Nasi Goreng is a traditional Indonesian dish that has become an internet sensation.It is a must-try for anyone who loves bold, rich flavors and enjoys exploring new cuisines.
It is not merely a dish but a plate of steaming hot, fragrant fried rice, stir-fried to perfection with a combination of spices, herbs, and vegetables. The rice is then topped with a fried egg, crispy shallots, and served with a side of sambal or chili paste.
With each mouthful of Nasi Goreng, you’ll experience an explosion of flavors – the sweetness of the rice, the savory taste of the spices, the crunchiness of the vegetables, and the creaminess of the egg yolk. The aroma of the dish alone is enough to make your taste buds dance with excitement.
Although it has complex and versatile flavors, the preparation however is very easy, especially for us Indians as most of the ingredients are readily available in India and its preparation is very similar to that of fried rice.
Here’s a simple recipe for Nasi Goreng that you can try at home:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of cooked rice (preferably leftover rice)
- 1 chicken breast, diced (or your preferred protein)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red chili, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup of mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp of vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp of sweet soy sauce
- 1 tbsp of soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crispy fried shallots (optional)
- Sambal (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat a wok or a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil, garlic, and onion, and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add the diced chicken breast and stir-fry until cooked through. If using other meats, make sure to cook them through before adding other ingredients.
- Add the mixed vegetables and chopped red chili (if using), and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Push the ingredients to the side of the wok or pan and add the beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs until they are cooked.
- Add the cooked rice and stir-fry until everything is well combined.
- Add the sweet soy sauce, soy sauce, salt, and pepper, and stir-fry for another minute or two.
- Serve the Nasi Goreng hot, topped with crispy fried shallots and sambal if desired.
Not only is Nasi Goreng delicious, but it’s also a comfort food that brings back memories of warm nights and good times with friends and family. The dish is versatile, too – you can customize it to your liking by adding your favorite meats or seafood, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
So, what are you waiting for? Treat yourself to a plate of Nasi Goreng and experience the explosion of flavors that will keep you craving for more.