Cooking Indonesian-Style: Easy and Fun Recipes to Try at Home
Indonesia is famous not only for its islands and cultures, but also for its incredibly rich and flavorful cuisine. Whether you’re enjoying a bowl of noodles, a skewer of grilled meat, or a colorful dessert, Indonesian food is full of exciting flavors and ingredients. Let’s take a journey through some popular dishes and learn a few simple recipes you can try with your kids at home.
Common Dishes Every Child Should Know
Bakso (Indonesian Meatballs)
This beloved dish is a favorite among children and adults alike. Bakso are meatballs made from ground beef and tapioca flour, often served in a warm broth with noodles, tofu, vegetables, and boiled eggs. Some versions use chicken, shrimp, or fish instead of beef.
Nasi Goreng (Fried Rice)
Nasi Goreng is considered Indonesia’s national dish. It’s made with fried rice spiced with tamarind, chili, egg, and sometimes prawns. Often eaten for breakfast or as a quick meal, it’s a must-have on any Indonesian table.
Rujak (Fruit Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce)
This unique fruit dish includes water apples, mangoes, pineapple, cucumber, and sometimes sweet potato, all topped with a tangy peanut sauce. It’s both sweet and spicy—perfect for adventurous young eaters!
A Simple Indonesian Recipe to Try
Mie Goreng (Indonesian Fried Noodles)
A kid-friendly noodle dish that’s easy to make and fun to eat.
Ingredients:
Chopped scallion, 2 tablespoons oil, 2 garlic cloves (minced), 4 oz chicken (cut small), 6 medium shrimp (peeled), 2 oz cabbage (shredded), 6 oz bean sprouts, 1½ tbsp Indonesian sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), 3 tbsp nasi goreng paste, salt, cooked noodles, tomato wedges for garnish
Directions:
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Heat oil in a skillet and sauté garlic. Add chicken and shrimp and stir until half-cooked.
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Add cabbage, bean sprouts, and noodles. Stir-fry briefly.
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Add kecap manis, nasi goreng paste, and salt. Toss until everything is cooked and coated.
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Serve with scallions and tomato wedges.
Sweet Indonesian Desserts for Children
Sweet Potato Tart
Grate 2 lbs sweet potatoes and knead with ¾ cup brown sugar, 2 tsp nutmeg, 2 tsp tapioca flour, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper. Place into a greased mold and steam for 45 minutes. Slice and serve warm or cold.
Indonesian Peanut Butter Muffins
Mix 1¾ cups flour, ½ tsp salt, 3 tsp baking powder, and ⅓ cup sugar. In another bowl, combine ¾ cup milk, 1 egg, and ⅓ cup shortening. Add wet to dry ingredients and mix lightly. Pour into muffin cups, add a teaspoon of peanut butter in the center, cover with more batter, and bake at 400°F for 18 minutes.
Indonesian Fruit Salad
Cut apples, strawberries, kiwi, mango, melon, and pineapple into bite-size pieces. Mix with a dressing of lime juice, honey, and chopped chili. Top with shredded coconut and chopped peanuts. It’s fresh, tangy, and perfect for a summer snack!
Bringing Indonesia to Your Kitchen
Cooking together is a great way for families to explore a new culture and language. With just a few simple ingredients, children can taste what life is like in Indonesia. It’s also a perfect opportunity to talk about spices, fruits, and traditional dishes they might not know yet.
One of the best ways to support children’s cultural and language learning is through fun and interactive platforms like Dinolingo. With over 50 languages to choose from, including Indonesian, Dinolingo helps children aged 2–14 learn through videos, songs, stories, and games. It works on the web, iOS, and Android, and includes a parent dashboard and fun rewards to keep kids motivated.
Taste, Learn, and Explore
Indonesian cuisine is full of colorful ingredients, exciting flavors, and sweet delights. Whether your child is helping stir noodles or trying a tropical fruit salad, they’re also learning about traditions and culture. Why not pick a recipe and try it together this week?