Bali Vegetarian Food Recipes for Delicious Healthy Meals

Updated On: September 30, 2025

Bali, the enchanting Indonesian island, is not only famous for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture but also for its rich and diverse culinary heritage. Among its many culinary treasures, Bali offers an abundance of delicious vegetarian dishes that are both wholesome and flavorful.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to explore plant-based options with exotic flavors, Balinese vegetarian recipes provide a unique blend of fresh ingredients, aromatic spices, and traditional cooking techniques.

From vibrant vegetable stir-fries and coconut-infused curries to refreshing salads and hearty rice dishes, Bali’s vegetarian cuisine is a celebration of nature’s bounty. This blog post will guide you through some of the most beloved Balinese vegetarian recipes, complete with easy-to-follow instructions and tips to bring the authentic taste of Bali right into your kitchen.

Ready to embark on this culinary journey? Let’s dive into the vibrant world of Bali vegetarian food recipes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Balinese vegetarian recipes are a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal without compromising on taste. The unique combination of fresh local vegetables, aromatic herbs, and traditional spices creates dishes that are both satisfying and nourishing.

These recipes are perfect for anyone seeking vibrant, plant-based meals that are easy to prepare.

You’ll love how these dishes balance the rich coconut creaminess with zesty lime, fiery chilies, and fragrant lemongrass. Plus, many Balinese vegetarian meals are naturally gluten-free and packed with nutrients, making them an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, these recipes bring a touch of Bali’s magic to your dining table. Plus, they pair wonderfully with other vegetarian delights like Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or a comforting Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity Notes
Fresh young coconut milk 400 ml (1 can) Preferably unsweetened
Tempeh 200 grams Cut into cubes
Tofu 200 grams Firm, cubed
Shallots 4 medium Thinly sliced
Garlic cloves 3 cloves Minced
Galangal 1 inch piece Crushed
Lemongrass stalk 1 stalk Bruised to release flavor
Kaffir lime leaves 3 leaves Fresh or dried
Turmeric powder 1 tsp Fresh turmeric can be used
Candlenuts 3 nuts Ground or blended
Bird’s eye chilies 2-3 Adjust to taste
Carrot 1 medium Sliced thinly
Green beans 100 grams Cut into 2-inch pieces
Baby corn 100 grams Fresh or canned
Sweet potato 150 grams Cut into cubes
Cooking oil 3 tbsp Preferably coconut or vegetable oil
Salt To taste
Palm sugar or brown sugar 1 tsp Optional, balances flavors
Tamarind paste 1 tsp For subtle sourness

Equipment

  • Large wok or deep frying pan
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Blender or mortar and pestle (for spice paste)
  • Measuring spoons
  • Wooden spatula or spoon
  • Mixing bowls
  • Serving dishes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the spice paste: In a blender or using a mortar and pestle, combine shallots, garlic, bird’s eye chilies, candlenuts, galangal, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt. Blend or pound until you get a smooth paste.
  2. Heat the oil: Place your wok or deep frying pan over medium heat. Add the cooking oil and let it warm up.
  3. Sauté the spice paste: Add the prepared spice paste to the hot oil and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and slightly golden.
  4. Add lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves: Toss in the bruised lemongrass stalk and kaffir lime leaves. Stir to combine and infuse the oil with their aroma.
  5. Incorporate vegetables: Add the carrot, green beans, baby corn, and sweet potato cubes to the pan. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spice paste.
  6. Add tempeh and tofu: Gently fold in the cubed tempeh and tofu. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors.
  7. Pour in coconut milk: Slowly add the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
  8. Season the dish: Add salt, palm sugar, and tamarind paste to taste. Stir well and adjust seasoning according to your preference.
  9. Finish and serve: Remove the lemongrass stalk and lime leaves before serving. Serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite grain.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra layer of flavor, try grilling the tempeh before adding it to the curry. It adds a delightful smoky texture that complements the creamy coconut sauce perfectly.”

If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the number of bird’s eye chilies or add a dash of chili powder. For a milder version, remove the seeds from the chilies before blending.

You can customize this recipe with whatever vegetables you have on hand. Try adding eggplant, snap peas, or bell peppers to keep it fresh and seasonal.

For a protein boost, add cooked chickpeas or edamame.

To make this dish vegan-friendly and soy-free, substitute tofu and tempeh with hearty mushrooms or jackfruit. If you’re interested in other slow cooker meal ideas, check out these Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for inspiration.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per serving (1 cup) % Daily Value*
Calories 280 kcal 14%
Protein 14 g 28%
Fat 18 g 28%
Carbohydrates 20 g 7%
Fiber 6 g 24%
Sugar 6 g
Sodium 350 mg 15%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy, aromatic Balinese vegetarian curry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a wholesome meal. You can also serve it with warm flatbreads or coconut rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.

For a refreshing contrast, accompany the curry with a crisp cucumber salad or a simple green salad tossed with lime and chili dressing. To round out your meal, consider pairing it with other Asian-inspired dishes like the Vegetarian Middle Eastern Recipes for Easy, Flavorful Meals, which offer complementary flavors and textures.

Conclusion

Exploring Balinese vegetarian food recipes is a joyful way to experience the island’s rich culinary traditions while enjoying healthy and vibrant dishes. These recipes showcase how simple, fresh ingredients combined with aromatic spices can create unforgettable meals that nourish both body and soul.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a special feast, Balinese vegetarian dishes offer versatility, nutrition, and incredible flavor. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables and spice levels to make the recipes your own.

And if you’re looking to expand your plant-based recipe repertoire, be sure to visit our collection of Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or try the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for delightful accompaniments.

Happy cooking and selamat makan (enjoy your meal)!

📖 Recipe Card: Bali Vegetarian Nasi Campur

Description: A vibrant and flavorful vegetarian take on the classic Balinese mixed rice dish, featuring an assortment of vegetables, tempeh, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT50M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • 200g tempeh, sliced
  • 1 cup green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup shredded young coconut
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 1 small cucumber, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small shallot, minced
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat coconut oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and shallot, sauté until fragrant.
  3. Add tempeh slices and cook until golden brown.
  4. Add turmeric powder and soy sauce, stir well.
  5. Steam green beans and carrots until tender.
  6. Mix shredded coconut with a pinch of salt.
  7. Serve jasmine rice topped with tempeh, vegetables, and coconut mixture.
  8. Garnish with fresh cucumber slices.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 45 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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