Nasi Goreng, often hailed as the national dish of Indonesia. It is a fragrant and savory fried rice delight that embodies the perfect marriage of spices, textures, and cultural significance. In this article, we will guide you through each step of our Nasi Goreng Recipe, demystifying the art of creating this delicius dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a newbe, our detailed instructions and helpful tips ensure a seamless culinary experience.
Stepping onto the vibrant streets of Indonesia for the very first time was a sensory overload of colors, sounds, and scents. From the bustling markets to the rhythmic calls of street vendors, every corner of this country seemed to beckon with the promise of adventure. Little did I know that my introduction to Indonesia would be marked by a culinary revelation – my first taste of the iconic Nasi Goreng.
As I navigated the lively streets of Jakarta, the heart of Indonesia, the irresistible aroma of spices and sizzling woks hung in the air. Intrigued by the bustling food stalls, I decided to dive headfirst into the local culinary scene. That’s when I encountered Nasi Goreng, a dish that would forever change my perception of fried rice.
Lets check out our Nasi Goreng Recipe Ingredients:
1. Prawns:
- Succulent prawns add a delightful seafood twist to our Nasi Goreng recipe. Their sweet and briny flavour pairs perfectly with the aromatic blend of spices, creating a harmonious balance in each bite.
2. Rice:
- The foundation of any good Nasi Goreng is perfectly cooked rice. Opt for cold, day-old rice for the ideal texture – slightly firm and separate grains that soak up the savoury flavours of the dish.
3. Eggs:
- Scrambled eggs bring a velvety richness to our Nasi Goreng, creating layers of taste and texture. They not only complement the dish but also provide a comforting and satisfying element.
4. Soy Sauce:
- Soy sauce adds a deep, savoury flavour to our Nasi Goreng. Its rich and salty profile enhances the overall taste of the dish while contributing to the signature dark colour of the fried rice.
5. Oyster Sauce:
- Oyster sauce introduces a subtle sweetness and a unique depth to the dish. Its umami-packed essence enhances the overall complexity, creating a Nasi Goreng with layers of savoury goodness.
6. Fish Sauce:
- As the succulent prawns take centre stage, fish sauce becomes the secret ingredient that ties the ensemble together.
7. Tomato Ketchup:
- Tomato ketchup lends a hint of tangy sweetness to our Nasi Goreng, balancing the savoury notes. Its vibrant red hue not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a touch of familiar comfort to the dish.
8. Chili Paste:
- Spice enthusiasts, rejoice! Chili paste brings the heat to our Nasi Goreng, elevating the dish with a kick of spiciness. Adjust the quantity based on your preference for a milder or more fiery experience.
9. Onion:
- Finely chopped onions contribute a natural sweetness and texture to the Nasi Goreng. As they sauté, they release their aroma, infusing the dish with a fragrant base that sets the tone for the overall flavour profile.
10. Spring Onion:
- Spring onions add a fresh and crisp element to the dish. Incorporating both the white and green parts provides a dynamic visual appeal and a nuanced onion flavour throughout the Nasi Goreng.
11. Garlic:
- Garlic, when finely chopped and sautéed, imparts a robust and aromatic essence to our Nasi Goreng. It serves as a flavour foundation, enhancing the overall depth of the dish.
12. Ginger:
- Freshly grated ginger adds a subtle warmth and a hint of citrusy undertones to the Nasi Goreng. Its presence in the dish provides a refreshing counterpoint to the savoury and spicy components.
13. Pepper:
- A sprinkle of pepper contributes a gentle heat and an earthy warmth to the Nasi Goreng, enhancing the overall flavour profile without overpowering the dish.
14. Salt:
- Salt is the unsung hero, bringing all the flavours together harmoniously. Adjust to taste, ensuring the perfect balance of savoury and salty notes in every forkful.
15. Sugar:
- A touch of sugar rounds out the flavours, tempering the heat and enhancing the natural sweetness of certain ingredients. It adds a nuanced sweetness that elevates the overall taste.
16. Chili: (optional)
- Diced chili provides not only heat but also a burst of vibrant colour to our Nasi Goreng. Customise the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount according to your personal preference.
17. Olive Oil:
- Olive oil is the cooking medium that ties everything together. Its mild flavour allows the other ingredients to shine, while its high smoke point ensures that the Nasi Goreng is cooked to perfection.
With these carefully selected ingredients, our Nasi Goreng recipe promises a mix of flavours that captures the essence of Indonesian cuisine, inviting you on a culinary journey through the inviting streets of Indonesia.
Nasi Goreng Recipe – Step by Step Guid
Marinate the Prawns:
Infuse the prawns with flavour by placing them in a bowl and combining soy sauce, fish sauce, chopped garlic, chopped ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients thoroughly, then set aside for approximately 10 minutes to allow the marination process to improve the prawn’s taste.
Fire up your pan and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss in the prawns and cook until they’re golden perfection. Take them off the heat and set aside.
In the same pan, toss in chopped garlic, ginger, onion, and spring onion. Sauté until they’re soft. Create a space in the middle, crack in 2 eggs, and start scrambling them, blending them with the rest of the ingredients in the pan.
Making the Gravy:
Create the gravy by combining soy sauce, oyster sauce, tomato ketchup, sugar, chili paste, pepper, and salt in a bowl. Mix them thoroughly for a flavourful blend.
Introduce the prepared gravy into the pan, ensuring a thorough mix with the existing ingredients. Allow it to cook for about a minute before adding the rice. If you’re cooking the rice same time, ensure it’s 90% cooked, letting the final 10% cook as you blend it seamlessly with the other elements. I have used the rice I made the day before.
After approximately 2 minutes of cooking, toss in spring onions and the previously fried prawns into the rice, gently combining them. Your Nasi Goreng is now ready to be served. Enjoy!
Nasi Goreng Recipe
The Perfect Nasi Goreng Recipe.
Ingredients
- 400 g Prawns with shell
- 500 g Rice cooked
- 2 large Eggs
- 3 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Fish Sauce
- 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 tbsp Tomato ketchup
- 1 tbsp Chili Paste
- 1 large Onion chopped
- 3-4 sterms Spring onion
- 4-5 clove Garlic chopped
- 1 slice Ginger chopped
- 2 tsp Pepper
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Suger
- 1 large Chili optional
- 4 tbsp Olive Oil
To Garnish
- 1 large Tomatoes sliced
- 1 small Cucumber sliced
- 1 large Egg fried
Instructions
- Place the prawns in a bowl and add soy sauce, fish sauce, chopped garlic, chopped ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients thoroughly, then set aside for approximately 10 minutes to allow the marination process to improve the prawn’s taste.
- Fire up the pan and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss in the prawns and cook until they’re golden perfection. Take them off the heat and set aside.
- In the same pan, add in chopped garlic, ginger, onion, and spring onion. Sauté until they’re soft.
- Create a space in the middle, crack in 2 eggs, and start scrambling them, blending them with the rest of the ingredients in the pan.
Making the gravy:
- Create the gravy by combining soy sauce, oyster sauce, tomato ketchup, sugar, chili paste, pepper, and salt in a bowl. Mix them thoroughly for a flavourful blend.
- Introduce the prepared gravy into the pan, ensuring a thorough mix with the existing ingredients. Allow it to cook for about a minute before adding the rice.
- Add the rice and blend it seamlessly with the other elements.
- After approximately 2 minutes of cooking, toss in spring onions and the previously fried prawns into the rice, gently combining them.
- Your Nasi Goreng is now ready to be served. Enjoy!
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What is the difference between nasi goreng and fried rice?
Nasi Goreng is the Indonesian version of fried rice, distinguished by its unique blend of spices, often including sweet soy sauce, oyster sauce, Onion, and chili. The term “fried rice” is more generic, encompassing various global variations with different ingredients and flavours. Check this wikipedia article ti find more information.
How to serve Nasi Goreng
Traditionally, Nasi Goreng comes with a fried egg and a side of crisp vegetables, often featuring plain slices of tomato and cucumber.
These side choices are quite common across different regions in Asia, providing a balanced mix of protein and veggies to transform a carb-centric dish into a satisfying meal.
Nasi Goreng also stands out as an excellent Asian side dish, offering a distinctive twist and a burst of flavourful excitement!