National Dish Netherlands: Nasi Goreng (Recipe)
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Say hello to Nasi Goreng, the fragrant fried-rice dish that has earned a place at the heart of Dutch home cooking! Carried across the seas from Indonesia, it pairs day-old rice with bold spices, fresh vegetables and your choice of tender chicken or tofu. Quick to throw together and endlessly forgiving, it turns leftovers into a vibrant midweek supper. One panful and you will understand why this colourful classic is loved from Amsterdam to Rotterdam.
About Nasi Goreng
Nasi Goreng is not just a delicious dish but also the national dish of the Netherlands, shaped heavily by Indonesian cuisine. This spiced rice dish brings together a host of aromatic spices, fresh vegetables and tender meat or tofu, making it a firm favourite for both lunch and dinner. The sheer variety of ingredients means everyone can tailor it to their own taste. Whether you choose chicken, prawns or keep it fully vegetarian, Nasi Goreng never disappoints.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 250 g cooked rice (ideally from the day before)
- 100 g chicken breast or tofu
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 carrot
- 100 g peas
- 2–3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sambal oelek (to taste)
- 2 eggs
- Oil for frying
- Fresh spring onions and coriander, to garnish
Shopping for the ingredients
To make Nasi Goreng you will need a handful of fresh ingredients that are easy to find in both the supermarket and the weekly market. Make sure the rice is already cooked to keep the preparation time short. If you go for tofu, choose a firm variety that holds its shape well during frying. Don’t forget the spices and sauces that give the dish its character — these are often stocked in Asian grocery shops.
Preparing the dish
Good preparation is key to a successful Nasi Goreng. Start by chopping all the ingredients small: the vegetables should be diced finely so they cook quickly and evenly. If you plan to use eggs, beat them ahead of time so they can be stirred easily into the mixture later. The pre-cooked rice should be free of clumps, so it pays to loosen it briefly with a fork.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan or a wok.
- Add the onion and garlic and fry until golden brown.
- Add the meat or tofu to the pan and fry for around 5 minutes.
- Stir in the vegetables and keep frying, stirring constantly.
- Add the rice, followed by the soy sauce and sambal oelek.
- Push the rice mixture to one side and fry the eggs in the pan.
- Mix everything together well once more and garnish with spring onions and coriander.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
To make Nasi Goreng without gluten, simply reach for gluten-free soy sauce. There are also other sauces available that contain no gluten-based ingredients. For a lactose-free version, just use plant-based alternatives in place of butter or in your cooking. Be creative and shape the dish to suit your own taste!
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan version of Nasi Goreng, the egg can easily be swapped for a plant-based egg alternative. Tofu or tempeh are excellent protein sources that fold neatly into the dish — much like the crisp, savoury bites in a Tempeh Goreng. Be sure to use fresh vegetables for extra nutrients and flavour. With a generous range of spices, you can build a real depth of flavour here too.
More tips and tricks
One important tip for making Nasi Goreng is to let the rice cool after cooking and, ideally, store it in the fridge overnight. This firms the rice up and makes it much easier to fry. Experiment with the ingredients and try different kinds of vegetables or meat. Season to taste to turn the dish into your own personal highlight!
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Not a fan of peas or carrots? No problem! Nasi Goreng is easy to adapt to your personal preferences. Add broccoli, peppers or courgette instead to enjoy fresh new flavours. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations — it is exactly what keeps cooking exciting and varied. The same easy-going spirit shines through in a hearty plate of Surinaamse Bami.
Ingredient substitutions
If you don’t have chicken breast to hand, you can also use pork or prawns. Vegetarians can boost things further with chickpeas or lentils for a nourishing protein source. Some recipes also use curry paste to add another dimension of flavour. The possibilities are wide open — so don’t hold back on being creative!
Drink pairing ideas
A range of drinks goes well with Nasi Goreng, each underlining the dish’s spicy character. A chilled Asian beer such as Tsingtao, or a crisp white wine, can be a fine choice. For alcohol-free options, a fresh lemonade or a cup of green tea are well worth considering, as they not only taste good but also complement the flavours of the food.
Serving and presentation ideas
An attractive presentation makes Nasi Goreng even more enjoyable. Serve the dish on colourful plates and garnish with fresh herbs and lime wedges. A nicely set table with a good atmosphere invites everyone to dig in and turns the meal into something special. Use different bowls for sides or sauces to create a stylish spread — the kind you might find at a traditional Rijsttafel.
A bit of history
Nasi Goreng has its origins in Indonesian cooking but became a fixture of Dutch food culture through the colonial past. The dish embodies the versatility and richness of Asian cuisine and has held a high place in people’s hearts to this day. The many ways of preparing and varying it reflect the cultural influences that have shaped the Netherlands over the years. Many families have passed their own recipes down through generations, making Nasi Goreng all the more special — a cornerstone of modern Dutch cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Nasi Goreng
In short, Nasi Goreng is a versatile and flavour-packed dish that blends the influences of Indonesian cooking with a Dutch flair. With simple ingredients and a quick recipe, you can put together a delicious meal in no time, one that delights on any occasion. Whether made with meat, tofu or kept fully vegan, the ways to adapt it are practically endless. Dive into Dutch food culture and savour every bite of Nasi Goreng!
