Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)
Nasi Goreng is an Indonesian Fried Rice loaded with moist chicken and sweet, spicy, and savory flavors youll love. Ready in minutes and cooks in one pan, it's the perfect use for leftover rice and makes an amazing weeknight meal.
Nasi Goreng is an Indonesian Fried Rice loaded with moist chicken and sweet, spicy, and savory flavors youll love. Ready in minutes and cooks in one pan, it's the perfect use for leftover rice and makes an amazing weeknight meal.
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 2 cloves garlic peeled and minced
- 1 small onion peeled and chopped
- fried shallots
- 1 teaspoon sauteed shrimp paste
- 1 teaspoon chili paste (sambal oelek)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2-i
- 3 cups cold cooked rice
- 2 tablespoons kecap manis
- 4 sunny side up eggs
- sliced cucumbers
- Carbohydrate 143.05 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 4.4716 g
- Fiber 5.81399994015694 g
- Protein 12.3315 g
- Saturated Fat 0.51601 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (353g)
- Sodium 158.785143229167 mg
- Sugar 137.236000059843 g
- Trans Fat 0.204849999999999 g
- Calories 678 calories
Step-by-step
- In a bowl, break cold cooked rice with hands to separate grains.
- Heat wok or wide pan over high heat. When the pan is very hot, add oil and swirl around the bottom of the pan. Heat until shimmering.
- Add onions and garlic and cook until softened.
- Add shrimp paste and chili paste, stirring regularly.
- Add chicken and cook, stirring regularly, until it begins to change color.
- Add rice and cook, spreading the rice on the entire cooking surface of the pan, for about 45 seconds or until grains start to sizzle and then toss to redistribute. Repeat a few times until rice is heated through.
- Add kecap manis and toss rice gently until fully coated with sauce and evenly colored.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Transfer to serving plate and top with fried egg, fried shallots, and sliced cucumbers.
- Serve hot.
My Favorite Weeknight Meal: Nasi Goreng
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can sometimes feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the never-ending to-do list, the last thing I want is to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. That's why I've fallen head over heels for Nasi Goreng – Indonesian fried rice. It's a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dish that's become a staple in our household.
The beauty of Nasi Goreng lies in its simplicity and adaptability. It's the perfect way to use up leftover rice, turning a potential waste product into a culinary masterpiece. The vibrant blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors is a delightful dance on the palate. One bite, and you're transported to the bustling street markets of Indonesia, the aroma of sizzling garlic and spices filling the air. And the best part? It all comes together in a single pan, minimizing cleanup time – a huge win for a busy weeknight!
The recipe itself is surprisingly straightforward. You start by breaking up the cold cooked rice – this is key to achieving that perfectly textured fried rice. Then, it's a matter of sautéing aromatics like onions and garlic, adding flavorful additions like shrimp paste and chili paste (adjust the amount depending on your spice preference!), and finally, incorporating the cooked chicken and rice. The kecap manis, a sweet soy sauce, adds that signature Indonesian sweetness and richness that elevates this dish beyond the ordinary fried rice.
What I love most about Nasi Goreng is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different protein options – shrimp, tofu, or even vegetables could easily be substituted for the chicken. Add a fried egg on top for extra richness and protein, or garnish it with fresh herbs for a pop of freshness. The possibilities are endless!
For me, Nasi Goreng is more than just a meal; it's a symbol of convenience and deliciousness. It’s the perfect representation of my ability to balance my demanding life with a commitment to healthy and flavorful home-cooked meals. It's a testament to the fact that even amidst the chaos of daily life, I can still take the time to create something truly special for my family.
This dish isn't just about the ingredients; it's about the process, the aroma that fills the kitchen, and the satisfaction of creating something delicious and comforting. It's the kind of meal that brings everyone together around the table, sharing stories and laughter while enjoying a taste of Indonesia right in our own home. So, whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, I highly recommend giving Nasi Goreng a try. You won't be disappointed!
And the best part? Leftovers are just as good, if not better, the next day! It’s the kind of dish that truly gets better with age (or at least, with a night in the fridge). I often pack it for my lunch the next day, and it's always a delicious and satisfying reminder of that quick and easy weeknight meal that tasted like a culinary adventure. I hope you enjoy this amazing recipe as much as I do!
