Sayur Lodeh (Indonesian Vegetable Coconut Curry) – Creamy, Comforting & Easy to Make
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: Indonesian
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Difficulty: Easy
What Is Sayur Lodeh?
Sayur Lodeh is a traditional Indonesian vegetable stew made with fresh vegetables simmered in a fragrant coconut milk broth. Flavored with garlic, shallots, chilies, lemongrass, and aromatic spices, this comforting dish is rich, creamy, and naturally gluten-free. It's commonly served with steamed rice and pairs beautifully with grilled meats, fried tofu, or tempeh.
Ingredients
For the Curry Paste
4 shallots, roughly chopped
3 garlic cloves
2 red chilies (adjust to taste)
2 candlenuts (or 2 macadamia nuts)
1 teaspoon shrimp paste (optional)
½ teaspoon ground coriander
¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon salt
For the Soup
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
2 bay leaves
1-inch piece galangal (or fresh ginger)
4 cups vegetable broth
1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
Vegetables
1 cup green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 cup cabbage, chopped
1 cup chayote or zucchini, diced
1 cup eggplant, cubed
1 ear corn, cut into 4 pieces
1 cup carrots, sliced
1 cup firm tofu, cubed (optional)
Seasoning
1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Curry Paste
Blend the shallots, garlic, chilies, candlenuts, shrimp paste (if using), coriander, turmeric, and salt into a smooth paste. Add a tablespoon of water if needed.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Cook the spice paste for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
Add the lemongrass, bay leaves, and galangal.
Cook for another minute.
Step 3: Add the Broth
Pour in the vegetable broth.
Bring to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
Add the carrots and corn first.
Cook for 5 minutes.
Add the green beans, chayote (or zucchini), eggplant, cabbage, and tofu.
Simmer for another 8–10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Add Coconut Milk
Reduce the heat to low.
Stir in the coconut milk.
Add the palm sugar and soy sauce.
Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
Do not let the soup boil vigorously after adding the coconut milk to prevent curdling.
Step 6: Taste and Serve
Season with salt and black pepper.
Remove the lemongrass, bay leaves, and galangal before serving.
Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice.
Serving Suggestions
Sayur Lodeh pairs perfectly with:
Steamed jasmine rice
Fried tempeh
Crispy tofu
Grilled chicken
Beef rendang
Sambal
Indonesian crackers (krupuk)
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Note that coconut milk may separate slightly after thawing.
Reheating: Warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling.
Tips for the Best Sayur Lodeh
Use full-fat coconut milk for the richest flavor.
Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Add delicate vegetables like cabbage near the end to keep them tender-crisp.
Fresh lemongrass and galangal provide the most authentic flavor.
Simmer gently after adding coconut milk to maintain a smooth, creamy broth.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 240
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 430mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Sayur Lodeh vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. Skip the shrimp paste or use a vegan alternative, and use vegetable broth.
What vegetables can I substitute?
You can use pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, bok choy, mushrooms, or long beans depending on availability.
Is Sayur Lodeh spicy?
It has a mild heat by default. Add more fresh chilies or sambal if you prefer a spicier dish.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes. The flavors often deepen after a day in the refrigerator, making leftovers especially delicious.
SEO Title
Authentic Sayur Lodeh Recipe – Indonesian Vegetable Coconut Curry
Meta Description
Make authentic Indonesian Sayur Lodeh with fresh vegetables simmered in a rich, creamy coconut milk broth. This easy one-pot recipe is healthy, comforting, and perfect for lunch or dinner.