Authentic Indonesian Lotek Recipe for a Healthy, Delicious Meal

Ingredients

2 medium carrots
2 medium cucumbers
200g of cabbage
200g of bean sprouts
100g of long beans
2 blocks of tofu, fried
2 medium potatoes, boiled
3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
5 red chili peppers
3 cloves of garlic
100g of palm sugar
1 teaspoon of salt
150g of peanuts, roasted
2 tablespoons of tamarind paste
2 tablespoons of sweet soy sauce
100ml of water
2 limes, for garnish
2 handfuls of krupuk (Indonesian crackers), for serving

Steps and instructions

Cut the carrots, cucumbers, cabbage, and long beans into thin slices. Set aside.
Fry the tofu until golden brown. Once cooled, cut into small cubes.
Cut the boiled potatoes into cubes.
In a blender, combine red chili peppers, garlic, palm sugar, salt, and roasted peanuts. Blend into a smooth paste.
Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste and stir well.
Add tamarind paste, sweet soy sauce, and water to the saucepan. Stir well and simmer until the sauce has thickened.
In a large bowl, combine the cut vegetables, tofu, and potato cubes.
Pour the sauce over the vegetables. Mix well until all ingredients are coated with the sauce.
Plate the Lotek and garnish with lime slices.
Serve with krupuk on the side.

Tools for making

Knife - For cutting the vegetables and tofu into desired shapes and sizes.
Blender - To blend the spice paste into a smooth consistency.
Saucepan - Used to cook the spice paste and simmer the sauce.
Large bowl - To mix the vegetables, tofu, and sauce together.
Spatula - To stir the sauce and ensure even cooking.
Boiling pot - For boiling the potatoes.
Frying pan - To fry the tofu until golden brown.
Cutting board - Provides a surface for chopping and slicing the vegetables.
Measuring spoons - To accurately measure the tamarind paste, salt, and sweet soy sauce.

Recipe variations

Add boiled eggs to the Lotek for extra protein.
Replace tofu with tempeh for a different texture and flavor.
Include blanched green beans or snow peas for added crunch.
Add shredded chicken or shrimp for a meaty variation.
Sprinkle fried shallots on top for added crunch and flavor.
Replace palm sugar with brown sugar or honey for a different sweetness.
Include chopped fresh herbs such as cilantro or mint for added freshness.
Add sliced tomatoes or bell peppers for a more colorful presentation.
Use almond or peanut butter instead of roasted peanuts for a smoother sauce.
Replace regular cabbage with Chinese cabbage or kale for a different taste.

Recipe overview

Lotek, a traditional Indonesian salad, is a delightful mix of vibrant, crunchy vegetables, fried tofu, and boiled potatoes, all tossed in a spicy, savoury peanut sauce. This dish is known for its balance of flavors and textures, with a hint of sweetness from the palm sugar, acidity from the lime, and crunch from the krupuk served on the side. Lotek is not only a healthy option but also a flavourful journey that offers a taste of Indonesia's rich culinary heritage. This recipe guides you through the steps of preparing Lotek at home, ensuring you get an authentic experience of this classic Indonesian dish. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Common questions

Can I make Lotek without peanuts? No, peanuts are a key ingredient in Lotek and provide a unique flavor and crunch. However, if you have allergies or dietary restrictions, you can try substituting peanuts with other nuts or seeds that you can safely consume.
Can I use different vegetables? Yes, you can customize the vegetables used in Lotek based on your preference or availability. However, the traditional recipe includes carrots, cucumbers, cabbage, bean sprouts, and long beans. Feel free to experiment and add your favorite vegetables to make it your own.
Can I use canned tamarind paste? Yes, you can use canned tamarind paste as a convenient alternative. If using canned paste, make sure to adjust the quantity according to the instructions on the packaging, as the concentration may vary.
Can I make Lotek in advance? Yes, you can make Lotek in advance. However, it is recommended to prepare the sauce separately and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, mix the sauce with the vegetables and garnish. This will help maintain the texture and freshness of the vegetables.
Can I adjust the level of spiciness? Absolutely! If you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the number of red chili peppers used in the recipe. Similarly, if you enjoy extra heat, you can add more chili peppers or even add some chili flakes or hot sauce to amp up the spiciness.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large bowl - for mixing the vegetables and sauce together
Saucepan - for cooking the spice paste and sauce
Blender - to blend the spice paste ingredients into a smooth consistency
Knife - for cutting the vegetables, tofu, and potatoes
Frying pan - for frying the tofu
Spatula - for stirring and mixing the sauce
Plates - for serving the Lotek
Serving spoons - for scooping and serving the Lotek
Lime squeezer - for extracting juice from the limes
Small bowls - for serving the krupuk

Origin stories

Lotek originates from the vibrant archipelago of Indonesia, particularly the island of Java. This delectable dish presents a scrumptious tableau of the nation's diverse agriculture and its people's ingenious culinary artistry. The name "Lotek" is said to be derived from the word "lot" in the Javanese language, which translates to "smash" or "crush". This is a nod to the traditional method of preparing the dish, which involves grinding together various herbs and spices to create the distinctive, flavorful sauce. In essence, every bite of a Lotek salad is a delightful journey through Indonesia's rich cultural heritage, echoing the harmonious blending of its myriad influences and traditions.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.