Nasi Goreng – Indonesian Fried Rice

Recette traditionnelle de Nasi Goreng, le riz frit indonésien facile à préparer. Ce plat authentique combine riz long grain, crevettes, épices, sauce soja foncée et œufs frits pour un repas complet et parfumé. Parfait pour utiliser du riz refroidi, cette recette rapide et savoureuse est idéale pour un déjeuner ou dîner maison.

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 shallots or 1 small onion, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tsp cornflour (cornstarch)
• 1 tsp shrimp paste
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 1 red chilli, finely chopped
• 1 tsp fish sauce
• 1 heaped tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp tamarind paste
• 1 tbsp tomato puree (tomato paste in the US)
• 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 900 g (2 lbs) cooked long grain rice (preferably cooled and refrigerated)
• 5 eggs
• 5 spring onions (scallions), chopped
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over high heat until hot.
2. Toss the sliced shallots or onion in cornflour, then add to the wok. Fry for 5-6 minutes until browned and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside in a bowl.
3. Lower the heat to medium and add another 1 tbsp oil to the wok. Add shrimp paste, garlic, and chopped red chilli. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add fish sauce, brown sugar, tamarind, tomato puree, and dark soy sauce. Stir and cook for another minute to combine the flavors.
5. Add the cooked rice to the wok and stir-fry on high heat. Use a spatula to break up any clumps and prevent sticking. Cook for about 5 minutes until the rice is heated through.
6. Push the rice to one side of the pan. Crack one egg into the empty space and scramble it gently with the spatula until partially cooked.
7. Mix the scrambled egg into the rice. Add the chopped spring onions, salt, and crispy fried shallots/onions, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to low.
8. In a separate frying pan, heat the remaining oil until hot. Fry the remaining four eggs until the edges of the whites are crisp but yolks remain runny. To speed up cooking, baste the eggs with hot oil.
9. Serve the fried rice divided into bowls, topped with a fried egg each. Optionally, serve with sweet chilli sauce on the side.

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Tips

• Use day-old rice or rice that’s been chilled to prevent clumping and ensure a better texture.
• Fry the shallots separately for added crunch and sweetness.
• Adjust the heat level by increasing or reducing the amount of red chilli.

Variations and Substitutions

• Replace shrimp paste with soy sauce or miso paste for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• Swap long grain rice for jasmine or basmati rice for a different aroma.
• Add cooked chicken, prawns, or tofu for extra protein.
• Use alternative toppings like fried shallots or sliced cucumbers for freshness.

FAQs

Q: Can I prepare nasi goreng without shrimp paste?
A: Yes, you can omit it or substitute with soy sauce, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Q: What kind of rice works best?
A: Cold, cooked long grain rice is preferred because it’s less sticky and fries better.

Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: The spice level can be adjusted by the amount of chilli used. Remove seeds for milder heat.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a fried egg on top for richness.
• Accompany with slices of fresh cucumber or tomato for a refreshing contrast.
• Offer sweet chilli sauce or sambal oelek on the side for added heat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nasi Goreng is a quick and flavorful Indonesian fried rice recipe combining savory shrimp paste, aromatic spices, and crispy shallots. It’s versatile, easy to make with leftover rice, and perfect for any meal of the day. The balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors makes it a satisfying and authentic dish that brings a taste of Indonesia to your kitchen.