Cuisines : Nasi Goreng - How to prepare this Indonesian item

 

Nasi Goreng, an Indonesian fried rice dish, is known for its rich flavor and simple preparation. Here’s a detailed guide to making traditional Nasi Goreng:

 Ingredients:

- **Rice:** 2 cups of cooked jasmine rice (preferably a day old to ensure it's dry and less sticky)

- **Protein:** Chicken, shrimp, or tofu (about 200 grams, diced)

- **Vegetables:** 1 small onion (finely chopped), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1-2 red chilies (sliced), 1 carrot (diced), and a handful of peas

- **Seasonings:** 2 tablespoons of kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of shrimp paste (optional), 1 teaspoon of fish sauce (optional), salt, and pepper to taste

- **Garnish:** Fried shallots, sliced cucumber, sliced tomatoes, and a fried egg (sunny side up)

 Instructions:

1. **Preparation:**

   - If you don't have leftover rice, cook fresh rice and spread it on a baking sheet to cool and dry out slightly.

   - Dice the chicken, shrimp, or tofu into bite-sized pieces.

   - Finely chop the onion, garlic, and chilies. Dice the carrot and prepare other vegetables as needed.

2. **Cooking:**

   - Heat a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a couple of tablespoons of oil (vegetable or peanut oil works well).

   - Add the diced onion and garlic, and stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

   - Add the chilies and continue to stir-fry for another minute.

   - Increase the heat to high and add the chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Cook until the protein is fully cooked through (about 3-5 minutes).

   - Add the diced carrot and peas, stir-frying until they are tender (about 2-3 minutes).

   - Push the contents of the wok to one side. Add a bit more oil if necessary and then add the rice. Break up any clumps with the back of a spoon or spatula.

   - Mix everything together and stir-fry the rice for a few minutes until it’s heated through.

3. **Seasoning:**

   - Add the kecap manis, soy sauce, shrimp paste, and fish sauce to the rice. Stir well to ensure the rice is evenly coated with the sauces.

   - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

4. **Finishing Touches:**

   - Transfer the Nasi Goreng to serving plates.

   - In a small frying pan, cook eggs sunny side up in a bit of oil until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny.

   - Top each plate of Nasi Goreng with a fried egg.

   - Garnish with fried shallots, cucumber slices, and tomato slices.

### Serving Suggestions:

- Serve Nasi Goreng with prawn crackers on the side.

- For an authentic experience, you can add a dollop of sambal (Indonesian chili paste) for extra heat.

### Tips:

- Using day-old rice is crucial as fresh rice can be too moist and sticky, making it difficult to achieve the right texture.

- Kecap manis is essential for the characteristic sweet flavor of Nasi Goreng. If unavailable, you can mix regular soy sauce with a bit of molasses or dark brown sugar as a substitute.

- Customize the vegetables and protein based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

This traditional method of preparing Nasi Goreng ensures a flavorful, satisfying dish that captures the essence of Indonesian cuisine.