• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to footer navigation
  • Skip to header navigation
  • Skip to privacy navigation
  • Skip to recipes navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About
  • My Cookbooks
  • Work With Me
  • Shop
  • Contact

The Flavor Bender

Master the Science of Delicious

  • Recipe Index
    • All Recipes
    • Desserts
      • Cakes & Cupcakes
      • Candy & Bite Sizes
      • Chocolate
      • Cookies, Brownies & Bars
      • Frozen Desserts
      • Fruit Desserts
      • Puddings & Custards
      • Dessert drinks
      • No Bake
      • Pastries & Breads
      • Sweet Syrups & Spreads
      • Tarts & Pies
      • Cheesecakes
      • Healthy sweets
    • Breakfasts
      • Tarts, Quiches, & Pies
      • Waffles, Pancakes & Crepes
      • Quick Breads, Scones & Muffins
      • Breakfast Sandwiches
      • Pastries & Breads
      • Eggs
      • Breakfast & Brunch Drinks
      • Make Ahead Breakfasts
      • Healthy Breakfasts
      • Coffee and Tea drinks
      • Breakfast Smoothies & Juices
      • Breakfast Sides
      • Casseroles
    • Courses
      • Main Meals
        • Bread, Sandwiches & Burgers
        • Curries
        • Salads
        • Roasts & BBQ
        • Soups & Stews
        • Casseroles
      • Lunch
      • Beverages
      • Appetizers & Tapas
      • Sides
      • Dips & Condiments
      • Tea Time & Snacks
      • Desserts
      • Meal Prep
      • Cocktails
    • Cuisines
      • American
      • European
      • Australasian
      • Sri Lankan
      • East Asian
      • Mexican
      • Middle Eastern
      • South Asian
    • Sri Lankan
      • Main Meals
      • Drinks
    • Skill Level
      • Easy
        • Easy Desserts
        • Easy Cooking
        • Easy Breads
        • Easy Breakfasts
        • Easy Dinners
      • Intermediate
        • Intermediate Desserts
        • Intermediate Cooking
        • Intermediate Breads
        • Intermediate Breakfasts
        • Intermediate Dinners
      • Advanced
        • Advanced Desserts
        • Advanced Cooking
  • New? Start Here
  • Measurement Conversions
  • How-To Posts
The Flavor Bender Recipes Courses Main Meals Curries Indonesian Beef Meatballs

Indonesian Beef Meatballs

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
119shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Disclaimer: The Flavor Bender is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. There are links on this site that can be defined as “affiliate links”. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (at no cost to you) that will help support this website.

Author: Dini K.
Posted: 8/25/2016
Updated: 11/20/2017

The contents of this post are intended for those who are 21 years or older.

Easy Indonesian Beef Meatballs with classic sweet, spicy and umami Nasi Goreng flavors, served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce. These little spicy beef meatballs are packed with so much flavor and are a great appetizer for any party or gathering. Pair it with a rich, sweet Cabernet Sauvignon like JaM Cabernet and you have the ingredients for a great time with friends and family! 

(PIN IT FOR LATER)

Easy Indonesian Beef Meatballs with classic sweet, spicy and umami Nasi Goreng flavors, served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce. #TheFlavorBender

Easy Indonesian Beef Meatballs with classic sweet, spicy and umami Nasi Goreng flavors, served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce. #TheFlavorBender

Everybody loves a good get together. Good friends with good food is a recipe for good times. But not many like to play host. I love entertaining too, but not the work that goes into it. That’s why I LOVE a great make ahead recipe that’s easy and you can get most of the work done a day (or two) ahead, with very little prep work on the day itself.

Summer is on the wane for those of us in the Northern hemisphere and that could mean any of several things to you – thank god the kids are back in school, one last hurrah before summer bids adieu for another year, stubborn refusal to accept summer is over, shorter days and more pleasant weather that’s just around the corner, and labor day for a no-labor celebration.

Easy Indonesian Beef Meatballs with classic sweet, spicy and umami Nasi Goreng flavors, served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce. #TheFlavorBender

If any one of more of these apply to you, I’ve got one kick ass recipe for you today! It’s an AMAZING tapas recipe with a flavor-packed Asian twist that can be made ahead of time for a fun get together or a weekend filled with BBQs, cocktails, wine, good food and good company.

Easy Indonesian Beef Meatballs with classic sweet, spicy and umami Nasi Goreng flavors, served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce. #TheFlavorBender

These Indonesian Beef Meatballs with Nasi Goreng flavors, and served with an incredible sweet and spicy dipping sauce, are the perfect flavorful party appetizer! Nasi goreng is the Indonesian version of Chinese fried rice, but with an explosion of flavor that’s headlined by spicy, sweet, salty and some incomparable umami flavors from the ketjap manis (Indonesian soy sauce), sambal oelek (a spicy Asian chili sauce), cayenne pepper, fish sauce etc. These are all ingredients that you can easily find at your local Asian grocery store. There’s so much flavor here that Nasi goreng was once the runner-up for the readers’ choice in an online poll by CNN for the ‘World’s 50 best foods’!

Easy Indonesian Beef Meatballs with classic sweet, spicy and umami Nasi Goreng flavors, served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce. #TheFlavorBender

The other great thing about these Indonesian beef meatballs is that they are so versatile. They can be pan fried, oven baked, or even grilled, so they’re great for any BBQ that you have planned for the tail end of summer. Plus get this, they can even be served cold too! So you can cook them a day ahead and keep the in the fridge overnight, and then serve at your get together or party the following day. The flavors will still be the same. It’s a recipe that’s fun, easy and honestly there’s no way to go wrong with it. So whatever you have planned for the labor-day weekend or your next summer get-together, these will keep your guests happy. 🙂

Easy Indonesian Beef Meatballs with classic sweet, spicy and umami Nasi Goreng flavors, served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce. #TheFlavorBender

I wanted a wine that pairs brilliantly with the spicy, sweet flavors of these Nasi Goreng Beef Meatballs and JaM Cabernet from JaM cellars was the perfect choice! It’s a rich, bold wine that’s 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a sweet, rich mouthfeel with very pronounced berry and cherry flavors and goes really with each bite of these spicy beef meatballs.

Seriously this JaM Cabernet is just such an all-round awesome wine. And their motto – we take our wines seriously; we just don’t take ourselves seriously! – is one that resonates with myself too! 🙂

Easy Indonesian Beef Meatballs with classic sweet, spicy and umami Nasi Goreng flavors, served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce. #TheFlavorBender

So go ahead and have a stress-free time with your friends and family at your next summer get-together with this Indonesian beef meatballs recipe that can be made ahead.

A casual cocktail and tapas-style party is my favorite way to entertain. So some great wine-pairings are a must, like the JaM Cab from JaM Cellars. Plus since they make everyday California wines Butter Chardonnay, JaM Cabernet and Toast Sparkling you can easily serve Red wine AND White wine.

Use some simple, disposable (biodegradable) plates, so there’s less clean up to worry about afterwards.

And most importantly, some great finger foods like these nasi goreng beef meatballs that everyone will love, that’ll also taste great even when cold!

If you want more ideas for party appetizers check out these Sri Lankan Fish cutlets (spicy fish croquettes that are great hot or at room temperature), these delicious Chicken and Ginger Potstickers (that also taste great at room temp), Asian style tacos, Spicy Thai Chicken kebabs, or these Cilantro Chicken wings with Green curry dip!

Then for dessert, go for no-bake desserts! 🙂 You can’t go wrong with that. You don’t have to turn on the oven, and you can store it in the fridge till needed. My favorite is this Sri Lankan Chocolate Biscuit Pudding (no-bake chocolate cookie cake), or this delicious Layered Butterscotch Panacotta, or even Fruity or Easy Creamy popsicles!

Easy Indonesian Beef Meatballs with classic sweet, spicy and umami Nasi Goreng flavors, served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce. #TheFlavorBender

 

Looking for more recipes?Sign up for my free recipe newsletter to get new recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing more inspiration on Pinterest and Instagram.

5 from 1 vote

Indonesian Beef Meatballs

Author: Dini K.
Servings: 25 - 27 meatballs
Print Rate

Ingredients:

Beef Meatballs

  • 1 lb / 500g ground beef with at least 15% fat
  • 2 tbsp sambal oelek Indonesian hot chili sauce
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper less if you want it less spicy
  • 1 tsp garlic powder or 3-4 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 4 oz / 115g white onion chopped finely
  • 1 tbsp ketjap manis Indonesian soy sauce
  • 2 tsp fish sauce
  • ¼ tsp turmeric
  • Generous pinch of nutmeg
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tbsp palm sugar or 1 tbsp packed dark brown/light brown sugar
  • ½ cup gluten free breadcrumbs you can use regular breadcrumbs too
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • ¼ tsp salt

Dipping Sauce

  • 10 oz yellow onion finely chopped (about 2 onions)
  • 2 tbsp sambal oelek
  • 1 tbsp chili flakes/crushed red pepper
  • ¼ tsp minced ginger
  • 1 tbsp palm sugar or 1 tbsp packed dark brown/light brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp ketjap manis
  • ½ tsp fish sauce
  • Water to thin out

Instructions:

Beef Meatballs

  • Place finely chopped onions on a clean serviette or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much of the moisture from it. Then add the onions to a big bowl.
  • Add all the ingredients of the spice mix, the breadcrumbs and beef and mix to combine.
  • Using a 2 inch cookie scooper, scoop out the meatball mix and roll it into balls.
  • Let the meatballs rest for at least 1 hour, up to 12 hours in the fridge (covered).
  • Pan frying - heat a couple of tbsp of oil in a non-stick pan. Place a few meatballs in the pan (must be cooked in batches) and cook for 5 - 6 minutes, turning them every few minutes for even browning.
  • Oven - preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place the meatballs about 1 - 1 ½ inches apart and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 - 30 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.
  • Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes and serve warm or at room temperature.
  • These can be stored in the fridge, but leave them out at room temperature before you serve them.

Dipping Sauce

  • Heat a non stick pan with 2 - 3 tbsp oil. Heat over medium heat. Place the onions in the pan and cook on medium heat for 30 minutes while stirring until the onions reduce and caramelize. Add the sambal oelek, chili flakes/crushed red pepper, sugar and ginger and cook for about 2 minutes.
  • Add the soy sauce, ketjap manis and fish sauce, and mix well and let it come to a simmer. The sweet and spicy dipping sauce should be thick in consistency.
  • Add extra water to thin it out if needed. Serve the dipping sauce warm.

“This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.”

Did you make this?Tag me on Instagram!I love seeing what you’ve made! Tag me on Instagram at @TheFlavorBender or leave me a comment & rating below.

 

So do yourself a favor and get a bottle of JaM Cabernet for your labor day weekend party! 🙂 Head over to JaM Cellars on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and share your wine-spiration with the hashtag #JaMCellars @JaMCellars!

If you liked this Indonesian Beef Meatballs (Nasi Goreng Beef Meatballs) recipe, don’t forget to subscribe for new (and free) recipes by entering your email address on the side bar (and get all these recipes delivered straight to your inbox), so you don’t miss out on a thing. You can find me on FACEBOOK, TWITTER,INSTAGRAM,  PINTEREST, YOU TUBE and GOOGLE-PLUS too.

signature

 

 

 

 

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

I’ll be sharing my recipe over at –

FoodieFriDIY    |    Friday Favorites    |    Fiesta Fridays    |    Saucy Saturdays

119shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Pin

More Recipes You'll Love...

  • Curried Beef Roti - Now you can make snack sized Beef Stuffed Godhamba roti, a popular Sri Lankan snack, right at home. Spiced ground beef, wrapped in a thin soft roti and the perfect appetizer or party snack!
    Curried Beef Roti (Sri Lankan Beef Roti)
  • Delicious Beef Cannelloni - Creamy, herby, cheesy ricotta filling stuffed in pasta shells and baked in a hearty beef bolognese and topped with delicious Parmesan! The perfect family meal and easily freezable! #PickedAtPeak #ad. SAVE to repin recipe. CLICK to get the recipe! #TheFlavorBender
    Delicious Beef Cannelloni
  • Big Boys' Beef Burger
    Big Boys' Beef Burger - Beef, Beer, Bacon & More!

Reader Interactions

Leave a Review Cancel reply

I love hearing from you! Submit your question or recipe review here.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Made this? Rate this recipe:




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Nieq says

    September 25, 2016 at 06:28

    This meatballs looks great… even as an Indonesian, I am amazed with this recipe..

    Reply
  2. cakespy says

    September 1, 2016 at 06:43

    I spent a few months in indonesia, so whenever I see “Indonesia” I instantly perk up.These meatballs look amazing!

    Reply
  3. Shashi at RunninSrilankan says

    August 31, 2016 at 09:13

    With all those spices, Dini, these meatballs will even liven up a boring office meeting! Definitely, a recipe for good times! And the fact that they are even good cold – why, how many balls can boast that eh?! Fantastic recipe – thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply
  4. Frugal Hausfrau says

    August 28, 2016 at 10:02

    Dini, these look soooo good! And thanks for linking us up to that CNN list – such fun to read.

    Mollie

    Reply
  5. Julianna says

    August 27, 2016 at 13:32

    Beautiful! I am a huge fan of Indonesian cuisine, so these will soon be seen on my table! Thanks!

    Reply
  6. Christine | Mid-Life Croissant says

    August 27, 2016 at 05:55

    Of course the wine looks delicious. I also want to dive head first into that sauce! Is that weird?

    Reply
  7. Michelle @ Giraffes Can Bake says

    August 25, 2016 at 14:53

    These look soooooo yummy! My guests qould be lucky to get any, especially if I’m making them ahead – I’d just be serving an empty platter!

    Loving the labels wine too, so much fun! Is it weird that I’m drawn to wine by their bottles? I bought one the other day just because it had a fox on the label haha!

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Hey there!

Hi! I’m Dini, a third culture kid by upbringing and a food-geek by nature. I was born in Sri Lanka, grew up in New Zealand and lived in Australia, and then the US, before moving to Canada in 2019! My food is a reflection of those amazing experiences!

Read More
Secret Layer Cakes Cookbook
The flavor bender
cookbook
Buy now on Amazon!

Recipe Basics

Learn how to make Perfect Choux Pastry (Or Pate a Choux!) - The only recipe guide you will ever need to make choux pastry, with perfect results every time. Plus a troubleshooting guide for your choux pastry recipe.  Fool proof choux pastry to make profiteroles, eclairs, cream puffs and more.  #ChouxPastry #Profiteroles #Eclairs #Pastry #CreamPuffs

How to make Perfect Choux Pastry

Classic Chocolate Eclairs - A foolproof recipe for making perfect eclairs that are crisp and puffy and filled with chocolate or vanilla pastry cream. 

Perfect Classic Chocolate Eclairs (Foolproof Recipe)

How to make Marshmallows - Learn the art of making fluffy, soft homemade marshmallows with or without corn syrup! With tips and information to make the perfect Marshmallows in many flavors. 

How to make Marshmallows (tips and tricks for homemade marshmallows)

How to make the best Homemade White Bread that is soft and delicious. An easy to follow recipe for perfect homemade bread with step by step instructions.

The Best Homemade Bread (White Bread Recipe)

Homemade French Croissants (step by step recipe)

Classic Pound Cake - A complete guide on how to make perfect, delicious and moist Pound Cake even if you're a baking novice! Tips + Tricks and Troubleshooting guide. 

Classic Pound Cake (Tips for a Perfect, Moist Pound Cake)

Chocolate
Cakes
Bread
Sri Lankan
Breakfast
Drinks
Candy
Pastries
All Recipes
Featured On
taste of the World
Free recipe ebook

Get my curated collection of the Top 10 Flavor Bender recipes!

  • 10 delicious chocolate recipes
  • Creative ways to use chocolate
  • Desserts and savory recipes
Download now!

Reader Faves

How to make Instant Pot Short Ribs - This easy recipe makes delicious, tender and succulent short ribs with classic flavors!

How to make the Best Instant Pot Short Ribs

Buttery Lemon Slow Roasted Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce - Perfectly cooked, juicy slow roasted Salmon with a buttery tangy sauce! Delicious and versatile for any meal and occasion. 

Slow Roasted Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce

Unbelievably easy Rough Puff pastry - Quick and easy to make and tasted infinitely better than store bought (30 -45 minutes only)! No long waiting times, to make this amazing pastry and NOONE will know you took a shortcut!

Perfect Quick and Easy Rough Puff Pastry

Spicy Sweet Chilli Sauce Easy to make, absolutely delicious, with an extra kick of spice this is the BEST Sweet chilli sauce you will EVER have!

The Best Spicy Sweet Chili Sauce!

The flavor bender

I love baking, and I love cooking. I experiment with flavors, textures and ingredients, and I love passing on all my tips and tricks to you!

Read More
  • About
    • Meet Dini
    • My Book
    • Work With Me
    • Contact
  • Browse
    • Recipes
    • Measurement Guide
    • Baking How-To’s
    • Shop My Faves
© The Flavor Bender
  • Privacy
  • Disclosure
  • Terms
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled

Join the flavor bender tribe!

Join my FREE recipe challenge to receive new recipes and dinner ideas straight to your inbox!