Oseng Pseng Recipe: A Delicious Indonesian Stir-Fry

Nov 8, 2025 by Admin 52 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving into the flavorful world of Indonesian cuisine with a fantastic dish called Oseng Pseng. This simple yet incredibly tasty stir-fry is a staple in many Indonesian households, and I'm super excited to share my version with you. It’s easy to make, packed with vibrant flavors, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. So, let’s get cooking!

What is Oseng Pseng?

Oseng, in Indonesian, refers to the stir-frying technique, and Pseng is a local term that might refer to specific ingredients or a regional variation. Typically, Oseng Pseng involves stir-frying vegetables, proteins, or a combination of both, with a medley of Indonesian spices. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability; you can tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand or what your taste buds are craving. The key is to maintain a balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors that are characteristic of Indonesian cuisine.

This dish is more than just a recipe; it's a celebration of Indonesian flavors and culinary traditions. Every bite tells a story of the archipelago's rich agricultural heritage and diverse cultural influences. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice cook, Oseng Pseng offers a delightful culinary adventure that will transport you to the bustling streets of Jakarta or the serene rice paddies of Bali. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and let's embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Okay, so why should you try making Oseng Pseng? Let me give you a few compelling reasons:

Quick and Easy: Seriously, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those busy evenings when you don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Versatile: You can use pretty much any veggies and protein you like. Got some leftover tofu? Throw it in! Got some extra green beans? Perfect!
Flavor Bomb: The combination of spices creates an explosion of flavor that will leave you wanting more. It’s savory, spicy, and slightly sweet all at the same time.
Healthy: Packed with veggies and lean protein, this dish is a nutritious and delicious way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals.
Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are usually quite affordable and readily available at most grocery stores.

Key Ingredients for Oseng Pseng

Before we dive into the recipe, let's talk about the key ingredients that make Oseng Pseng so special:

Vegetables: The heart of any Oseng dish! Common choices include long beans, green beans, cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have available.
Protein: Tofu, tempeh, chicken, shrimp, or even beef can be used. Tofu and tempeh are excellent vegetarian options that absorb the flavors beautifully.
Aromatics: Garlic, shallots, and chili peppers are essential for building the flavor base. The more, the merrier, in my opinion!
Spices: This is where the magic happens! Key spices include candlenuts (kemiri), coriander, turmeric, and Indonesian bay leaves (daun salam). These spices create the unique and complex flavor profile that defines Oseng Pseng.
Sweet Soy Sauce (Kecap Manis): This thick, sweet soy sauce is a staple in Indonesian cuisine and adds a touch of sweetness and umami to the dish.
Palm Sugar (Gula Jawa): A little bit of palm sugar balances the flavors and adds a subtle caramel-like sweetness.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Oseng Pseng

Alright, let’s get down to business. Here are some tips and tricks to help you nail this Oseng Pseng recipe:

Prep Your Ingredients: Before you start cooking, make sure all your veggies are washed, chopped, and ready to go. The same goes for your protein. This will make the cooking process much smoother.
Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Stir-frying works best when the pan isn't overcrowded. If you have a lot of ingredients, cook them in batches to ensure they cook evenly and get a nice sear.
High Heat is Key: Stir-frying is all about high heat. Make sure your pan is nice and hot before you add the ingredients. This will help the veggies and protein cook quickly and develop a beautiful char.
Taste as You Go: Don't be afraid to taste the dish as you're cooking and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more chili if you like it spicy, more sweet soy sauce if you like it sweeter, and so on.
Garnish Generously: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley add a pop of freshness and visual appeal to the dish. Don't be shy – garnish generously!

Variations on Oseng Pseng

The beauty of Oseng Pseng lies in its versatility. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Oseng Tahu Tempe: A classic vegetarian version made with tofu and tempeh. This is a great option for a protein-packed and meat-free meal.
Oseng Ayam: Made with chicken, this version is perfect for those who prefer a lighter protein source.
Oseng Udang: Shrimp adds a touch of sweetness and brininess to the dish. This is a great option for seafood lovers.
Oseng Campur: A mixed vegetable version with a variety of veggies like carrots, cabbage, and green beans. This is a great way to use up whatever veggies you have in your fridge.

Serving Suggestions

Oseng Pseng is typically served with steamed rice. The rice soaks up all the delicious sauce and complements the flavors perfectly. You can also serve it with a side of krupuk (Indonesian crackers) for added crunch. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of sambal (Indonesian chili sauce) for an extra kick.

How to Store Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely because it's so delicious!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave until heated through. The flavors actually tend to meld together and become even more delicious the next day!

Oseng Pseng Recipe

Alright, let's get to the recipe! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

1 pound of your choice of vegetables (long beans, green beans, cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts)
8 ounces of your choice of protein (tofu, tempeh, chicken, shrimp)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 shallots, thinly sliced
2-3 red chili peppers, sliced (adjust to your spice preference)
2 candlenuts (kemiri), roasted
1 teaspoon coriander powder
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
2 Indonesian bay leaves (daun salam)
2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
1 tablespoon palm sugar (gula jawa), grated
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Cut the protein into similar-sized pieces. Grind the roasted candlenuts into a smooth paste.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, sliced shallots, and chili peppers. Sauté until fragrant and lightly golden brown.
Add Spices: Add the candlenut paste, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and Indonesian bay leaves to the pan. Stir well to combine and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add Protein: Add the protein of your choice (tofu, tempeh, chicken, or shrimp) to the pan. Stir-fry until the protein is cooked through and lightly browned.
Add Vegetables: Add the chopped vegetables to the pan. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Season and Simmer: Add the sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) and palm sugar (gula jawa) to the pan. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Season to Taste: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings as needed.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve hot with steamed rice and krupuk (Indonesian crackers).

Conclusion

So there you have it – a simple, delicious, and versatile Oseng Pseng recipe that you can easily make at home. Whether you’re a seasoned Indonesian food lover or a curious newbie, I guarantee you’ll enjoy this dish. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and spices to create your own unique version. Happy cooking, and selamat makan (bon appétit)!