Name: Indonesian Nasi Goreng
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Indonesian
Ingredients: 8-12 ounces crispy tofu, pan-seared chicken, or shrimp (optional); 3 tablespoons oil, divided; 2 shallots (or 1/2 an onion), chopped; 4 garlic cloves, rough chopped; 1 cup diced carrot (small dice); 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped; 2 cups sliced mushrooms; 1 cup fresh shucked peas, snow peas, snap peas, or green beans; 2 eggs, whisked with a generous pinch of salt (optional); 3 cups cooked rice (leftover and dried out rice works best); 3 tablespoons soy sauce (more to taste or GF Liquid Aminos); 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup, honey, or palm sugar; Drizzle of sesame oil; 1/4-1/2 cup chopped scallions; Optional seasonings: Terasi shrimp powder and Kecap Manis

why make this recipe

Indonesian Nasi Goreng, or fried rice, is a beloved dish that captures the essence of Indonesian cuisine. It’s versatile, can be made with various proteins and vegetables, and is a perfect way to use leftover rice. The combination of flavors from the ingredients and spices creates a delightful meal that is comforting, delicious, and quick to prepare. Whether you are cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, Nasi Goreng is sure to impress.

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how to make Fried Rice

Ingredients:

8-12 ounces crispy tofu, pan-seared chicken, or shrimp – all optional
3 tablespoons oil, divided
2 shallots (or 1/2 an onion), chopped
4 garlic cloves, rough chopped
1 cup diced carrot (small dice!)
1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 cup fresh shucked peas, snow peas, snap peas, or green beans
2 eggs, whisked with a generous pinch of salt (optional)
3 cups cooked rice (leftover and dried out rice works best – see notes)
3 tablespoons soy sauce, more to taste (see notes) or GF Liquid Aminos (or sweet soy sauce – see notes)
1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup, honey, or palm sugar
Drizzle of sesame oil
1/4-1/2 cup chopped scallions
Optional seasonings: Terasi shrimp powder and Kecap Manis (see notes)

Directions:

In an extra-large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Pan-sear your choice of protein (tofu, chicken, or shrimp) with a little salt, pepper, and chili flakes until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
In the same skillet, add 1-2 tablespoons of oil and sauté shallots, garlic, mushrooms, bell pepper, and carrots over medium heat until the carrots are tender (about 7-8 minutes). Season with salt and toss in the fresh peas at the end.
In a separate oiled pan, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and scramble them, breaking them apart into small pieces. Set aside or serve atop the fried rice later.
Once the veggies are tender, scoot them over to one side of the pan. Add a little more oil to the empty side and add the cooked rice. Turn the heat up and fry for 3-4 minutes until the rice is slightly crispy. Combine the rice with the veggies.
Drizzle the soy sauce and maple syrup over the mixture and mix well. Stir in the scrambled eggs and your choice of protein if using. Taste and season with a drizzle of sesame oil, chili flakes, salt, and pepper if needed. Finish by stirring in the chopped scallions just before serving.
Divide the fried rice among bowls and serve with optional garnishes like lime and chili paste.

how to serve Fried Rice

Fried Rice is best served hot. You can offer it as a standalone dish or pair it with other Indonesian dishes. Garnish with cilantro, lime wedges, or a drizzle of chili paste for extra flavor. It’s a great option for lunch or dinner, and you can customize the portion size as needed.

how to store Fried Rice

To store leftover fried rice, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

tips to make Fried Rice

Use day-old rice for the best texture; fresh rice can be too moist.
Adjust the level of soy sauce and seasoning to your taste.
Feel free to add other vegetables or proteins based on your preference.
For a bit of crunch, top with fried shallots or toasted nuts.

variation

You can make various versions of Nasi Goreng by adding different ingredients. Try adding cooked chicken, beef, or even a variety of vegetables like corn, zucchini, or baby bok choy. You can also make it spicy by including more chili flakes or serving it with spicy sambal.

FAQs

Can I make Nasi Goreng vegan?
Yes! You can omit the eggs and use crispy tofu as a protein.

What type of rice is best for fried rice?
Day-old rice is ideal because it is drier and helps achieve a better texture.

Can I freeze fried rice?
Yes, fried rice can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before eating.