Balinese Recipes Vegan: Delicious Plant-Based Dishes to Try

Balinese cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, aromatic spices, and fresh ingredients that tantalize the senses. For those embracing a vegan lifestyle, exploring Balinese recipes offers an exciting culinary adventure filled with plant-based delights.

Balinese vegan recipes highlight the rich use of tropical vegetables, fragrant herbs, and traditional spices, creating dishes that are both wholesome and bursting with authentic Indonesian flair.

Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or simply looking to expand your recipe repertoire, Balinese vegan dishes are perfect for anyone seeking vibrant, nourishing meals free from animal products. From the savory sayur urap (vegetable salad with coconut dressing) to the comforting gado-gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce), these recipes are sure to bring the essence of Bali right to your kitchen.

In this post, we’ll explore three delicious Balinese vegan recipes that are easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and will transport your taste buds to the Indonesian islands.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Balinese vegan recipes are a celebration of fresh, natural ingredients combined with bold spices. The balance of sweet, spicy, and savory makes these dishes deeply satisfying without relying on meat or dairy.

They are naturally gluten-free and packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

These recipes are perfect for meal prepping or impressing guests with something unique and exotic. Plus, many Balinese dishes emphasize communal dining and sharing, making them excellent for social gatherings or family dinners.

Whether you’re craving something light or more substantial, these vegan recipes offer versatility and authenticity that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Ingredients

• Young green jackfruit – 400g (for the Balinese jackfruit curry)
• Fresh coconut milk – 400ml
• Turmeric powder – 1 tsp
• Lemongrass stalk – 1, bruised
• Kaffir lime leaves – 3 leaves
• Galangal – 2 slices
• Shallots – 3, thinly sliced
• Garlic cloves – 3, minced
• Fresh red chili – 1, sliced (optional for heat)
• Long beans – 100g, cut into 3-inch pieces
• Carrots – 2 medium, julienned
• Grated fresh coconut – 100g (for urap dressing)
• Tamarind paste – 1 tsp
• Brown sugar – 1 tbsp
• Peanut butter – 3 tbsp (for gado-gado sauce)
• Tofu – 250g firm, cubed and fried
• Cabbage – 150g shredded
• Bean sprouts – 100g
• Fresh coriander – handful, chopped
• Salt – to taste
• Vegetable oil – 2 tbsp

Equipment

• Large saucepan or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board
• Grater (for fresh coconut)
• Blender or food processor (for peanut sauce)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Serving plates or bowls

Instructions

1. Prepare the jackfruit curry: Drain and rinse the young green jackfruit. In a large saucepan, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the shallots, garlic, and sliced chili, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
2. Add turmeric powder, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal slices. Stir for 2 minutes to release the spices’ aroma.
3. Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the jackfruit pieces, long beans, and carrots. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the curry has thickened slightly.
4. Season with salt and a teaspoon of tamarind paste for a subtle tang. Adjust seasoning to taste before removing from heat.
5. Make the urap (vegetable salad with coconut): Blanch the shredded cabbage and bean sprouts in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then drain and set aside.
6. Grate the fresh coconut finely. In a dry pan, lightly toast the grated coconut until golden and fragrant.
7. Mix the toasted coconut with a pinch of salt, brown sugar, and a little water to create a moist coconut dressing. Toss the blanched vegetables with this coconut dressing thoroughly.
8. Prepare the gado-gado peanut sauce: In a blender, combine peanut butter, 1 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp water, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth, adding more water if necessary to achieve a pourable consistency.
9. Fry the tofu: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the cubed tofu until golden brown on all sides. Drain on paper towels.
10. Assemble the gado-gado: On a serving plate, arrange the fried tofu, blanched vegetables, and fresh coriander. Drizzle generously with the peanut sauce and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For an extra kick, add fresh bird’s eye chili to the curry or peanut sauce.

If you can’t find fresh young jackfruit, canned jackfruit in water works well as a substitute.

Try adding tempeh for more protein variety in your gado-gado.

For a gluten-free option, ensure your tamarind paste and peanut butter are free from additives containing gluten.

Experiment with different vegetables such as spinach, kale, or eggplant to give the dishes your personal touch. The coconut dressing for urap can be spiced up with a little grated ginger or lime zest for added freshness.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and per 100g serving sizes where applicable.

Serving Suggestions

These Balinese vegan dishes are best served warm and fresh. The jackfruit curry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice for an authentic experience.

The urap salad makes an excellent side dish or light lunch option.

Gado-gado is often enjoyed as a street food in Bali and pairs wonderfully with some crispy fried crackers (krupuk) or fresh lime wedges for added zest.

For a complete Balinese-inspired meal, consider starting with a refreshing drink like Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe or rounding off with a vegan dessert like Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe.

Conclusion

Exploring Balinese vegan recipes is a fantastic way to enjoy the rich cultural heritage and vibrant flavors of Bali without compromising your plant-based lifestyle. These recipes showcase the perfect harmony of spices, fresh vegetables, and traditional cooking techniques that bring out the best in each ingredient.

Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or looking to impress friends with exotic flavors, these Balinese dishes are accessible, delicious, and nourishing. By incorporating fresh ingredients like young jackfruit, coconut milk, and aromatic spices, you can create meals that are both satisfying and wholesome.

Don’t forget to try other vegan recipes on our site for more inspiration, such as the Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipe or our delightful Lavender Frappe Recipe. Happy cooking and selamat makan!

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