Nasi Goreng: Indonesian Fried Rice Full of Flavor
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Category: Quick & Flavorful Meals (< 60 Minutes)
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (5.0 from 13 reviews)
Calories Per Serving: 442.1 kcal
Welcome to Love With Recipes! Today, we’re diving into the vibrant flavors of Nasi Goreng, Indonesia’s most beloved rice dish. Brimming with bold spices, colorful vegetables, and savory proteins, this recipe combines shrimp and chicken with aromatic basmati rice for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is memorable. While it requires a bit of prep, the payoff is undeniably worth every minute. Customize it by swapping shrimp for chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bacon | 4 slices |
| Red onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Celery, diced | 1/2 cup |
| Green onion, sliced | 1/2 cup |
| Carrots, julienned or diced | 4 medium |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 cloves |
| Mushrooms, sliced | 1 cup |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Fish sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Ketchup | 2 tablespoons |
| Brown sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| White pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Curry powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Sambal oelek (chili paste) | 1 teaspoon |
| Basmati rice, cooked and cooled | 2 cups |
| Eggs, beaten | 2 large |
| Green onions, for garnish | 4 sprigs, sliced |
| Fresh cilantro, chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Shrimp, peeled and deveined | 1 pound |
| Boneless skinless chicken breast, diced | 1 breast |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 442.1 kcal |
| Fat | 9.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 337.4 mg |
| Sodium | 2495.1 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 51 g |
| Fiber | 4.5 g |
| Sugar | 7.1 g |
| Protein | 37.1 g |
Instructions
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare the bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and crumble it into small bits. Set aside. |
| 2 | Sauté the vegetables: Retain about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet. Add the diced red onion, celery, green onion, carrots, garlic, and mushrooms. Cook until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. |
| 3 | Build the flavor: Stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, white pepper, curry powder, and sambal oelek. Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. |
| 4 | Add the rice: Gently fold in the cooled, cooked basmati rice, ensuring it is well-coated with the sauce. Keep the pan on low heat to warm through. Set aside. |
| 5 | Cook the shrimp: In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the shrimp, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sauté until pink and cooked through. Mix the shrimp into the rice mixture. |
| 6 | Prepare the egg strips: Using the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Pour in the beaten eggs and cook them like a thin omelet. Once set, remove the egg and slice it into thin strips. Reserve for garnish. |
| 7 | Combine and serve: Heat the rice mixture thoroughly, stirring to ensure even warming. Plate the rice onto individual serving plates. Garnish each plate with the reserved bacon bits, fresh green onions, chopped cilantro, and egg strips. Serve hot and enjoy! |
Cooking Tips
- Prep First for Efficiency: Since the recipe requires multiple ingredients and steps, it’s helpful to chop all vegetables and measure out sauces before starting.
- Rice Matters: Use day-old rice for the best texture. Freshly cooked rice can be too soft, causing the dish to become mushy.
- Adjust the Heat: If you love spice, feel free to increase the sambal oelek or add a dash of chili flakes.
- Protein Variations: Substitute shrimp with diced chicken, or add tofu for a vegetarian version.
Prepare to be transported to the streets of Indonesia with this iconic dish, where every bite offers a burst of umami goodness. The mix of savory sauces, tender shrimp, crispy bacon, and aromatic spices creates a symphony of flavors you’ll savor long after the plate is empty. Perfect for weeknight dinners or an exotic addition to your culinary repertoire, Nasi Goreng is a must-try for food enthusiasts everywhere!
