National Dish Indonesia: Nasi Goreng (Recipe)
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Say hello to Nasi Goreng, Indonesia’s much-loved fried rice and a brilliant way to turn yesterday’s leftovers into something special. Wok-fried rice mingles with fresh vegetables, savoury soy sauce and a fiery hit of sambal oelek, all brought together in minutes over a high flame. Equally at home as a quick supper or a generous side, this fragrant, satisfying dish brings the warmth of Indonesian cooking straight to your kitchen.
About Nasi Goreng
Nasi Goreng is a traditional Indonesian dish that has won fans the world over. At its heart is fried rice, usually cooked with a variety of fresh ingredients and aromatic spices. Every region of Indonesia has its own version, which is why nasi goreng wears so many different faces. Even so, the underlying flavours and the method stay much the same, and it is exactly this combination that makes the dish such an absolute treat.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g cooked rice (ideally from the day before)
- 2 eggs
- 1–2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sambal oelek (or to taste)
- 1 small onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 carrot, diced
- 100 g peas (fresh or frozen)
- Fresh spring onions, chopped
- Oil for frying (such as peanut or vegetable oil)
- Optional: chicken, prawns or tofu for added protein
Shopping for the ingredients
The ingredients for nasi goreng are easy to find in most supermarkets or Asian grocery shops. When buying soy sauce, look for a good-quality brand to get the best possible flavour. The fresh vegetables matter just as much, as they give the dish its lively character. If you cannot track down speciality ingredients such as sambal oelek, there are plenty of online shops that stock Asian products and will deliver them to your door.
Preparing the dish
Before you start cooking, it is important to get all the ingredients properly ready. Ideally the rice should already be cooked and cooled, as this gives a far better result when frying. Wash the vegetables and cut them into small, even pieces so they cook through at the same rate. Finely chop the onion and garlic to release their aromas to the full and lay everything out within easy reach.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat a little oil in a frying pan or wok over a medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic and fry until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the diced carrot and the peas and cook everything for about 3–4 minutes.
- Push the vegetables to the side of the pan, crack the eggs into the middle and scramble them.
- Add the cooked rice and toss everything together well so the rice heats through evenly.
- Pour in the soy sauce and sambal oelek, then season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Finally fold through the freshly chopped spring onions and serve.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
To make nasi goreng gluten-free, simply reach for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. The dish is naturally lactose-free as long as you avoid dairy, so it suits most diets with very little fuss. Do check the labels on your ingredients to make sure they meet your dietary needs, and lean towards unprocessed vegetables and proteins wherever you can to keep things simple.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Nasi goreng adapts beautifully for vegans and vegetarians. Instead of the eggs, use tofu that you have seasoned well and fried until golden. Take care to choose a soy sauce and other sauces that contain no animal products. Plant-based proteins such as seitan or chickpeas slot in nicely too and make the dish that bit more filling and nourishing.
More tips and tricks
To get the most flavour out of nasi goreng, I always recommend cooking with fresh ingredients. Experiment with different vegetables to vary the dish and discover new flavour combinations. Choosing a fragrant rice can also lift the whole plate. It is well worth trying out different chillies, too, so you can fine-tune the heat to exactly the level you enjoy.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Nasi goreng is an enormously versatile dish that takes happily to personal tweaks. If you love seafood, for example, add prawns or squid for a coastal twist much like a plate of Ikan Bakar. Other vegetables such as peppers or courgette work well here too. Try a few different versions until you have created your own perfect nasi goreng.
Ingredient substitutions
If you are not keen on peanut or vegetable oil, you can also use sesame oil or olive oil. In place of rice, try quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter take on the dish. If you are not a fan of fiery food, simply leave out the sambal oelek or swap it for a milder chilli paste. With a little imagination there are plenty of substitutions to play with.
Drink pairing ideas
Nasi goreng goes wonderfully with a range of drinks. A refreshing homemade lemonade or an Asian tea offers a lovely contrast to the savoury flavours of the dish — much as a Cendol would cool things down at the end of a meal. For those who fancy something alcoholic, a light beer or a not-too-bold white wine pairs nicely. Fruity cocktails can make an exciting addition to your nasi goreng as well.
Serving and presentation ideas
For an attractive presentation, serve nasi goreng in a bowl and garnish with fresh herbs. A scattering of extra chopped spring onions or a few coriander leaves gives the dish that little something. You might also tuck a wedge of lime on the side, ready to be squeezed over at the table for a burst of freshness. Serving it in a coconut-style bowl plays up the Asian flair of the dish.
A bit of history
Nasi goreng has its origins in Indonesia and is now a firmly established part of Indonesian culture. The dish grew out of the practical need to use up leftover rice and went on to become a culinary highlight in its own right. It is often served as a hearty breakfast or snack and turns up in countless variations in restaurants. More than just a meal, nasi goreng is a symbol of the wonderful variety of Indonesian cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Nasi Goreng
Nasi goreng is a delicious and versatile dish that is easy to tailor to your own taste. With the right combination of fresh ingredients and spices, you end up with an authentic flavour experience. Whether you serve it as a quick lunch or as dinner with friends, nasi goreng is always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a go yourself and dive headfirst into the flavours of Indonesia!
