This flavorful chicken curry is a braise in reverse: The chicken is cooked in coconut milk flavored with spices and begins to brown when most of the liquid cooks away, creating a beautifully caramelized exterior. See the recipe for Rendang Ayam »
For nasi goreng, leftover rice is stir-fried with a seasoning paste made from chiles, shrimp paste, and palm sugar, yielding a richly flavored dish that’s ridiculously delicious. A fried egg on top makes it a satisfying meal. Get the recipe for Indonesian Fried Rice (Nasi Goreng) »
Instead of searing the meat before cooking it in liquid, as is done with a Western-style braise, beef rendang reverses the process. Slowly simmering beef chuck with Indonesian spice paste, coconut milk, and lemongrass yields an amazingly tender, rich dish that’s great with both white rice or crusty bread. Get the recipe for Beef Rendang »
Ikan Balado (Padang-Style Grilled Mackerel with Sambal)
Traditionally made by layering unfiltered coffee, foamed egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk, the custardy, caffeine-laced concoction known as kopi telur is a beloved treat in Padang.