After you try this, it is likely that Nasi Goreng will become your go to fried rice. Sweet, yet salty with a unique caramelisation from the signature ingredient. This is my favourite way to have fried rice!
My partner Lisa and I were lucky enough to make it to Bali this year, just before Covid 19 took hold across the world. We met up with Lisa’s parents, her brother and her brothers partner and their parents. The most ordered dish on the trip would have to be Nasi Goreng.
Traditionally, Nasi Goreng is a simple dish that has evolved over time. It can be served as a side or as a main with added sides. I personally like it with thinly sliced chicken with a variety of sides and that will be the version I share today!
Unique elements to the dish
The most essential aspect of Nasi Goreng would have to be the use of Kecap Manis (sweet soy sauce). This thick sauce is both sweet and salty and gives the fried rice that brown tinge. It is available in Australia in major supermarkets and Asian supermarkets as well. It’s quite cheap and once you’ve tried this dish, you will likely use the whole bottle quite quickly!
In Indonesia, this dish will often be prepared with dried shrimp but for ease of preparation you can use shrimp paste. However, shrimp paste is also optional. You can sub it for some fish sauce, or if you prefer you can even use some extra kecap manis. Either way, it will be very tasty!
The importance of sides!
What I really love about this dish is the little sides that you can have with this. For me, a crispy fried egg is a must. If you haven’t had a proper crispy fried egg, then you’re in for a treat! I just love the contrast of the crispy edges and the soft runny yolk that mixes in with the rice. Fresh tomato and cucumber help up the veggie component of this dish and give some nice colour. Prawn crackers are always a good option. Always!
As I like a little more spice, I love to serve this with some sambal. Sambal is a Indonesian chilli sauce/paste that contains a variety of chillies along with other ingredients such as garlic, lime juice, ginger and shrimp paste. It has a great kick from the chilli and a lovely flavour that often has more depth that some chilli/hot sauces. In saying that, you can also use siracha (or even Frank’s hot sauce) and it will still be tasty.
I haven’t added a wedge of lime as a must have ingredient but I do highly recommend it. It gives the individual the option to enjoy it as it is or to add a little more zing if they prefer that zesty flavour.
Check out the video below!
What to serve with this
I’ve outlined some great sides to this dish but you may also want to serve this with something else! I think that it goes great with Indonesian chicken satay. Or, you could add it to an Asian inspired banquet with my very own Honey Pepper Beef.
Nasi Goreng
After you try this, it is likely that Nasi Goreng will become your go to fried rice. Sweet, yet salty with a unique caramelisation from the signature ingredient. This is my favourite way to have fried rice!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1 chicken breast- 200-300 grams, finely sliced into ½ cm stripes
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced
- ½ small white onion, diced
- 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons of kecap manis (see notes)
- 3 cups of cooked white rice (see notes)
- ½ cup of spring onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of shrimp paste (optional- see notes)
- SIDES
- 4 eggs, fried (optional but recommended to make it a full meal)- see notes
- 1 small lemon, cut into wedges to serve- (optional but recommended)
- 1 tomato, cut into wedges (optional side)
- 1 cucumber, sliced (optional side)
- Prawn crackers (optional side)
- Sambal or other hot sauce (siracha, chilli garlic or even frank’s) (optional side for those that like it hot!)
Instructions
1.Add oil to a frying pan/wok on high heat
2.Add chicken breast and cook for 3 minutes, or until mostly white
3.Add onion and cook for another minute
4.Add garlic, red chili and spring onion and cook for a further minute
5.Add kecap manis and shrimp paste or substitute and stir to combine
6.Add the rice and stir until rice is covered with the sauce
7.Serve immediately. Top with a crispy fried egg and other sides if desired
Notes
1. Kecap Manis is an Indonesian sweet soy sauce that is readily available through Australian supermarkets. As this is a thick sweet sauce, any other type of soy sauce will not be suitable. However, if you cannot find it you can actually make your own at home! If you wish to make your own, you will need to combine equal parts normal soy sauce (or light) and brown sugar in a saucepan. Cook until it simmers and then reduce till it thickens. The consistency should be similar to honey. ½ cup of each is a good place to start and will yield you with a little extra!
2. Rice- It is important that you don’t use rice that has just been cooked. If it has just been cooked and not put in the fridge it will be too wet and will not stir fry/take on the ingredients properly. It is best to use day old rice that has been left in the fridge or if you’re in a rush, you can cook some rice and place into the freezer for 2 hours.
3. Shrimp paste- Shrimp paste gives the dish further depth of flavour but is optional. It is still super tasty without. Substitute with either 1 tablespoon of fish sauce or 1 tablespoon of Kecap Manis extra
4. Crispy fried eggs- Fried eggs are normally served over the top of the rice. To make a crispy fried egg, you will need to heat a frying pan or wok over high heat. Add ½ of vegetable to the pan/wok and wait until the oil is super hot. (a couple of minutes normally). Crack your egg and place it in the pan/wok. Tilt the pan slightly towards you (taking care) and spoon some of the oil over the egg. Continue this until they are cooked (about 40-50 seconds) and then place over the top of the rice
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 563Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 244mgSodium: 1586mgCarbohydrates: 61gFiber: 3gSugar: 13gProtein: 31g
Although A Taste Of Abroad aims to provide accurate nutrition information, the figures are created by an online calculator and should be used as an estimate only.
[…] In Indonesia, Nasi Goreng is a popular dish for breakfast for the locals but is eaten by tourists commonly for lunch or dinner. It can be found as street food, served at restaurants as a main or served as part of a collection of dishes. Try our own recipe here! […]