Cara Masak Sayur Genjer Biar Tidak Pahit, Sederhana Tapi Bikin Nambah Nasi

Cara Masak Sayur Genjer Biar Tidak Pahit, Sederhana Tapi Bikin Nambah Nasi is a easy Indonesian recipe that serves 3. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Nisfi Jazila on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 45 min

Cost: $26.22 total, $8.74 per serving

Ingredients

  • 300 g Genjer (Water Spinach) (cut into 3‑4 cm pieces)
  • 2 tsp Salt (for de‑biting the genjer)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (peeled)
  • 5 cloves Red Onion (peeled)
  • 5 pieces Bird's Eye Chilies (adjust to heat preference, keep seeds if you like it hot)
  • 1 piece Red Large Chili (seeds removed for milder flavor if desired)
  • 2 pieces Small Tomatoes (roughly chopped)
  • 1 tsp Shrimp Paste (Terasi) (fermented shrimp paste, optional if you dislike seafood flavor)
  • 1 tsp Sugar (balances acidity)
  • 0.5 tsp MSG or Stock Powder (optional flavor enhancer)

Instructions

  1. Prepare and De‑bitter the Genjer

    Trim the genjer stems, cut the leaves into 3‑4 cm pieces, then rinse under running water until clean. Transfer to a bowl, sprinkle 2 tsp salt, and massage the leaves for about 3‑4 minutes until water is released. Drain the liquid, rinse the leaves again to remove excess salt, and set aside.

    Time: PT7M

  2. Make the Spice Paste

    In a blender, combine garlic, red onion, bird's eye chilies, red large chili, and the two small tomatoes. Blend until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Sauté the Paste

    Heat the wok over medium‑high heat, add a thin drizzle of oil, then pour in the blended paste. Stir‑fry for 5‑6 minutes until the mixture turns a deep reddish‑brown color and the raw aroma disappears. Add 1 tsp terasi and continue stirring for another minute.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: Medium‑high heat

  4. Combine Genjer and Season

    Add the prepared genjer to the wok, toss quickly to coat with the paste. Sprinkle a pinch of salt, 1 tsp sugar, and, if using, 0.5 tsp MSG or stock powder. Stir‑fry for 4‑5 minutes until the leaves are just wilted but still bright green. If you prefer a slightly saucy texture, splash a tablespoon of water; otherwise keep it dry.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  5. Finish and Serve

    Remove from heat, transfer to a serving plate, and serve immediately with steamed rice.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
120
Protein
2 g
Carbohydrates
8 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Pescatarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Allergens: Shellfish (shrimp paste)

Last updated: March 19, 2026

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Cara Masak Sayur Genjer Biar Tidak Pahit, Sederhana Tapi Bikin Nambah Nasi

Recipe by Nisfi Jazila

A quick and easy Indonesian vegetable stir‑fry that removes the natural bitterness of genjer (water spinach) by salting and squeezing, then tosses it with a fragrant blend of garlic, onion, chilies, tomato, and shrimp paste. Perfect as a side dish to accompany rice.

EasyIndonesianServes 3

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
12m
Prep
13m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
35m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$26.22
Total cost
$8.74
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Salting and massaging the genjer to remove bitterness
  • Cooking the spice paste until fully caramelized and fragrant

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil with care to avoid burns.
  • Wear gloves when chopping or blending hot chilies to prevent skin irritation.
  • Use a sharp knife on a stable cutting board to avoid slips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Sauteed Genjer with Chili and Shrimp Paste in Indonesian cuisine?

A

Genjer is a humble village vegetable in Indonesia, traditionally cooked simply to accompany rice. The technique of salting and squeezing to remove bitterness dates back generations, allowing families to enjoy this nutritious green without the harsh taste.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of genjer dishes in Indonesian cuisine?

A

In Central Java, genjer is often boiled with coconut milk; in East Java, it may be stir‑fried with tempeh; in the Sundanese region, it is served raw as a salad called "lalapan". The sautéed version with shrimp paste is common across Java and Sumatra.

cultural
Q

How is Sauteed Genjer with Chili and Shrimp Paste traditionally served in Indonesia?

A

It is typically served hot as a side dish (lalapan) alongside steamed white rice, sometimes paired with fried fish or tempeh. It can also be part of a larger "nasi campur" (mixed rice) plate.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Sauteed Genjer with Chili and Shrimp Paste associated with in Indonesian culture?

A

Genjer dishes are everyday staples but also appear in modest family gatherings, rural festivals, and during Ramadan for breaking fast because they are quick, nutritious, and budget‑friendly.

cultural
Q

What makes Sauteed Genjer with Chili and Shrimp Paste special or unique in Indonesian cuisine?

A

The combination of a quick bitterness‑removal technique, a richly caramelized shrimp‑paste‑infused spice paste, and the bright, slightly crunchy texture of genjer creates a balance of flavors that is both comforting and distinctive.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Sauteed Genjer with Chili and Shrimp Paste at home?

A

Skipping the salting‑and‑squeezing step leaves the leaves bitter; under‑cooking the spice paste results in a raw, harsh flavor; cooking the genjer on low heat makes it soggy instead of crisp‑tender.

technical
Q

Why does this Sauteed Genjer recipe use a brief high‑heat stir‑fry instead of simmering the vegetables?

A

High‑heat stir‑frying preserves the vivid green color and slight crunch of the stems while allowing the shrimp‑paste‑spice paste to caramelize quickly, which is essential for authentic flavor.

technical
Q

Can I make Sauteed Genjer with Chili and Shrimp Paste ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the genjer and spice paste up to a day in advance. Store the genjer in a sealed container in the refrigerator and keep the paste in a separate jar. Re‑heat briefly in a hot wok before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Nisfi Jazila specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Nisfi Jazila focuses on simple, home‑cooked Indonesian recipes, especially everyday village‑style dishes that use affordable ingredients and practical cooking tricks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Nisfi Jazila's approach to Indonesian cooking differ from other Indonesian cooking channels?

A

Nisfi Jazila emphasizes quick, no‑fuss techniques like the salt‑squeeze method for bitter greens and often shares personal anecdotes about rural cooking, whereas many other channels focus on elaborate presentations or restaurant‑style dishes.

channel

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