Easy & Authentic Indonesian Frikadel Pan: The Ultimate Dutch-Indonesian Meatloaf Recipe
Searching for a truly special dish that bursts with flavor yet remains incredibly simple to prepare? Look no further! This Indonesian Frikadel Pan is a culinary gem, a delightful Dutch-Indonesian oven dish that many affectionately call “Indonesian meatloaf.” It’s designed to be soft and tender on the inside, with a wonderfully crispy, golden-brown top that will tantalize your taste buds. Best of all, it requires just a few basic ingredients, and everything comes together in a single bowl. Mix, bake, and you’re done – it’s that easy!
Whether you’re serving it as a savory snack, alongside a fresh salad, or as the centerpiece of a meal with fluffy white rice and refreshing atjar, this dish is pure comfort food. Its ease of preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights, and its universally appealing flavor ensures it will be loved by everyone at the table. Even if you’re a novice cook, this Frikadel Pan recipe is practically foolproof. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly, proving that delicious and exotic flavors don’t have to break the bank.
Embrace the vibrant tastes of Indonesia with this unique twist on a classic comfort dish. This Frikadel Pan is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and satisfying flavors to any occasion, all with minimal effort. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this unforgettable recipe!
Frikadel Pan – A Journey into Savory Indonesian Meatloaf
My culinary journey into Indonesian cuisine began years ago, in the most charming way possible. When I was a child, we were fortunate to have wonderful Indonesian neighbors whose kitchen was a constant source of irresistible aromas. The tantalizing scents of exotic spices, pungent garlic, and savory fried onions would waft through the air, making my stomach rumble with anticipation every single time. On special occasions, they would extend a warm invitation, and I still cherish the memories of those incredible dinners. It was there that I first tasted the magic of dishes like Balinese spicy eggs, the flavorful nasi goreng, and the rich, complex rendang. From that very first bite, I was completely captivated by Indonesian flavors.
Years later, with those cherished memories still vivid, I embarked on my own adventure, learning to cook these beloved dishes. This Frikadel Pan recipe was one of the very first Indonesian-inspired recipes I attempted, and it instantly brought back those warm, nostalgic feelings of family dinners and shared joy. What makes this recipe so special is its beautiful balance: it’s incredibly simple to make, yet the carefully chosen spices infuse it with that distinctively cozy and authentic Indonesian flavor, without making it overly spicy. The secret to its incredibly soft interior lies in the addition of creamy mashed potatoes, while the oven works its magic, creating that irresistible crispy, golden-brown crust on top.
The versatility of this Frikadel Pan is truly remarkable. You can slice it into small, delightful cubes to serve on a snack board, making it a perfect appetizer for gatherings. For a more substantial meal, pair it with fluffy white rice and a refreshing cucumber salad for a light yet satisfying dinner. I often find myself preparing it for a quick, flavorful lunch, or cutting it into bite-sized pieces for an easy party snack. No matter how you choose to serve it, this Indonesian Frikadel Pan consistently delivers on taste and comfort, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Chef’s Tip: Elevating Flavors with Resting Time
One of my favorite tricks for enhancing the flavor of this Frikadel Pan is to prepare it a few hours in advance, or even the day before, and let it rest in the fridge. This simple step allows the beautiful Indonesian spices and other ingredients to meld together more deeply, creating a richer, more complex flavor profile. When the dish has time to chill, the seasonings have a chance to fully penetrate the meat and mashed potato mixture, resulting in a more cohesive and intensely delicious taste when it’s finally baked. It’s a small effort that yields a significant difference in flavor, making your Frikadel Pan even more irresistible!
Did you try your hand at this delicious Indonesian Frikadel Pan recipe? I absolutely love seeing your culinary creations! Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram and share your beautiful photos with me. I regularly feature the most stunning dishes from my community! And if you truly enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a rating on the recipe card below. Your valuable feedback is incredibly helpful, not just for me, but for fellow home cooks looking for their next favorite meal.
Need more culinary inspiration and cooking tips?
- Explore a variety of engaging video recipes and cooking tutorials on my dedicated YouTube channel. You’ll find step-by-step guides for many of my favorite dishes!
- Don’t forget to save your favorite recipes, including this Frikadel Pan, on Pinterest. This way, they’re always just a click away for your next cooking adventure!
📖 Recipe Card: Easy Indonesian Frikadel Pan
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter, for greasing the baking dish
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 1 teaspoon sambal oelek, adjust to your spice preference
- ¼ cup milk, for dissolving stock cube
- 1 beef stock cube
- 1 ¼ pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon Kecap Manis, sweet Indonesian soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon celery salt
- 2 large eggs, size L, for binding
- ¼ cup milk, lukewarm, for moisture
- 1 pound mashed potatoes, plain, cooled for best results
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 ℉ (175 °C). This ensures even baking and a beautiful golden crust.
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Generously grease an 8 x 8 inch (20 x 20 cm) baking dish with butter. This prevents sticking and adds to the rich flavor.1 tablespoon butter
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Heat the vegetable oil in a medium-sized frying pan over medium heat.1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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Add the finely chopped onion, pressed garlic, and sambal oelek to the hot oil. Sauté for about 2 minutes, until the aromatics are fragrant and slightly softened.1 onion, 4 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon sambal oelek
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In a separate small bowl, gently warm the ¼ cup of milk (you can use a microwave or small saucepan). Stir in the beef stock cube until it completely dissolves, creating a flavorful liquid.¼ cup milk, 1 beef stock cube
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Place the ground beef in a large mixing bowl, preparing for easy assembly.1 ¼ pound ground beef
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To the ground beef, add the ground cloves, ground nutmeg, Kecap Manis, celery salt, two large eggs, the warm milk with dissolved stock, the sautéed onion mix, and the mashed potatoes.1 teaspoon ground cloves, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1 tablespoon Kecap Manis, ½ tablespoon celery salt, 2 eggs, ¼ cup milk, 1 pound mashed potatoes
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Using a sturdy spoon or your clean hands, thoroughly mix all the ingredients until they are well combined and form a cohesive mixture. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meat tough.
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Transfer the Frikadel Pan mixture into the prepared baking dish. Press it down gently and smooth the top evenly with the back of a spoon or spatula.
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Bake for 40-45 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the Frikadel Pan is cooked through and firm to the touch. A thermometer inserted into the center should read 160°F (71°C) for ground beef.
Notes & Expert Tips
- Appetizer Perfection: Cut the cooled Frikadel Pan into small, elegant cubes for a unique and flavorful snack or a sophisticated addition to any appetizer board.
- Fresh Sides: Pair it with a crisp, refreshing cucumber salad with garlic and pepper or a traditional Indonesian atjar (pickled vegetables) to cut through the richness and add a delightful tang.
- Complete Meal: Transform it into a hearty dinner by serving it alongside a generous portion of fluffy white rice or a more elaborate nasi goreng (fried rice) with chicken and bacon.
- Sauce It Up: Elevate the experience by offering a side of homemade satay sauce for dipping, adding another layer of classic Indonesian flavor.
2. Want a Lighter Twist? For those seeking a healthier or lighter option, consider replacing part of the ground beef with minced chicken or turkey. This will still give you a delicious Frikadel Pan with a slightly different texture and lower fat content. You can even experiment with a blend of different ground meats for a unique flavor profile.
3. Frikadel Pan vs. Meatloaf – What’s the Delicious Difference? While often referred to as Indonesian meatloaf, the Frikadel Pan holds its own distinct identity. Traditional Western meatloaf typically relies on breadcrumbs or oats for binder and texture, often resulting in a denser consistency. The Frikadel Pan, however, incorporates creamy mashed potatoes directly into the mixture. This is the key to its signature incredibly soft and moist interior. Furthermore, its flavor profile is unmistakably Indonesian, boasting a fragrant blend of warm spices like ground cloves and nutmeg, a hint of heat from sambal, and the characteristic sweetness and depth from Kecap Manis (sweet soy sauce). These unique ingredients give it a much more complex, aromatic, and comforting taste that sets it apart from any conventional meatloaf. It’s truly a fusion dish, blending Dutch culinary tradition with vibrant Indonesian spices.
4. Storage and Reheating Tips: To ensure your delicious Frikadel Pan stays fresh, allow it to cool completely before storing it:
- Refrigerator: Store leftover Frikadel Pan in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It tastes even better the next day as flavors meld!
- Freezer: For longer storage, slice the Frikadel Pan into individual portions, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply place portions in an oven preheated to 320 °F (160 °C) and bake until thoroughly hot, usually about 15-20 minutes for individual slices, or longer for a whole pan. You can also gently warm it in a microwave, though the oven will help maintain the crispy top.
Nutrition Information
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Explore More Indonesian Delights: 3 Must-Try Recipes
If you loved the flavors of this Indonesian Frikadel Pan, you’re in for a treat! Indonesian cuisine is incredibly diverse and rich, offering a spectrum of tastes and textures. Continue your culinary adventure with these three fantastic Indonesian recipes that are sure to impress and satisfy your cravings for authentic Asian flavors:
- Gado Gado with Peanut Sauce
- Creamy Indonesian Slow Cooker Beef Rendang
- Indonesian Noodle Salad {with shrimp}
Each of these dishes offers a unique glimpse into the diverse and rich culinary landscape of Indonesia, from fresh salads to hearty stews. Expand your cooking repertoire and bring the authentic tastes of Indonesia to your kitchen today!