Nasi Goreng is an Indonesian dish that simply translates as fried rice. There are some core ingredients that make up the dish but after that, the components can vary greatly.
The rice is flavoured with garlic, onion, chilli, shrimp paste (optional), Kecap Manis and soy sauce. This results in a delicious sweet and spicy dish.
Vegetables such as green beans are sometimes mixed into the flavoured rice, as are proteins such as chicken or prawns. It's also common to serve fried eggs on top, although some versions also include sliced omelette in with the rice.
Traditional sides include tomatoes and cucumbers, whose freshness complements the flavour rich rice. And if you want some more spice, simply serve it with some extra Sambal Oelek.
Serves 3-4
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
200g cooked and cooled jasmine rice
1 large shallot
3 cloves of garlic
2 teaspoons of Sambal Oelek (or fresh chilli to taste)
1-2 tablespoons of Kecap Manis (thick, sweet soy sauce)
1 tablespoon of soy sauce
0.5 teaspoon of shrimp paste (optional)
To serve
1 fried egg per person
Crisp shallots or onions
Fried chicken
Cucumber
Tomatoes
Sambal Oelek
- Peel the shallot and garlic, then finely dice or grate.
- Place in a pestle and mortar and pound into a paste, then add the Sambal Oelek and mix to combine.
- Heat two tablespoons of oil in a wide frying pan over a medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the paste and fry for a couple of minutes, being careful not to let the paste burn.
- Reduce the heat slightly and then add the rice, Sambal Oelek, Kecap Manis and soy sauce.
- Stir to combine and continue to cook until the rice is heated through.
- Serve with your chosen toppings and sides.
