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25 ways to wow with Indonesian

We're feeling inspired by Luke Nguyen's Jakarta adventures, so here are a few of our Indonesian favourites that are guaranteed to spice up your week. (Literally!)

Spiced tuna and sticky rice in banana leaf

Spiced tuna and sticky rice in banana leaf Source: China Squirrel

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Whether you want to jazz up your weekly eats, try something new, or you want to bring some of your restaurant or travel favourites to the table - look no further because these savoury to sweet recipes pack a flavour punch!
Take a dip into satay territory with these crispy bitternut chips that are delightfully more-ish.
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Serve these popular Indonesian street snacks with black tea or beer to help tame the heat.
Stuffed tofu
Stuff your tofu, batter up and fry them to golden perfection. Source: Alan Benson
These Javanese-style fish cakes are simple to prepare, easy to cook and packed with flavour. Any white-fleshed fish will work and there's chilli required here – just whip up a batch of cucumber pickles and you’re away!
Coconut fish cakes
Source: Leanne Kitchen and Antony Suvalko
This recipe is inspired by travels to Jakarta and it isn't just any nasi goreng, this recipe is made with mutton and the Indonesian locals love it.
Mutton fried rice - nasi goreng
Nasi goreng is a hot favourite Indonesian dish. Source: Alan Benson
If you wander through the food courts of Indonesia’s glam shopping malls, you will see modern interpretations of nasi goreng wherever you look and this recipe is definitely worth bookmarking.
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This is a seafood version of a popular Indonesian street food, lemper ayam. It is usually made with shredded cooked chicken, which you can use in this recipe instead of the tuna. Take your pick!
Spiced tuna and sticky rice in banana leaf
Spiced tuna and sticky rice in banana leaf Source: China Squirrel
A dish that catches our eye - grilled fish in banana leaves served with rice and plenty of herbs, too - yes!
Sea bass grilled in banana leaves
Source: Alan Benson
Dried fish are a delicacy and this  recipe is perfect for that shared occasion.
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A sweet and spicy stew of fish and potato that makes and supreme statement.
Spicy braised fish stew (smor ikang)
Source: Feast magazine
'Soto' means soup and this special consists of broth, meat, vegetable and noodle. Let's just say the spice mix alone is worth conjuring up this bowl in the kitchen.
Betawi beef rib soup with vermicelli noodles
Source: Alan Benson
Rich and fragrant, this Indonesian chicken soup is a much-loved classic that will turn into a family favourite.
Chicken noodle soup (soto ayam)
Source: Alan Benson
Perfect to make over the weekend, this beef dish works well in large quantities as it keeps so well and develops in flavour each day.
Beef rendang (rendang daging)
Source: Feast magazine
Fried tofu can be sauced in many ways and this sweet-tangy peanut-based concoction is particularly delicious and quick to make.
Deep-fried tofu with peanut sauce
Deep-fried tofu with peanut sauce Source: China Squirrel
With wonderfully sweet aromas of chilli, the simplicity of this chicken stir-fry is oh, so satisfying.
Stir-fried chicken and snake beans with chilli relish
Stir-fried chicken and snake beans with chilli relish. Source: Alan Benson
A cake that calls on condensed milk, vanilla and a whole lot of spice, you won't need a thousand reasons to make this towering delight.
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One of all-time favourite Asian-style desserts, that is soft in texture, subtle in flavour and has a ginger sweetness that makes it so fabulous to eat.
Is there anything this vegan food isn't capable of?
Is there anything this vegan food isn't capable of? Source: Alan Benson
Whilst it's traditionally eaten plain, this recipe also gives you a caramel topping and coconut custard for a little more oomph.
Steamed banana cakes with coconut custard (apam pisang)
Source: Chris Chen
Discover more about street food with the series . Visit the for more details, recipes and guides. 

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SBS Food is a 24/7 foodie channel for all Australians, with a focus on simple, authentic and everyday food inspiration from cultures everywhere. NSW stream only. Read more about SBS Food
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SBS Food is a 24/7 foodie channel for all Australians, with a focus on simple, authentic and everyday food inspiration from cultures everywhere. NSW stream only.
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3 min read
Published 31 October 2016 9:39am
Updated 28 September 2023 3:01pm
By SBS Food bite-sized
Source: SBS


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