Nasi Goreng, meaning "fried rice" in Indonesian, is a flavorful and beloved dish that has a special place in Indonesian cuisine. It's versatile and can be customized with various ingredients to suit different tastes. Here's a simple recipe for making this delicious Indonesian fried rice, along with serving suggestions, tips, variations, and nutritional information.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably leftover rice)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 100 grams chicken, diced (optional)
- 100 grams shrimp, peeled and deveined (optional)
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as peas, bell peppers, and green beans)
- 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sambal or chili sauce (optional for serving)
- Sliced cucumber and tomato (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until fragrant and onion becomes translucent.
- If using chicken or shrimp, add them to the skillet and cook until they are cooked through.
- Push the ingredients to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the empty space. Scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked.
- Add diced carrots and mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry for a few minutes until they are slightly softened.
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up clumps with a spatula.
- Pour sweet soy sauce and soy sauce over the rice. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is heated and slightly crispy.
- Remove from heat and transfer the Nasi Goreng to serving plates.
- Serve hot with sliced cucumber, tomato, and sambal or chili sauce on the side.
Tips:
- For best results, use day-old rice, which has a firmer texture and doesn't become mushy when fried.
- You can customize Nasi Goreng with additional ingredients such as diced tofu, sliced sausage, or even leftover cooked meats.
- Adjust the sweet and soy sauce sauce amount according to your preferences.
- To make it spicier, add more chili sauce or sprinkle chopped fresh chili peppers before serving.
Variations:
- Nasi Goreng Kambing: Substitute chicken or shrimp with diced goat meat for a rich and flavorful twist.
- Nasi Goreng Seafood: Use a combination of shrimp, squid, and fish fillets for a seafood lover's delight.
- Nasi Goreng Vegetarian: Omit the meat and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, and baby corn for a wholesome vegetarian version.
Nutritional Information:
- The nutritional content of Nasi Goreng can vary depending on the ingredients used and portion size. On average, a serving of Nasi Goreng (about 1 cup) contains approximately 300-400 calories.
- The dish is a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and protein sources.
