Nasi Goreng Rempah Bandeng (Spiced Milkfish Fried Rice)
Aromatic, flavorful, and packed with rich spices, this Nasi Goreng Rempah Bandeng brings together the fragrant essence of Indonesian cuisine with the deliciousness of bandeng (milkfish), crispy tofu, and a medley of vibrant vegetables. Paired with a savory sauce mix, this dish is a delightful fusion of textures and tastes, making it the perfect hearty meal to serve for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Milkfish (bandeng), cleaned and cut into pieces | 1 whole |
Firm tofu, cut into small cubes | 1 plate |
White rice, cooked | as needed |
Sweet corn kernels | as needed |
Green mustard greens (sawi hijau) | as needed |
Celery, thinly sliced (optional) | as needed |
Bird’s eye chilies, thinly sliced | 1 tbsp |
Tomato ketchup | 1 tbsp |
Chili sauce | 1 tbsp |
Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) | to taste |
Oyster sauce | to taste |
Sugar | to taste |
Salt | to taste |
Black pepper powder | to taste |
For the Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus): | |
Shallots, peeled | 5 cloves |
Garlic, peeled | 3 cloves |
Bird’s eye chilies | 6 pieces |
Large red chili | 1 piece |
Cooked shrimp paste (terasi) | 1/4 piece |
Kencur (aromatic ginger root) | 1 cm |
Turmeric root (kunyit) | 1 cm |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fish

- Begin by cleaning and cutting the milkfish (bandeng) into small pieces. Marinate the pieces with a pinch of salt and crushed garlic for extra flavor.
- Fry the marinated fish in hot oil until it turns golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove from the oil and set aside.
- Separate a few pieces of the fried fish for shredding later, making sure to remove all bones carefully.
Step 2: Prepare the Tofu
- Cut the tofu into small cubes, then fry them until golden and crispy on the outside. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Spice Paste
- In a blender or food processor, grind together shallots, garlic, bird’s eye chilies, large red chili, cooked shrimp paste (terasi), kencur, and turmeric until smooth. This spice paste will form the base of your fried rice.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables and Ingredients
- Heat a small amount of oil in a large pan or wok. Add the freshly ground spice paste and sauté until fragrant and golden.
- Next, toss in the sliced bird’s eye chilies, celery, sweet corn kernels, green mustard greens, and the fried tofu cubes. Stir-fry these ingredients until they are well coated with the aromatic paste.
Step 5: Add the Shredded Fish and Rice
- Add the shredded fried fish to the pan and mix well with the vegetables and tofu.
- Then, stir in the cooked white rice, breaking up any clumps as you go.
Step 6: Season the Fried Rice
- Season the dish by adding the sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), oyster sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper powder. Continue to stir-fry until all the ingredients are evenly distributed and the rice is coated with the sauce mixture.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more sweet soy sauce or salt if needed.
Step 7: Final Touch
- Serve your delicious, fragrant Nasi Goreng Rempah Bandeng hot, garnished with the remaining fried milkfish pieces on top for extra texture and flavor. Enjoy it with a side of fresh sliced vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Fish: If you’re unable to find milkfish, you can substitute with another firm fish like tilapia or catfish.
- Toppings: Garnish your Nasi Goreng with additional fresh sliced chilies or herbs like cilantro or parsley for added freshness.
- Serving Suggestion: This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple fried egg on top or a side of sambal (Indonesian chili sauce) for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Per Serving (approx. 1 cup) |
---|---|
Calories | 350-400 kcal |
Protein | 20g |
Carbohydrates | 45g |
Fat | 12g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sodium | 550mg |
Sugar | 6g |
Indonesian Nasi Goreng Rempah Bandeng is a vibrant and flavorful dish that captures the essence of traditional Southeast Asian street food, with its aromatic spices and fresh ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress with its satisfying flavors and delicious combination of textures!