Join us now as we unravel for you a newcomer’s guide to the wondrous bounty that is represented by Indonesian cooking!
Everyone is fond of the most popular Asian cuisines to reach us here in the Western Hemisphere. Yep, you would be correct – Korean, Chinese, and Japanese. That said, hidden in Southeast Asia is a huge variety of tastes, flavors, dishes, and ingredients you may be less familiar with or will be surprised by the intriguing ways these meals come together. Join us now as we unravel for you a newcomer’s guide to the wondrous bounty that is represented by Indonesian cooking!
Beef Rendang
Beef rendang is super popular. You could even say that it is Indonesia’s pride and joy, much like kimchi is for Korea or hand-pulled noodles are for China. It is a slow-braised beef that is loaded with many different unique spices. You may have already heard of it when you spent time wandering through Malaysia – the two countries share a long cultural and culinary history to the point where they share a dispute over who originated the dish; although different regions have different preparation methods, one common ingredient shared between all of them is coconut milk.
Coconut Rice
Speaking of coconuts, let’s switch gears. Known as nasi uduk in its native tongue, this dish is paired with a delicious protein – typically fried or grilled chicken, fish or duck. Some variations include nasi kuning (made with yellow rice), nasi bakar, nasi ulam, and nasi liwet, just to name a few.
Cah Kangkung
If you love sauteed spinach for its garlicky flavor and smooth mouth-feel, then you will probably enjoy cah kangkung as well. Water spinach is surprisingly flavorful and is very friendly for beginners who aren’t entirely sure what they are doing just yet.
Satay
Satay is often served with peanut sauce, and you’ve probably encountered it before as an offering from Thai cuisine. Cut up pieces of meat are placed on bamboo skewers before being grilled. Common proteins include chicken, pork, buffalo, goat, beef, fish, and other types of meat.
Indonesian-Style Fried Rice
It should be no surprise that fried rice is wildly popular all over Asia, and Indonesian cooking has its own spin on this famous rice dish. Known as nasi goreng, it can be served for breakfast as well as lunch or dinner; omelets, crackers, tomatoes, and cucumbers are popular garnishes along with secret sauces, spices, meat, seafood, and vegetables.
Hot Sauce
If you’re feeling adventurous, then Indonesia’s take on hot sauce should be a pleasant surprise for you. Sambal is so popular that your table will be provided with several different types and flavors all at once.
Get All Your Asian Groceries at Lotte Plaza Market
Lotte Plaza Market is your one-stop-shop for all of your Korean and Asian grocery needs. With more than 10 locations in Maryland and Virginia, this growing market is always expanding and opening new markets to serve our customers better. Since we opened in 1976, our goal has always been to provide the best customer service and groceries to our customers. For answers to all of your questions, please email us at LottePlaza.com.