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Sambal Goreng Kentang (Spicy Potato Side)

Crisp potato cubes in a rich red chili-coconut sauce — the side dish that anchors every festive Indonesian spread.

⏱ 20 minPrep time
🔥 30 minCook time
🍽 6Servings
🏷 Indonesian KitchenCategory
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Sambal Goreng Kentang (spicy potato side) with crispy anchovies

Sambal goreng kentang is the potato dish that shows up on every festive Indonesian table, from Eid feasts to wedding banquets. Crisp potato cubes are tossed in a rich, red chili-coconut sauce, often with crispy anchovies folded through for a salty pop. It is the side dish people build their plates around, and the one everyone reaches for first. It is the kind of dish that holds up on a buffet, staying crisp even after an hour on the table.

Crunchy potatoes in a glossy, sweet-spicy sauce

The potatoes stay firm and golden inside their coat of sambal, which is thick, sweet, and gently fiery, with lemongrass and bay leaves lending depth. The fried anchovies add a savory, salty crunch that keeps you reaching back for more. It is wonderful warm, and nearly as good at room temperature, which makes it ideal for feeding a crowd. You can swap the potatoes for boiled eggs or tofu to change things up.

Craving more? Explore all Indonesian Kitchen recipes.

New to these flavors? Our Beginner’s Guide to Asian Sauces & Seasonings explains every pantry staple used here.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Soak the potato cubes in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
  2. Fry the potatoes in batches in hot oil until golden and crisp, about 6 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
  3. Blend the chilies, shallots, and garlic into a paste.
  4. Cook the paste with the galangal, bay leaves, and lemongrass in a little oil until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  5. Add the coconut milk, salt, and palm sugar, and simmer until the sauce thickens and the oil surfaces, about 8 minutes.
  6. Fold in the potatoes and anchovies, coat well, and serve warm or at room temperature.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 10 minutes, then dry them well — it makes them fry up crisper. Cook the sambal until the oil surfaces so the sauce thickens properly.

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Recipe details

Prep20 min
Cook30 min
Servings6
CategoryIndonesian Kitchen
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →