🇮🇩 Indonesia · Food
Iga Bakar
By eatmundo · August 4, 2026
Succulent, grilled beef ribs marinated in a rich, traditional Indonesian spice blend. They are tender enough to fall off the bone and feature a smoky, caramelized exterior.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Blend the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, turmeric, and coriander seeds into a smooth spice paste.
- 2
Place the beef ribs in a large pot and add water until the ribs are fully submerged.
- 3
Add the spice paste to the pot and boil over medium heat until the water reduces significantly and the ribs are tender, about 45 minutes.
- 4
Remove the ribs from the pot, keeping the remaining reduced sauce for basting later.
- 5
Prepare your grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat.
- 6
Brush the ribs generously with the reduced spice sauce.
- 7
Grill the ribs for 3-5 minutes on each side until charred and caramelized, basting frequently with the sauce to keep them moist.
- 8
Serve hot with steamed rice and a side of chili sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Iga Bakar?+
Iga Bakar is an Indonesian dish consisting of grilled beef ribs marinated in a spice paste of garlic, shallots, candlenut, turmeric, and coriander. It is typically served as a main course for lunch or dinner, often accompanied by steamed rice and sambal.
Can I use pork ribs?+
Yes, although it's not the traditional Indonesian method, the spice rub works beautifully on pork.
What if I can't find candlenuts?+
Macadamia nuts are the closest substitute for the creamy texture candlenuts provide.
How do I know they are tender?+
The meat should begin to pull away from the rib bone easily when pierced with a fork.
Can I bake them?+
Yes, roast them in a 200°C oven for 15-20 minutes after boiling, brushing with sauce every 5 minutes.
