Famed for rich flavors, fragrant spices, and varied toppings, nasi goreng-or Indonesian fried rice-is a staple dinner throughout Indonesia and South-east Asia. Nasi goreng is a great option whether your goal is to enjoy Indonesian cuisine at home or a quick lunch. This meal can be served in less than thirty minutes and makes great use of leftovers as it calls for day-old rice. This is how to prepare step-by–step recipe guide for making this yummy dish, plus some ideas with real flavors and changes that fit your pallet.
Ingredients
- Three cups day-old preferably cold cooked rice
- Two tablespoons either coconut or vegetable oil
- Two minced cloves of garlic
- One finely sliced tiny shallot
- One to two red chilies, diced (adjust for taste of spiciness).
- 1–2 tablespoons kecap manis, sweet soy sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- One tsp real but optional shrimp paste
- One teaspoon of ground coriander
- Taste pepper and salt at will.
- Topings and Add-Ons
- One to two fried eggs; typical sunny-side up
- For garnish sliced cucumbers and tomatoes.
- Fried shallots for more crunch
- Protein choices: steak (leftovers work great), grilled chicken, shrimp.
Methodical directions
step 1: prepare the aromatic basis.
First, heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium. Then, add the minced garlic, chopped shallat, and chilies when the oil is hot. Sauté until fragrant and mellow, about two to three minutes. Thus, Nasi Goreng acquires much depth and warmth in terms of its aromatic base.
Step 2: Add Shrimp Paste and Spices
Add shrimp paste to the pan for an authentic flavor. While not necessary, this ingredient provides a distinct, umami flavour and is thus highly recommended. Stirring in shrimp paste until it dissolves also lets out the aroma. Add ground coriander and stir everything together for roughly thirty seconds.
Step 3: Add the Rice
Add the old rice to the pan, stirring constantly over medium-high heat. For Nasi Goreng, cold, leftover rice works best as it retains the texture and shape of fried cooking. Use a spatula to break up any clumps of rice so that each grain is separated.
Step 4: Season the Rice
Pour over the regular soy sauce and sweet soy (kecap manis) in an even layer. Sweet soy lends a flavor in the dish that’s almost caramelized to that point. Stir well, so that sauces and spices are spread well throughout grains. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Add Protein (Optional)
Now it’s time to add the protein you’re going to use-beef, chicken, or shrimp-to the pan. Stir-fry the protein with the rice just to warm through. Nasi goreng could easily be vegetarian, or served with many meats, so change it to suit your tastes.
Step 6: Fry an Egg for Topping
A fried egg, sunny-side up, commonly garnishes the top of the Nasi Goreng. Fry one or two eggs until the whites are set and the yolks runny in a second pan. The egg makes the dish more visually appealing as well as richer.
Step 7: Plate and Garnish
Move the rice to a platter and top with the fried egg. On the side, garnish with tomato and cucumber slices; top with fried shallots for more crunch. Fresh and fried toppings used together balance the tastes and textures of the meal.
Advice for the Perfect Nasi Goreng
Use Day-Old Rice: Fresh rice, stir-cooked becomes mushy. Day-old rice—that has been chilled in the refrigerator—is firm, ideal for frying.
Change the Spice Level: Whether you like more or less of the chilies will be determined by your tolerance for spice. You can also add sambal, a paste made from Indonesian chilies, to make it spicier.
Try kecap manis, the sweet soy sauce that’s unique to Indonesian cooking. If you can’t find it, you can actually substitute with a combination of regular soy sauce and a wee bit of brown sugar or honey.
Choose your Protein: Take the choice to put shrimp, chicken, beef or even tofu in nasi Goreng since it is rather flexible.
Variations
- Seafood Nasi Goreng: For another change of pace, try using prawns or a combination of seafood.
- Omit prawn paste and add tofu or tempeh for protein in Vegetarian Nasi Goreng.
- For an spicier version, mix a spoonful of sambal or extra chili paste into the dish.
Serving Suggestion
Serve Nasi Goreng hot, garnished with fresh tomatoes and cucumbers and served with prawn crackers (kerupuk). To cut the bold, meaty flavors, the dish pairs well with fresh lime juice or a side salad.
This traditional Indonesian fried rice would be a great, savory way to enjoy a dinner that has a sense of Indonesia at home. Simple ingredients and fast cooking will find you reaching for Nasi Goreng as a filling and quick-to-make meal that accentuates strong tastes on your plate.