tender

3. GADO-GADO

The veggies stay crisp while that peanut sauce is creamy, slightly spicy, with a hint of tang that makes all the flavors pop off.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• Bean sprouts (2 cups) – $1.00
• Long beans (1 cup) – $1.50
• Cabbage (1 cup) – $0.75
• Tofu (1 block) – $2.00
• Eggs (4) – $1.00
• Lontong/rice cake (2) – $2.00
• Peanuts (2 cups) – $2.50
• Palm sugar (2 tbsp) – $0.50
• Garlic (4 cloves) – $0.25
• Chili (to taste) – $0.50 Total cost per serving: ~$3.00

Cook time: 30 minutes

Instructions

• Blanch all your veggies separately (like 2 mins each) then ice bath them
• Hard boil the eggs (exactly 7 minutes for perfect yolks)
• For the sauce: blend peanuts, garlic, palm sugar, and chili
• Cook the blended mixture with water until thick
• Cut tofu into cubes and fry until golden
• Slice the lontong
• Arrange everything on a plate
• Drench in that heavenly peanut sauce

4. SATE AYAM

The char on these chicken skewers is literally everything! Sweet, sticky, and that peanut sauce? 

Ingredients (serves 4):

• Chicken thighs (2 lbs) – $6.00
• Kecap manis (4 tbsp) – $1.00
• Coconut milk (1/2 cup) – $1.00
• Turmeric (1 tsp) – $0.25
• Bamboo skewers – $1.00
• Peanuts (1 cup) – $1.50
• Palm sugar (2 tbsp) – $0.50
• Shallots (4) – $0.75 Total cost per serving: ~$3.00

Cook time: 45 minutes (including marination)

Instructions

• Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes
• Marinate with coconut milk, turmeric, and kecap manis for 30 mins
• Soak skewers in water (prevent burning bestie!)
• Thread chicken onto skewers
• Grill until charred (about 8-10 mins)
• Make peanut sauce: blend peanuts, palm sugar, shallots
• Cook sauce until it thickens
• Serve hot with extra sauce on side

5. SOTO AYAM

The broth is clear but packed with flavor, and when you hit those aromatics.

Ingredients (serves 6):

• Chicken whole (3 lbs) – $8.00
• Rice noodles (1 lb) – $3.00
• Bean sprouts (2 cups) – $1.00
• Turmeric (2 inches) – $1.00
• Lemongrass (2 stalks) – $1.50
• Galangal (2 inches) – $1.00
• Lime leaves (4) – $1.00
• Green onions – $0.50 Total cost per serving: ~$2.83

Cook time: 1.5 hours

Instructions

• Boil chicken with all spices
• Remove chicken when cooked, shred it
• Strain and keep the broth
• Cook rice noodles separately
• Blanch bean sprouts
• Assemble: noodles, chicken, sprouts
• Pour hot broth
• Top with green onions and fried shallots

6. BEEF BAKSO

These meatballs are so bouncy and the broth? Crystal clear but make it flavorful

Ingredients (serves 4):

• Ground beef (1 lb) – $7.00
• Tapioca starch (1/2 cup) – $1.00
• Egg white (2) – $0.50
• Garlic (6 cloves) – $0.30
• White pepper (1 tbsp) – $0.25
• Beef bones for broth – $3.00
• Egg noodles (1 lb) – $2.00 Total cost per serving: ~$3.51

Cook time: 2 hours

Instructions

• Mix meat with starch, egg white, garlic
• Shape into balls (be consistent bestie!)
• Make broth: simmer bones with spices
• Cook meatballs in broth until they float
• Cook noodles separately
• Assemble in bowls
• Add green onions and fried shallots
• Serve with chili sauce

7. NASI UDUK

The coconut rice is giving main character vibes – fragrant, rich, and perfectly fluffy! Each bite is literally a moment!

Ingredients (serves 6):

• Rice (3 cups) – $1.50
• Coconut milk (2 cups) – $2.00
• Pandan leaves (2) – $1.00
• Lemongrass (1 stalk) – $0.75
• Bay leaves (2) – $0.25
• Fried chicken – $5.00
• Tempe – $2.00 Total cost per serving: ~$2.08

Cook time: 45 minutes

Instructions

• Rinse rice until water runs clear
• Add coconut milk and water
• Put in all the aromatics
• Cook until rice is fluffy
• Remove aromatics
• Serve with fried chicken
• Add tempe and sambal on side

8. SAYUR ASEM

It’s fresh, tangy, and has that perfect balance of vegetables that’s so refreshing.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• Peanuts (1/2 cup) – $1.00
• Long beans (1 cup) – $1.50
• Corn (2 ears) – $1.00
• Melinjo leaves – $1.00
• Tamarind (2 tbsp) – $0.50
• Lemongrass (1 stalk) – $0.75
• Galangal (1 inch) – $0.50 Total cost per serving: ~$1.56

Cook time: 40 minutes

Instructions

• Boil water with lemongrass and galangal
• Add peanuts first (they take longer)
• Add corn after 10 minutes
• Put in the rest of the veggies
• Add tamarind juice
• Season to taste
• Serve hot with rice

9. SAMBAL GORENG UDANG

The shrimp is perfectly cooked and that sambal. It’s spicy but make it addictive

Ingredients (serves 4):

• Large shrimp (1 lb) – $12.00
• Red chilies (10) – $1.00
• Shallots (6) – $1.00
• Garlic (4 cloves) – $0.25
• Tomatoes (2) – $1.00
• Shrimp paste (1 tsp) – $0.50
• Kaffir lime leaves (2) – $0.50 Total cost per serving: ~$4.06

Cook time: 30 minutes

Instructions

• Clean and devein shrimp
• Blend chilies, shallots, garlic
• Fry the paste until fragrant
• Add shrimp paste
• Cook shrimp until pink
• Add tomatoes last
• Serve with lime leaves

10. AYAM GORENG

The crunch is unreal! The spices penetrate deep into the meat and that crispy skin? I’m deceased!

Ingredients (serves 4):

• Chicken pieces (3 lbs) – $8.00
• Galangal (2 inches) – $1.00
• Lemongrass (2 stalks) – $1.50
• Turmeric (1 tbsp) – $0.50
• Garlic (6 cloves) – $0.30
• Candlenuts (4) – $1.00
• Salt and pepper – $0.20 Total cost per serving: ~$3.13

Cook time: 1 hour

Instructions

• Blend all spices into a paste
• Marinate chicken for 30 mins
• Boil chicken with spices until tender
• Drain and let it cool
• Deep fry until golden
• Make extra crispy bits with leftover marinade
• Serve with sambal and rice

11. IKAN BAKAR

The fish is literally so tender and juicy inside while being charred to perfection outside! The sambal adds this spicy-tangy moment that’s totally transformative!

Ingredients (serves 4):

• Whole fish (snapper/mackerel 2 lbs) – $15.00
• Shallots (8) – $1.50
• Chilies (6) – $1.00
• Turmeric (1 inch) – $0.50
• Lemongrass (2 stalks) – $1.50
• Lime leaves (4) – $1.00
• Lime juice (2) – $0.50 Total cost per serving: ~$5.25

Cook time: 40 minutes

Instructions

• Clean fish, score diagonal slits
• Blend spices into paste
• Stuff paste into slits and cavity
• Wrap in banana leaves
• Grill 15 mins each side
• Baste with oil while grilling
• Serve with fresh sambal

12. MIE GORENG

The noodles are perfectly chewy and that sauce combo? It’s giving sweet-savory realness with a kick that’s straight fire!

Ingredients (serves 4):

• Yellow noodles (1 lb) – $3.00
• Chicken/shrimp (1/2 lb) – $4.00
• Chinese cabbage (2 cups) – $1.50
• Bean sprouts (1 cup) – $1.00
• Kecap manis (4 tbsp) – $1.00
• Soy sauce (2 tbsp) – $0.50
• Garlic (6 cloves) – $0.30 Total cost per serving: ~$2.83

Cook time: 25 minutes

Instructions

• Boil noodles until al dente
• Stir-fry garlic until fragrant
• Add protein of choice
• Throw in vegetables
• Add noodles and sauces
• Toss until well combined
• Top with green onions and fried shallots

13. OPOR AYAM

The coconut curry sauce is literally everything – rich, creamy, and aromatic! The chicken just falls off the bone!

Ingredients (serves 6):

• Chicken pieces (3 lbs) – $8.00
• Coconut milk (2 cans) – $4.00
• Lemongrass (2 stalks) – $1.50
• Galangal (2 inches) – $1.00
• White peppercorns (1 tbsp) – $0.50
• Candlenuts (4) – $1.00
• Shallots (8) – $1.50 Total cost per serving: ~$2.92

Cook time: 1 hour

Instructions

• Blend spices except lemongrass
• Sauté spice paste until fragrant
• Add chicken pieces
• Pour in coconut milk
• Simmer until chicken tender
• Add salt to taste
• Serve with rice and sambal

14. BEEF SEMUR

The beef is so tender and the sauce? Dark, rich, and sweet-spicy – it’s literally a flavor explosion!

Ingredients (serves 6):

• Beef chunks (2 lbs) – $15.00
• Sweet soy sauce (1/2 cup) – $2.00
• Nutmeg (1/2 tsp) – $0.50
• Cloves (4) – $0.25
• Shallots (6) – $1.00
• Garlic (4 cloves) – $0.25
• Potatoes (2 large) – $1.00 Total cost per serving: ~$3.33

Cook time: 2 hours

Instructions

• Brown beef pieces
• Sauté aromatics
• Add spices and soy sauce
• Pour in water
• Simmer until meat tender
• Add potatoes last 30 mins
• Serve hot with rice

15. PECEL LELE

The catfish is crispy outside but so moist inside, and that sambal pecel? It’s absolutely slaying with its nutty-spicy vibe!

Ingredients (serves 4):

• Catfish (4 whole) – $8.00
• Turmeric (1 tbsp) – $0.50
• Salt and lime – $0.50
• Peanuts (2 cups) – $2.50
• Kaffir lime leaves (4) – $1.00
• Red chilies (8) – $1.00
• Garlic (4 cloves) – $0.25 Total cost per serving: ~$3.44

Cook time: 40 minutes

Instructions

• Clean and score catfish
• Marinate with turmeric and salt
• Deep fry until golden
• Make sambal: blend peanuts and spices
• Cook sambal until oil separates
• Serve with fresh vegetables
• Add rice and sambal on side

16. PECEL LELE

 Each veggie keeps its texture while soaking up all that savory sauce – it’s giving healthy but make it delicious!

Ingredients (serves 4):

• Mixed vegetables (6 cups) – $5.00
• Chicken/shrimp (1/2 lb) – $4.00
• Mushrooms (1 cup) – $2.00
• Garlic (4 cloves) – $0.25
• Oyster sauce (3 tbsp) – $1.00
• Corn starch (1 tbsp) – $0.25 Total cost per serving: ~$3.13

Cook time: 30 minutes

Instructions

• Prep all veggies same size
• Stir-fry garlic
• Add protein
• Add vegetables by cooking time
• Make sauce with cornstarch
• Season to taste
• Serve immediately

17. SAYUR LODEH

The coconut broth is pure comfort – creamy but light, and those vegetables are cooked to perfection!

Ingredients (serves 6):

• Mixed vegetables (4 cups) – $4.00
• Coconut milk (2 cans) – $4.00
• Lemongrass (1 stalk) – $0.75
• Galangal (1 inch) – $0.50
• Chili paste (2 tbsp) – $1.00
• Shrimp paste (1 tsp) – $0.50 Total cost per serving: ~$1.79

Cook time: 45 minutes

Instructions

• Sauté spice paste
• Add aromatics
• Pour coconut milk
• Add vegetables by firmness
• Simmer until tender
• Season to taste
• Serve with rice

18. TEMPE GORENG

Each piece is crispy on the outside, tender inside, and seasoned so perfectly you’ll be snacking non-stop!

Ingredients (serves 4):

• Tempe blocks (2) – $4.00
• Coriander (1 tbsp) – $0.25
• Garlic (4 cloves) – $0.25
• Turmeric (1 tsp) – $0.25
• Salt and pepper – $0.20
• Oil for frying – $0.50 Total cost per serving: ~$1.36

Cook time: 25 minutes

Instructions

• Slice tempe thin
• Make marinade with spices
• Coat tempe evenly
• Let sit for 10 minutes
• Heat oil properly
• Fry until golden
• Drain on paper towels

19. AYAM BUMBU RUJAK

The chicken is coated in this complex spicy-sweet sauce that’s literally unforgettable – it’s got layers on layers of flavor!

Ingredients (serves 6):

• Chicken pieces (3 lbs) – $8.00
• Red chilies (10) – $1.50
• Shallots (8) – $1.50
• Palm sugar (3 tbsp) – $0.75
• Tamarind (2 tbsp) – $0.50
• Coconut milk (1 can) – $2.00
• Lemongrass (2 stalks) – $1.50 Total cost per serving: ~$2.63

Cook time: 1 hour

Instructions

• Blend all spices
• Sauté paste until fragrant
• Add chicken pieces
• Pour coconut milk
• Simmer until reduced
• Add palm sugar and tamarind
• Serve with rice

20. TELUR BALADO

These eggs are like flavor bombs! The sambal balado is spicy-tangy perfection that’ll have you reaching for more rice!

Ingredients (serves 4):

• Eggs (8) – $2.00
• Red chilies (15) – $2.00
• Tomatoes (3) – $1.50
• Shallots (6) – $1.00
• Lime juice (1) – $0.25
• Kaffir lime leaves (2) – $0.50 Total cost per serving: ~$1.81

Cook time: 30 minutes

Instructions

• Hard boil eggs perfectly
• Peel and score surface
• Blend chilies and aromatics
• Fry eggs until golden
• Cook sambal until oil separates
• Combine eggs with sambal
• Serve hot with rice

21. TAHU TELUR

It’s literally the perfect comfort food – crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and that peanut sauce? An absolute game changer!

Ingredients (serves 4):

• Firm tofu (2 blocks) – $4.00
• Eggs (6) – $1.50
• Bean sprouts (2 cups) – $1.00
• Green lettuce (1 head) – $1.50
• Peanuts (1 cup) – $1.50
• Sweet soy sauce (3 tbsp) – $0.75
• Shallots (4) – $0.75 Total cost per serving: ~$2.75

Cook time: 25 minutes

instructions

• Crumble tofu finely
• Beat eggs with seasoning
• Mix tofu and eggs
• Deep fry in large spoonfuls
• Make peanut sauce
• Layer with vegetables
• Drizzle with both sauces

22. BEEF RAWON

The broth is literally midnight black but the flavor? Pure gold! It’s rich, complex, and that keluak gives such a unique earthy vibe!

Ingredients (serves 6):

• Beef chunks (2 lbs) – $15.00
• Keluak nuts (5) – $5.00
• Ginger (2 inches) – $0.50
• Galangal (2 inches) – $1.00
• Shallots (8) – $1.50
• Turmeric (1 inch) – $0.50
• Bean sprouts (2 cups) – $1.00 Total cost per serving: ~$4.08

Cook time: 3 hours

Instructions

• Prepare keluak paste carefully
• Blend all spices
• Brown meat chunks
• Sauté spice paste
• Simmer until meat tender
• Add keluak last hour
• Serve with rice and sprouts

23. ASINAN SAYUR

 It’s a party in your mouth! Sweet, sour, spicy, and crunchy – literally everything you want in one dish!

Ingredients (serves 4):

• Mixed vegetables (4 cups) – $4.00
• Peanuts (1 cup) – $1.50
• Palm sugar (3 tbsp) – $0.75
• Red chilies (5) – $0.75
• Vinegar (4 tbsp) – $0.25
• Shrimp paste (1 tsp) – $0.50
• Crackers (prawn) – $1.00 Total cost per serving: ~$2.19

Cook time: 20 minutes plus pickling time

Instructions

• Pickle vegetables overnight
• Make spicy peanut dressing
• Blend chilies and shrimp paste
• Mix sauce ingredients
• Drain pickled vegetables
• Combine with sauce
• Top with crushed crackers

24. BEBEK BETUTU

The duck is fall-off-the-bone tender and the spices? They’re literally singing! Each bite is a whole experience!

Ingredients (serves 6):

• Whole duck (4 lbs) – $20.00
• Shallots (12) – $2.00
• Garlic (10 cloves) – $0.50
• Ginger (3 inches) – $0.75
• Turmeric (2 inches) – $0.75
• Galangal (2 inches) – $1.00
• Black pepper – $0.25 Total cost per serving: ~$4.21

Cook time: 4 hours

Instructions

• Clean duck thoroughly
• Blend all spices
• Stuff duck with spices
• Wrap in banana leaves
• Steam for 2 hours
• Then bake for 1 hour
• Serve with plecing kangkung

25. CAPCAI KUAH

The broth is crystal clear but packed with flavor, and those mushrooms? They’re soaking up all that goodness!

Ingredients (serves 4):

• Mixed vegetables (5 cups) – $5.00
• Mushrooms (2 cups) – $3.00
• Chicken stock (4 cups) – $2.00
• Garlic (6 cloves) – $0.30
• Ginger (1 inch) – $0.25
• Oyster sauce (2 tbsp) – $0.75
• Cornstarch (1 tbsp) – $0.20 Total cost per serving: ~$2.88

Cook time: 35 minutes

Instructions

• Prepare all veggies same size
• Make the stock base
• Stir-fry aromatics
• Add vegetables by firmness
• Add mushrooms
• Thicken with cornstarch
• Serve piping hot

Conclusion

When people ask me why Indonesian food tastes so good, I simply say, “Because we cook with our hearts, not just our hands.