Spicy Nasi Goreng with Tuna Floss: A Simple Delight
Nasi Goreng Pedas Sederhana dengan Abon Tongkol, or Spicy Fried Rice with Tuna Floss, is a tantalizingly simple yet flavorful dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of Indonesian cuisine with the crispy crunch of fried rice. This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and straightforward to prepare. Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients:
- 2 scoops of cooked rice
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 3 shallots
- 8 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit)
- 1 tomato
- 2 candlenuts (kemiri)
- 1/4 teaspoon shrimp paste (terasi)
- A pinch of sugar
- A pinch of salt
- Spicy tuna floss (abon tongkol) for topping
- Chinese cabbage (sawi), washed and chopped
- Optional: fried shallots for garnish
Instructions:
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Prepare the Spice Paste: In a mortar and pestle, grind the garlic, shallots, bird’s eye chilies, tomato, candlenuts, and shrimp paste into a smooth paste. This step is crucial as it releases the essential oils and flavors from the spices.
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Sauté the Paste: Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the ground spice paste and cook until it becomes fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the paste. This will infuse the oil with the flavors of the spices.
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Fry the Rice: Add the cooked rice to the pan, stirring well to ensure that the rice is evenly coated with the spice paste. For a slightly crispy texture, use high heat and stir frequently. This will help achieve the desirable slightly crispy edges on the rice.
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Add the Cabbage: Incorporate the chopped Chinese cabbage into the rice mixture. Cook until the cabbage is wilted and tender, which should only take a few minutes.
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Plate and Serve: Once everything is well-mixed and cooked, transfer the rice to a small bowl to shape it, then unmold onto a serving plate. Generously sprinkle the spicy tuna floss over the top of the rice. Serve with some crispy crackers (krupuk) on the side.
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Garnish (Optional): If you like, you can add a sprinkle of fried shallots for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
Serving Suggestions:
Nasi Goreng Pedas Sederhana with Tuna Floss is best enjoyed hot. The crispy edges of the fried rice combined with the spicy, savory tuna floss create a delightful contrast that is sure to please the palate.
Feel free to use different types of floss if spicy tuna isn’t available, and adjust the level of spiciness according to your taste. For an added touch of flavor, consider garnishing with fried shallots.
Enjoy this easy-to-make, delicious Indonesian-inspired dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch!
