Classic Nasi Goreng: A Taste of Singapore
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Description:
Nasi Goreng, a beloved Indonesian fried rice dish, carries a nostalgic charm as it was brought back from Singapore by my parents in the 1950s. This recipe has been refined over the years, and despite numerous versions encountered, both commercially and at home, this one remains unparalleled in flavor and authenticity. It’s a straightforward, satisfying dish with a delightful blend of textures and tastes that truly represents the essence of Southeast Asian cuisine. 🌟
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup basmati rice
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- Salt, to taste
- 3 medium onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1-2 tomatoes, cut into wedges
- Soy sauce, to taste
- Optional: chopped chilies for added heat
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Rice:
Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or a mix of butter and oil if you prefer) in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the basmati rice to the pan and stir well, ensuring that each grain is coated and appears slightly translucent. Pour in the boiling water, adding a pinch of salt. Crumble a stock cube into the water if desired, stirring to dissolve it completely. -
Cook the Rice:
Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce the heat to a low setting. Cover the saucepan with a lid, turn off the heat, and let the rice sit undisturbed for 12 minutes. Afterward, uncover the pan, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains, and set it aside to cool. -
Prepare the Aromatics:
In a wok or large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until it starts to shimmer. Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and optional chopped chilies. Stir-fry until the onions are softened and translucent, then transfer the mixture to a plate and set aside. -
Cook the Chicken and Shrimp:
In the same wok, allow the oil to heat up again. Add the diced chicken breasts and cook, turning regularly, until they are well-browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Add the shrimp and continue to stir-fry until they turn pink and are cooked through. -
Combine Ingredients:
Return the onion and garlic mixture to the wok with the chicken and shrimp. Mix everything well, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly distributed and heated through. -
Add the Rice:
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the cooled rice to the wok, stirring continuously to incorporate it with the meat and aromatics. Fry the rice for about 5 minutes, ensuring it gets well-mixed and heated through. -
Make the Omelette:
In a separate pan, scramble the eggs and cook them into an omelette. Once cooked, slice the omelette into strips or chunks and gently fold it into the fried rice mixture. -
Serve:
Transfer the Nasi Goreng to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh cucumber slices and tomato wedges on the side. Add a splash of soy sauce to taste, which will enhance the overall flavor of the dish. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some fresh herbs or additional chilies if desired. 🍴
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 482.8
- Fat Content: 12.4 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 3.4 g
- Cholesterol Content: 69.8 mg
- Sodium Content: 370.9 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 62.3 g
- Fiber Content: 4.2 g
- Sugar Content: 4.3 g
- Protein Content: 29.4 g
Tips for Perfect Nasi Goreng:
- Rice Preparation: Ensure that the rice is thoroughly cooled before adding it to the stir-fry. This prevents it from becoming mushy and helps achieve that classic fried rice texture.
- Aromatic Balance: Adjust the quantity of garlic and chilies according to your taste preference to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and heat.
- Protein Variations: Feel free to substitute or add other proteins such as pork or tofu if you prefer. Just ensure that they are cooked thoroughly before mixing them with the rice.
Enjoy this traditional Nasi Goreng recipe that brings a piece of Singaporean culinary history to your table. It’s an easy yet flavorful dish perfect for any day of the week! 🌟🍚🥒🍅
