Nasi Goreng Recipe for Two: A Really Tasty Indonesian Delight

What is Nasi Goreng?

Nasi goreng literally means “fried rice” in Indonesian and Malay. It’s a flavorful dish made by stir-frying pre-cooked rice with a mixture of ingredients like garlic, shallots, chili, sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), and often topped with a fried egg. It’s considered Indonesia’s national dish but is popular throughout Southeast Asia.

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Cultural Significance

• Staple comfort food: Nasi goreng is a beloved everyday meal for Indonesians, enjoyed at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s both a quick street food and a homemade comfort dish.

• Versatile & resourceful: Traditionally, it’s a way to use leftover rice and scraps — turning simple ingredients into a satisfying meal.

• Symbol of Indonesian cuisine: Nasi goreng showcases the balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and savory flavors that define Indonesian cooking.

• Social and communal: It’s often shared in gatherings, and its aroma is synonymous with home and hospitality.

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Common Types of Nasi Goreng

1. Nasi Goreng Jawa (Javanese fried rice)

   • Usually sweeter due to more kecap manis.

   • Often spicier with added chili paste.

   • May include tempeh or chicken.

2. Nasi Goreng Kampung (Village-style fried rice)

   • Rustic and simple, often with anchovies (ikan teri), green beans, and chili.

   • Known for a strong smoky flavor.

3. Nasi Goreng Pete (with stinky beans)

   • Incorporates petai (stinky beans), which add a strong aroma and bitter flavor loved by many Indonesians.

4. Nasi Goreng Seafood

   • Mixed with shrimp, squid, or fish.

   • Popular in coastal regions.

5. Nasi Goreng Spesial

   • Deluxe version topped with fried chicken, satay skewers, and shrimp crackers.

6. Nasi Goreng Bali

   • Usually spicier with Balinese spices and often served with a side of lawar or other Balinese dishes.

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How It’s Served

• Typically garnished with fried shallots, sliced cucumber, tomato wedges, fried egg (sunny side up), and sometimes prawn crackers.

• Often paired with sambal (chili paste) for extra heat.

• Street vendors, warungs (small eateries), and fancy restaurants all serve it — each with their own twist.

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Why It’s Loved

• Easy to customize for different tastes.

• Comforting, flavorful, and satisfying.

• Represents Indonesian ingenuity in using simple ingredients to create complex flavors.

This recipe is designed to serve two hungry individuals, bringing the exotic taste of Indonesia to your kitchen.

Serves 2: Preparation time: 30 minutes; Cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups of cooked jasmine rice (preferably cooled)
2. 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
3. 2 eggs
4. 1 cup of shrimp, peeled and deveined
5. 1 cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
6. 4 shallots, finely chopped
7. 3 cloves of garlic, minced
8. 2 red chilies, finely chopped (adjust according to your spice preference)
9. 2 tablespoons of sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
10. 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
11. 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
12. 1 teaspoon of shrimp paste (terasi)
13. 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
14. 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
15. 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
16. Salt and pepper to taste
17. Cooking oil

Preparation:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

• Ensure all the ingredients are prepped and ready to go before starting the cooking process.
• Cook jasmine rice ahead of time and allow it to cool. Cold rice works best for Nasi Goreng.

2. Marinade the Chicken:

• In a bowl, mix thinly sliced chicken with a teaspoon of ground coriander, a teaspoon of ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes.

3. Cook the Eggs:

• Heat a pan and add a bit of oil. Crack the eggs into the pan and scramble them. Once cooked, set aside.

4. Cook the Chicken:

• In the same pan, add a bit more oil and cook the marinated chicken until browned and fully cooked. Set aside.

5. Cook the Shrimp:

• Using the same pan, cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. Set aside.

6. Sauté Aromatics:

• In the pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté chopped shallots, minced garlic, and chopped red chilies until fragrant.

7. Add Vegetables:

• Toss in the mixed vegetables and cook until they are slightly tender yet still vibrant.

8. Incorporate Rice:

• Add the cold, cooked rice to the pan. Break up any clumps and stir-fry to ensure an even mix.

9. Introduce Sauces:

• Pour in the sweet soy sauce, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Mix well to coat the rice evenly.

10. Season with Spices: – Sprinkle turmeric powder and add shrimp paste to the mix. Continue stirring to distribute the flavors.

11. Reintroduce Proteins: – Return the cooked chicken, shrimp, and scrambled eggs to the pan. Stir until everything is well combined.

12. Adjust Seasoning: – Taste the Nasi Goreng and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional soy sauce as needed.

13. Serve Hot: – Once everything is heated through and well-mingled, transfer the Nasi Goreng to serving plates.

14. Garnish and Enjoy: – Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced cucumbers, and a wedge of lime for a burst of freshness. Serve hot and savor the delightful flavors of your homemade Nasi Goreng.

Nasi Goreng is not just a dish; it’s a culinary journey that takes your taste buds on an adventure through the vibrant and diverse flavors of Indonesia. This recipe, crafted for two, allows you to recreate the magic of this beloved dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Enjoy the rich combination of spices, the succulence of chicken and shrimp, and the satisfying comfort of perfectly fried rice. Selamat makan! (Enjoy your meal!)