Nasi Goreng: Indonesian Fried Rice Perfection
Nasi Goreng: Indonesian Fried Rice Perfection
Authentic Indonesian Nasi Goreng Recipe, Straight from a Local Friend
Hello from Indonesia! As a home chef currently cooking in Indonesia, I’m excited to share a truly authentic recipe for Nasi Goreng, the beloved Indonesian fried rice. This recipe comes directly from a local friend and captures the essence of this national dish. Known for its distinctive sweet and savory profile thanks to kecap manis, Nasi Goreng is incredibly addictive. I’ll guide you through each step with clear, detailed instructions, perfect for beginners, so you can recreate this exotic flavor right in your own kitchen. Get ready for a delicious culinary journey!
Ingredients- 50g fresh green beans
- 100g fresh morning glory (or water spinach)
- 50g scallions (green onions)
- 1 red chili pepper (for color and a hint of spice)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 large egg
- 5 Tbsp Kecap Manis (Indonesian sweet soy sauce)
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 250g cooked rice (preferably day-old, chilled)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the vegetables. Chop the fresh green beans and the morning glory (or water spinach) into bite-sized pieces, about 3cm (1.2 inches) long. This size ensures they cook evenly and absorb the flavors beautifully.
Step 2
Next, finely chop the scallions (green onions) to add a fragrant aroma. Finely chop the red chili pepper as well; remember to remove the seeds if you prefer less heat. The chili adds a lovely color and a subtle kick.
Step 3
For a burst of flavor, thinly slice the garlic cloves. Slicing them thinly allows their aromatic oils to infuse wonderfully into the cooking oil.
Step 4
Now, let’s start stir-frying! Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and chopped scallions, and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn them. This step creates a flavorful aromatic base for your Nasi Goreng.
Step 5
Once the aromatics are fragrant, add the chopped green beans and stir-fry briefly until they are slightly tender-crisp. Then, add the morning glory (or water spinach) and stir-fry quickly just until it wilts. Avoid overcooking to maintain its fresh, crisp texture.
Step 6
Time to add more color and texture! Toss in the chopped red chili and stir-fry for a few seconds. Now, push the ingredients to one side of the pan and crack the egg into the cleared space. Scramble the egg until just cooked. Cooking it directly in the pan with other ingredients melds the flavors together beautifully and saves on washing up!
Step 7
Finally, let’s bring it all together with the key seasonings! Add the 5 tablespoons of Kecap Manis and 1 teaspoon of salt (adjust salt to your preference). Add the cooked rice to the pan. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the sauce and mixed with all the ingredients. Continue to stir-fry until the rice is heated through and has a glossy sheen. Your delicious, authentic Nasi Goreng is now ready to be enjoyed!
