A Guide to Cooking Balinese Dishes Anywhere In The World

Craving a taste of Bali? Learn how to make authentic Balinese dishes at home, from fiery curries to refreshing salads. With this guide, you’ll bring the flavors of paradise to your kitchen.

Why Cook Balinese Food?

Let’s be honest, sometimes takeout gets old. Sure, there’s a certain charm to pad thai or a steaming bowl of ramen, but Balinese cuisine offers something entirely different. It’s a vibrant explosion of flavors, a unique blend of sweet, salty, sour, spicy, and even a hint of bitterness.

It’s not just the taste, though. Cooking Balinese dishes is a journey. It’s a chance to connect with a different culture, to learn about their ingredients and techniques. Plus, mastering a new dish is a guaranteed confidence booster!

The Essentials: Ingredients You Can Find (Almost) Anywhere

The beauty of Balinese cuisine lies in its simplicity. Most dishes rely on readily available ingredients, with a few regional specialties thrown in for good measure. Let’s break down the essentials:

• Aromatics: Shallots, garlic, ginger, and lemongrass form the base of most Balinese sauces. These guys are flavor powerhouses, releasing their magic when sautéed until fragrant. You’ll find them in most grocery stores.
• Chilies: The spice level in Bali varies, but you’ll likely encounter chilies of some kind. Fresh chilies like bird’s eye chilies or jalapeños are a good starting point. Spice fiends can always crank it up with a few red chili flakes.
• Fresh Herbs: Don’t underestimate the power of fresh herbs like kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass. They add a burst of freshness and a unique citrusy aroma. Most supermarkets have these in the produce section these days.
• Coconut Milk: This creamy liquid is a staple in Balinese cooking, adding richness and depth to curries and soups. Canned coconut milk is readily available and works perfectly. 
• Sweeteners: Palm sugar is the preferred choice in Bali, but brown sugar or honey are good substitutes. These help balance the spice and acidity of other ingredients.
  
  

Specialty Ingredients: A Little Hunting Never Hurt Anyone

While most ingredients are easy to find, some Balinese specialties might require a bit more effort. Don’t worry, though! A quick trip to an Asian grocery store or online retailer can usually satisfy your needs.

• Shrimp Paste (Terasi): This pungent paste is a flavor bomb. It adds a deep, umami kick to sauces, but a little goes a long way! 
• Kaffir Lime Leaves: These aromatic leaves are a must for many Balinese dishes. They add a unique citrusy flavor and a beautiful visual touch. 
• Candlenuts: These macadamia nut look-alikes add a slightly bitter flavor to sauces. Crushed peanuts can be a decent substitute in a pinch. 

Ready to Take the Plunge? Let’s Talk Dishes!

Now that you have your culinary arsenal prepped, we can start exploring specific Balinese dishes you can make at home!

Read also: Questions to Ask Before Booking a Cooking Class in Bali 2024

Nasi Goreng Bali: The Balinese Fried Rice

Nasi Goreng Bali is a vibrant and flavorful fried rice dish that’s packed with bold flavors. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s easy to customize to your liking.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon shrimp paste
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans)
• 1 tablespoon kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sambal oelek (chili paste)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil: Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and garlic and sauté until fragrant.
2. Add the rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet and break it up with a spatula. Fry the rice until it’s heated through and slightly crispy.
3. Make the egg: Create a well in the center of the rice and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs until they’re cooked through.
4. Combine the flavors: Add the mixed vegetables, kecap manis, soy sauce, sambal oelek, salt, and pepper to the rice. Stir to combine until everything is well coated.
5. Serve: Serve the Nasi Goreng Bali hot with a side of acar (pickled vegetables) and a fried egg.

Pepes Ikan: Fish Parcels with Aromatic Flavors

Pepes Ikan is a steamed fish dish wrapped in banana leaves, infused with rich and flavorful spices. It’s a healthy and delicious option that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 pieces of white fish fillets (like tilapia or cod)
• 1 shallot, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon shrimp paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon coconut milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Banana leaves

Instructions:

1. Prepare the fish: Combine the shallot, garlic, shrimp paste, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, coconut milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
2. Marinate the fish: Place the fish fillets in a shallow dish and marinate with the spice mixture. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Wrap the fish: Place a fish fillet in the center of a banana leaf. Add a spoonful of the marinade and wrap the fish tightly in the banana leaf.
4. Steam the fish: Steam the wrapped fish for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.
5. Serve: Serve the Pepes Ikan hot with steamed rice and a side of sambal.

Want to Dive Deeper?

If you’re truly passionate about Balinese cuisine and want to learn more, consider taking a cooking class. Taman Dukuh offers immersive cooking experiences in Ubud, Bali, where you can learn to make these dishes and many more authentic Balinese flavors.

Conclusion – Cooking Balinese Dishes Anywhere In The World

So, are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure to Bali, without leaving your kitchen? By following these tips and recipes, you can bring the vibrant flavors of Bali right to your table.

Remember, the key to authentic Balinese cuisine is to embrace the balance of flavors – sweet, savory, sour, spicy, and bitter. Experiment with different ingredients, and don’t be afraid to tweak the recipes to suit your taste.

By cooking Balinese dishes, you’re not just satisfying your taste buds; you’re also connecting with a rich and vibrant culture. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let your culinary journey begin.