Indonesian Shrimp Cakes with Golden Fried Coconut Rice, Indonesian Green Beans & Fresh Cucumber (includes complimentary surprise dessert)

This Thursday, I’m taking you to Indonesia with a meal inspired by the flavors I remember loving there: fragrant aromatics, toasted coconut, warm spices, savory depth, and the wonderful contrast between something warm and crisp and something cool and refreshing. Indonesian food has always held a special place in our family. Having lived in Indonesia and having Indonesian heritage in my family tree, I’m drawn to the cuisine not only for its incredible flavors, but also for the memories and history that come with it.

At the heart of this meal are Indonesian Shrimp Cakes, made with tiny wild shrimp, garlic, shallots, herbs, and a touch of terasi, a traditional Indonesian seasoning that brings wonderful depth and umami to the dish. The shrimp are incorporated throughout the cakes so that every bite is infused with their delicate flavor. The cakes are gently pan-fried until beautifully golden on the outside while remaining tender and flavorful inside.

Alongside them is Golden Fried Coconut Rice, fragrant jasmine rice cooked with coconut and aromatic spices, then gently fried with garlic, shallots, and turmeric. The rice develops little golden, toasted bits as it cooks, adding texture and warmth, while the subtle richness of coconut balances the savory shrimp cakes.
Indonesian Green Beans bring a fresh vegetable element to the meal. Tender-crisp green beans are tossed with aromatic Indonesian seasonings, allowing their natural sweetness and texture to shine while complementing the richer flavors on the plate.

To finish the meal, fresh cucumber adds a cool, juicy crunch. I love this contrast in Indonesian cooking—the way something so simple and refreshing can balance deeply seasoned foods and make every bite feel bright and inviting.

Together, the meal brings contrasting flavors and textures to the table: savory and fragrant, crisp and tender, warm and cool, rich and refreshing. It is a delicious expression of the balance I love so much about Indonesian cooking.
This meal is gluten-free and dairy-free.

I’m especially happy to share this Indonesian-inspired meal because it reflects both a cuisine I love and a part of my own family history. I hope you enjoy these flavors as much as I have enjoyed bringing them to your table.

I can’t wait to cook this for you!