Nasi Goreng

Nasi Goreng, or Indonesian Fried Rice, is a beloved and versatile dish enjoyed across Indonesia and around the world. With its bold flavors, customizable ingredients, and ease of preparation, it has become a go-to meal for many. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook, making nasi goreng is a delightful experience that brings the authentic taste of Indonesia right into your kitchen.

What is Nasi Goreng?

Nasi goreng literally means "fried rice" in Indonesian. It’s typically made using cold, leftover rice, stir-fried with a medley of spices, proteins, and vegetables. The key to nasi goreng’s distinctive flavor lies in its spice paste, which often includes shrimp paste (terasi), chilies, garlic, and shallots. This, combined with sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) and other seasonings, makes for a savory and slightly sweet dish that's hard to resist.

Ingredients You'll Need:

For the Rice:

• 500g cold cooked white rice (leftover rice works best)

For the Protein:

• 1 cooked chicken thigh or breast, thinly sliced

• 150g skinless shrimp

For the Spice Paste:

• 1 tsp shrimp paste (terasi), grilled

• 3 large red chilies

• 3 curly red chilies

• 2 cloves garlic

• 6 shallots

For Flavoring:

• 2 tbsp sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp granulated sugar

• 1 spring onion, thinly sliced

• 3 tbsp cooking oil

For Serving:

• Fried eggs (optional)

• Shrimp crackers (krupuk)

• Fried shallots

How to Make Nasi Goreng

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Paste

Combine the shrimp paste, chilies, garlic, and shallots in a food processor or blender. Blend everything until you get a smooth paste. This will be the flavorful base of your nasi goreng.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Heat cooking oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté for a few minutes until fragrant, releasing its rich aroma. Add the sliced chicken and shrimp, stirring frequently until they are cooked through.

Next, add the cold rice to the pan. Break up any clumps of rice with your spatula, ensuring that the rice is evenly mixed with the spice paste and proteins. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the rice is heated through.

Step 3: Season

Pour in the sweet soy sauce, salt, and sugar. Stir everything together to ensure the rice absorbs all the flavors. Add the sliced spring onion and give it one last toss before turning off the heat.

Step 4: Serve

Transfer the nasi goreng onto serving plates. For an added touch, top each serving with a fried egg, sprinkle fried shallots on top, and serve with shrimp crackers on the side.

Pro Tips:

• Use Cold Rice: Cold rice is crucial to prevent it from becoming mushy. Leftover rice from the previous day works best.

• Customize the Heat: Adjust the number of chilies depending on your spice preference. If you want a milder flavor, reduce the chilies or remove the seeds.

• Add More Veggies: You can include vegetables like carrots, peas, or corn for added texture and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

Nasi goreng is more than just a dish—it’s a symbol of Indonesia’s rich culinary heritage. The blend of spices, soy sauce, and the perfect stir-fried rice make it a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Try this easy recipe at home and transport your taste buds to the heart of Indonesia with every bite.