Name: Savory Nasi Goreng
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Indonesian
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked jasmine rice; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon shrimp paste; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, diced; 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers); 2 eggs; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cucumber and tomato slices for serving

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Table of Contents

Spread the love

If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying dish that packs a punch of flavor, Savory Nasi Goreng is your go-to recipe. This Indonesian fried rice has been a staple in my kitchen for years, combining vibrant tastes with simple ingredients. It’s not just delicious—it’s a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity!

Why Make This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The combination of soy sauce, shrimp paste, and aromatic spices creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
Nutritional Benefits: Packed with protein and vegetables, this dish can contribute to a balanced diet.
Convenient Meal: It can be made in under 30 minutes using leftover rice, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile Dish: You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it adaptable to many diets.
Personally, Nasi Goreng brings back fond memories of my travels in Indonesia, and cooking it allows me to relive those flavorful experiences.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2-4
Difficulty Level: Easy
This dish is a stir-fry method using cooked rice combined with various ingredients in a hot wok or skillet.

My Experience Making This Recipe

When I first made Nasi Goreng, I underestimated the importance of high heat and prepped everything in advance. The vibrant colors and aromas that filled my kitchen were a delightful surprise! I also learned the magic of using day-old rice—it’s the secret to achieving that perfect texture.

How to Make Savory Nasi Goreng

Making Nasi Goreng is as easy as stir-frying! Start by preparing all your ingredients—this ensures that everything cooks evenly. The key technique here is maintaining high heat to quickly fry the rice and vegetables, ensuring a beautiful, slightly crispy texture. Expect your kitchen to be filled with enticing aromas as everything comes together!

Expert Tips for Success

Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too moist, leading to clumpiness. Day-old rice dries out slightly, making it perfect for stir-frying.
High Heat Cooking: Preheat your wok or pan well; this helps to achieve that delicious, slightly charred flavor that is characteristic of fried rice.
Ingredient Prep: Have all your ingredients chopped and ready before you start cooking. This not only speeds up the process but also ensures even cooking.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Depending on your preferences, you might want to increase or decrease soy sauce or chili levels.
Add Protein Last: If you’re using cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu, add them towards the end to avoid overcooking.

How to Serve Savory Nasi Goreng

Serve Nasi Goreng with a sunny-side-up egg on top for a classic presentation. Pair it with sliced cucumber and tomatoes for freshness. It also makes a great side dish for grilled proteins or can be served on its own as a comforting meal.

Storage and Reheating Guide

Store leftover Nasi Goreng in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 1 month—just ensure to cool it completely before freezing. Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to maintain moisture, or use a microwave with a covered dish for convenience.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Version: Swap out meat for tofu or tempeh and add more vegetables like bell peppers or snow peas.
Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced fresh chilies or a little sambal oelek for heat.
Tropical Twist: Add diced pineapple and cashews for a sweet and crunchy experience.

Nutritional Highlights

Nasi Goreng is a balanced meal providing essential carbs, proteins, and vitamins, especially if you load it with veggies. It’s naturally soy-free when you use coconut aminos, appealing to those with allergies. A standard serving offers about 300-400 calories, depending on the toppings and proteins used.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Rice Sticking Together: Avoid this by using day-old rice, which is drier and less sticky.
Lack of Flavor: Be generous with your seasonings. A touch of fish sauce or shrimp paste elevates the dish significantly.
Burnt Ingredients: Ensure your wok is hot enough before adding ingredients. If an ingredient cooks too quickly, lower the heat or work in smaller batches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Nasi Goreng vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the protein with tofu and increase the amount of vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version.
What type of rice is best for Nasi Goreng?
Jasmine rice is ideal for its fragrant quality, but any long-grain rice works well. Just ensure it’s cooked and cooled beforehand.
How spicy is Nasi Goreng?
The spice level is adjustable. You can control it by adding more or less chili sauce based on your preference.
Can I prepare Nasi Goreng ahead of time?
You can prep all ingredients a few hours in advance but it’s best to cook it fresh for the best flavor and texture. Leftovers can be stored, though!