Authentic Kerupuk Gendar from Java — traditional Indonesian snack with step-by-step cooking instructions

Kerupuk Gendar: Spiced Rice Cracker

★★★★☆4.4
|Editor's rating

Kerupuk gendar is a traditional Javanese cracker made from leftover rice mixed with spices and seasonings, then shaped, dried, and deep-fried. The crackers have a savoury, spicy flavour and a satisfyingly crunchy texture. It is a popular snack often served alongside pecel or other Javanese dishes.

🗺️ Origin: Java⏱ Time: 1440 mins👥 Servings: 200 g dried📊 Difficulty: Medium
📋 Recipe
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Tested by NusantaraEats Kitchen·Last updated: 29 June 2026

📑 In This Guide

🛒 Ingredients👨‍🍳 Instructions📜 History & Origin🔥 Cooking Mastery🗺️ Regional Variations🥗 Nutrition FAQ

💡 Did You Know?

This authentic recipe has been passed down through generations, preserving the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine.

🛒 Ingredients

  • 500 g rice sisa
  • 3 garlic
  • 2 cm aromatic ginger
  • 1 cm turmeric
  • 1 tsp coriander
  • Salt to taste
  • cooking oil

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Blend garlic, aromatic ginger, turmeric, coriander, and salt
  2. Mix ground spice paste with rice sisa
  3. Tumbuk rice until soft and well combined with bumbu
  4. Flatten dough until thin on top of bamboo tray
  5. sun dry on bawah sinar matahari until dry
  6. Fry in oil hot until crispy

💡 Tips

The rice must be sun-dried until completely dry so the crackers are crispy and have good shelf life.

📜History & Origin

The Story Behind This Dish

Kerupuk Gendar is a traditional Javanese way of using leftover rice so that nothing goes to waste.

🔥Cooking Mastery

Technique

Pounding rice with spices, flattening, sun-drying, then frying until crispy.

🗺️Regional Variations

Regional Differences

In some regions, Kerupuk Gendar is made spicier or has anchovies added for extra savory flavor.

🥗Nutrition & Dietary Info

Nutritional Profile

Carbohydrates from rice. Contains spices with health benefits. Low in raw fat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kerupuk Gendar: Spiced Rice Cracker?

Kerupuk gendar is a traditional Javanese cracker made from leftover rice mixed with spices and seasonings, then shaped, dried, and deep-fried. The crackers have a savoury, spicy flavour and a satisfyingly crunchy texture. It is a popular snack often served alongside pecel or other Javanese dishes.

Where does Kerupuk Gendar: Spiced Rice Cracker come from?

Kerupuk Gendar: Spiced Rice Cracker originates from Java. It is a beloved traditional dish that has been passed down through generations of Indonesian cooks.

Can I find Kerupuk Gendar: Spiced Rice Cracker outside Indonesia?

Kerupuk Gendar: Spiced Rice Cracker can be found at Indonesian restaurants and Asian grocery stores in many countries. However, the authentic taste is best experienced in Indonesia. You can also make it at home using the recipe above — many ingredients can be substituted with readily available alternatives.

Why does Kerupuk Gendar: Spiced Rice Cracker take so long to cook?

The extended cooking time of 1440 minutes is essential for allowing the spices to fully penetrate the meat and the sauce to reduce to a rich, concentrated consistency. Patience is the secret ingredient — rushing will compromise the authentic taste.

Is Kerupuk Gendar: Spiced Rice Cracker difficult to make?

Kerupuk Gendar: Spiced Rice Cracker requires moderate cooking skills. While the steps are clear, some techniques need practice.

How do I store leftover Kerupuk Gendar: Spiced Rice Cracker?

Store leftover Kerupuk Gendar: Spiced Rice Cracker in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the spices continue to meld.

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Recipe researched by the NusantaraEats Editorial Team

This recipe has been carefully researched, tested, and documented to preserve authentic Indonesian culinary traditions. Sources include traditional cookbooks, regional culinary experts, and cultural heritage references from Indonesia.

📚 Traditional Indonesian Cookbooks🏛️ Cultural Heritage References👨‍🍳 Regional Culinary Experts
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