Vegetarian Nasi Goreng (Fried Rice) Recipe
Discover the vibrant flavors of this classic Indonesian dish with a vegetarian twist. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this easy-to-make Nasi Goreng combines colorful vegetables, savory tofu, and crispy nacho chips for an irresistible meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked rice (or leftover) | 1 cup |
| Sunflower oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh red chili (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Green chili (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Garlic (pods) | 4-5 |
| Fresh ginger (grated) | 1-inch piece |
| Shallots (chopped) | 4-5 |
| Celery (finely chopped) | 1 stalk |
| Green bell pepper (shredded) | 1/4 |
| Carrot (peeled and cut into matchsticks) | 1/2 |
| Cabbage (shredded) | 1/4 head |
| Green peas (with corn) | 1/4 cup |
| Whole black peppercorns (freshly ground) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin powder (jeera) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder (dhania) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red chili sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Tofu (cubed) | 7-8 pieces |
| Nachos (coarsely crushed) | 8-10 |
| Salt | To taste |
| Parsley leaves (small bunch) | For garnish |
Nutritional Information (Per serving)
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2
Cuisine: Indonesian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by preparing all the ingredients for the Vegetarian Nasi Goreng recipe. Chop, shred, and measure out everything so it’s ready to go. -
-
Cook the Aromatics
In a large wok or frying pan, heat the sunflower oil and butter over medium to high heat. Add the finely chopped red and green chilies, shallots, garlic, grated ginger, and celery. Sauté the mixture for 2-3 minutes, or until the shallots become soft and fragrant. -
Sauté the Vegetables
Next, add the shredded carrot, green bell pepper, cabbage, peas, and corn to the wok. Stir-fry these vegetables on high heat for a few minutes until they are just tender (al dente), ensuring they retain some crunch for texture. -
Add the Rice and Spices
Add the cooked rice (preferably leftover rice from the previous day, as it works best for this dish) to the vegetables. Stir in the salt, freshly ground black pepper, cumin powder, coriander powder, and red chili sauce. Mix gently, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the spices and sauce. -
Incorporate Tofu and Lime Juice
Once the rice is well combined with the vegetables and spices, add the tofu cubes and squeeze in the fresh lime juice. Stir gently to combine everything, allowing the tofu to warm through and absorb the flavors. -
Add the Crunch
Just before serving, stir in the crushed nacho chips. The chips add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft rice and vegetables. -
Garnish and Serve
Garnish the Vegetarian Nasi Goreng with freshly chopped parsley leaves and a handful of fried cashews (optional, but adds a lovely crunch and flavor). Serve with extra nacho chips on the side and a refreshing Kachumber salad for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Vegetarian Nasi Goreng
- Use Day-Old Rice: Leftover rice is ideal for this dish because it’s drier and less sticky, which helps achieve the perfect fried rice texture.
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to swap in other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of chilies based on your heat preference. You can also use a milder chili variety if you prefer a less spicy dish.
- Tofu Substitution: If you’re not a fan of tofu, you can substitute it with tempeh, seitan, or even edamame for protein.
Serving Suggestions
This Vegetarian Nasi Goreng pairs beautifully with a cool cucumber salad (Kachumber), and extra nacho chips on the side. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a refreshing drink like iced green tea or a fresh fruit smoothie.
Enjoy the delightful taste of this vegetarian Nasi Goreng with its perfect balance of flavors, textures, and vibrant colors! This dish is an easy yet satisfying way to enjoy the deliciousness of Indonesian cuisine right at home.
