Nasi Goreng
Nasi goreng — fried rice, literally — is one of Indonesia's two designated national dishes, alongside rendang. The dish appears across the archipelago in dozens of regional variations, each using different aromatics and proteins. Dutch colonisation brought it to the Netherlands, where it remains one of the most popular everyday dishes. Kecap manis — the sweet, thick soy sauce made with palm sugar — gives the dish its colour and its distinctive caramelised depth. Terasi, fermented shrimp paste, contributes an intense savouriness that builds the base flavour. Day-old cold rice is the right choice: freshly cooked rice holds too much moisture and steams rather than fries. The fried egg on top, with its runny yolk mixing into the rice below, is characteristic.
Rich in protein
Filling and nutritious
Traditional recipe
Authentic taste
Ingredients 4 servings
- 4 cups day-old cooked jasmine rice
- 300 g boneless chicken thigh, cut into 1 cm cubes
- 4 eggs
- 4 shallots, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 red bird's eye chillies, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp shrimp paste (terasi), toasted
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and white pepper to taste
- Cucumber slices and fried shallots to serve
How to make it
- 1Break up the cold rice with your hands to separate any clumps.
- 2Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a wok over high heat until smoking.
- 3Add the chicken cubes and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until cooked through and lightly golden; remove and set aside.
- 4Add the remaining 2 tbsp of oil to the wok.
- 5Add the shallots and stir-fry for 2 minutes until softened.
- 6Add the garlic, chilli, and shrimp paste and stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 7Add the rice, spread into an even layer, and leave untouched for 1 minute to form a slight crust, then toss vigorously for 2–3 minutes.
- 8Return the chicken, add the kecap manis and soy sauce, and toss to coat evenly.
- 9Season with salt and white pepper.
- 10Push the rice to the side, crack in the eggs, scramble briefly, then fold into the rice and cook for 1 minute until just set.
- 11Serve in bowls topped with cucumber slices and fried shallots.
Nutritional info
per serving (~350 g)
Estimated nutritional values.
Pairs perfectly with
