Nasi Goreng is a popular Indonesian fried rice dish known for its flavorful and aromatic taste. A step-by-step guide on how to make Nasi Goreng at home:
Ingredients:
For the Fried Rice:
- 3 cups cooked and cooled jasmine rice (preferably leftover rice)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 shallots, thinly sliced
- 2-3 red chili peppers, thinly sliced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 cup cooked protein (chicken, shrimp, or tofu), diced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers, etc.)
- 2-3 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- 2 tablespoons regular soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges for garnish (optional)
- Fried shallots or crispy garlic for garnish (optional)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
For the Garnish (Optional):
- Fried shallots or crispy garlic
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
- Lime wedges
Instructions:
1. Prepare Ingredients:
- Ensure all your ingredients are prepped and ready before you start cooking. Chop the garlic, onion, shallots, chili peppers, and any protein or vegetables you plan to use.
2. Heat the Pan:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or a wide skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
- Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and sliced shallots to the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and the onions turn translucent.
4. Add Chili Peppers:
- Add the thinly sliced red chili peppers to the pan. Stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes.
5. Add Protein and Vegetables:
- Push the aromatics to one side of the pan and add your cooked protein (chicken, shrimp, or tofu) to the other side. Stir-fry until the protein is heated through or slightly browned.
- Add the mixed vegetables to the pan and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
6. Add Rice:
- Add the cooked and cooled jasmine rice to the pan. Break up any clumps with a spatula and stir-fry to combine all the ingredients.
7. Season with Soy Sauce:
- Drizzle the sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) and regular soy sauce over the rice. Mix well to evenly coat the rice and ingredients. Adjust the amount of soy sauce to your taste.
- Season with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Stir-Fry:
- Continue stir-frying for 5-7 minutes until the rice is heated through and has absorbed the flavors. Make sure everything is well mixed.
9. Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the Nasi Goreng to a serving platter or individual plates.
- Garnish with fried shallots or crispy garlic, fresh cilantro or parsley, and lime wedges (if desired).
10. Serve Hot:
- Serve your homemade Nasi Goreng hot and enjoy the delightful flavors of Indonesian fried rice!
Nasi Goreng is a versatile dish, and you can customize it to your liking by adding or omitting ingredients according to your preferences. It's a perfect way to use up leftover rice and create a tasty and satisfying meal.