By Jessica B. •
7 min read
Nasi goreng, or Indonesian fried rice, is a flavorful dish that’s loved across Southeast Asia. It’s a staple in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and even finds fans in the Netherlands. This dish combines fried rice with a mix of meats, vegetables, and spices, often topped with a fried egg and served with traditional crackers called krupuk.
What makes nasi goreng special is its rich, smoky flavor, achieved by using sweet soy sauce and a blend of local spices. It’s a versatile dish with countless variations, allowing you to add your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re a fan of chicken, shrimp, or just veggies, there’s a nasi goreng recipe for you.
Ingredients & Substitutes
To make a delicious Indonesian Nasi Goreng, you will need the following ingredients. I’ve also included some substitutes for flexibility and convenience.
- Cooked Rice (3 cups): It’s best to use cold, day-old rice. If short on time, cool freshly cooked rice in the fridge.
- Shallots (2, thinly sliced): You can use a small onion if shallots are not available.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic adds great flavor. Garlic powder can work in a pinch.
- Chili (1 small, chopped): Adjust the amount based on your spice preference. For milder taste, use bell peppers.
- Chicken or Shrimp (1 cup, cooked and diced): If you prefer vegetarian, use tofu or add more vegetables.
- Kecap Manis (3 tablespoons): This sweet soy sauce is key. Mix equal parts soy sauce and brown sugar if not available.
- Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon): Regular soy sauce works here. You might want to adjust the quantity based on sodium preference.
- Eggs (2, beaten): These provide a nice texture. Consider omitting for a vegan option.
- Spring Onions (2, chopped): Green onions add freshness. Chives can serve as an alternative.
- Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons): Any neutral oil like canola or sunflower will do.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Season according to preference.
These ingredients create the authentic taste of nasi goreng, allowing some room for individual tastes and what you have on hand.
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients
I start by gathering all my ingredients. I chop the shallots, garlic, and chili finely. If I’m using chicken or shrimp, I cut them into bite-size pieces. I also make sure to have the cold, day-old rice ready for frying. - Cook the Protein
I heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. I add the chicken or shrimp and cook for 5-7 minutes until it’s fully cooked. After that, I remove it from the pan and set it aside. - Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, I add more oil if needed. I then sauté the chopped shallots, garlic, and chili for about 2 minutes until fragrant, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. - Combine the Rice and Sauces
I increase the heat to high. Then I add the cold rice, breaking up any lumps with a spoon. I pour in the kecap manis and soy sauce, mixing everything well for 2-3 minutes until the rice is well-coated and heated through. - Mix in the Protein
I add the cooked chicken or shrimp back into the pan, stirring to mix with the rice and to ensure everything is evenly heated. - Add the Vegetables
At this point, I add any vegetables I want to include, like peas or carrots. I allow them to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they’re tender yet crisp. - Finish with a Fried Egg
In a separate pan, I fry an egg sunny-side-up. I like to place this on top of the nasi goreng just before serving for extra flavor and presentation. - Serve
I serve the nasi goreng hot, garnished with sliced cucumber, tomato, and traditional krupuk for a complete meal experience.
FAQ
What Is Nasi Goreng?
Nasi goreng is Indonesian fried rice. It is famous for its smoky taste and sweet soy sauce flavor. People often add meat, vegetables, and a fried egg on top.
What Ingredients Can I Use?
The main ingredients are cold, day-old rice, sweet soy sauce, and regular soy sauce. You will also need shallots, garlic, chili, and chicken or shrimp. For a vegetarian version, use tofu instead of meat. You can substitute shallots with a small onion if needed.
How Do I Get That Smoky Flavor?
To get the smoky flavor, cook the rice on high heat. Using day-old rice also helps because it is drier and absorbs flavors better.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Yes, you can adjust the spice level. If you like it mild, use less chili. If you like it spicy, add more chili or even some chili paste.
How Do I Serve Nasi Goreng?
Serve nasi goreng with a fried egg on top. Add garnishes like cucumber slices, tomato, and traditional crackers called krupuk. This makes the meal complete and gives it a nice presentation.
Can I Make It Gluten-Free?
To make nasi goreng gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and check that your sweet soy sauce is also gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How Long Does It Take to Prepare?
Cooking nasi goreng usually takes about 30 minutes. This includes preparing and cooking the ingredients until they are perfectly blended.
By understanding these aspects, you can easily make and enjoy nasi goreng, creating a delicious meal every time.
Authentic Indonesian Nasi Goreng Recipe: A Flavorful Fried Rice Delight
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cold, day-old rice
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
- 1 chicken breast, diced or 200g shrimp, peeled
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red chili, sliced
- 3 tablespoons kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon shrimp paste (optional)
- 1 egg
- 1 cucumber, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tomato, sliced (for garnish)
- Krupuk (traditional crackers, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare IngredientsFirst, gather all ingredients. Ensure the rice is cold and day-old for the best texture.
- Cook ProteinHeat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chicken or shrimp. Cook for about 5 minutes until cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté AromaticsIn the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Sauté the shallots, garlic, and chili until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Mix Rice and SaucesAdd the cold rice to the pan. Stir well to combine with the aromatics. Pour in the kecap manis, soy sauce, and shrimp paste. Mix everything thoroughly.
- Combine ProteinReturn the cooked chicken or shrimp to the pan. Stir well until everything is heated through and evenly mixed.
- Cook EggIn a separate small pan, fry the egg sunny-side-up. Cook until the edges are crispy and the yolk is still runny.
- Assemble and ServePlate the nasi goreng, placing the fried egg on top. Garnish with sliced cucumber and tomato. Serve with krupuk on the side for an authentic touch. Enjoy your meal!
Nutrition
Exploring Indonesian nasi goreng offers a delicious dive into a world of vibrant flavors and cultural richness. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious beginner, this dish is a fantastic way to experiment with bold tastes and textures. The beauty of nasi goreng lies in its adaptability, allowing you to tailor it to your taste and dietary needs. I’m excited to hear about your experiences and any creative twists you bring to this classic dish. Feel free to share your thoughts, questions, or variations in the comments below. Happy cooking!
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