Balinese Nasi Goreng Recipe: Tips and Variations – Nasi goreng is a popular Indonesian fried rice dish that is known for its delicious flavors and fragrant aroma. In Bali, the nasi goreng recipe is often made with a variety of spices and ingredients that reflect the unique and diverse culinary culture of the island. Here’s a recipe for Balinese nasi goreng that you can try at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked rice
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, chopped
- 1/2 cup of diced chicken or shrimp (optional)
- 1/2 cup of diced carrots
- 1/2 cup of diced green beans
- 1/2 cup of diced cabbage
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of sweet soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of sambal oelek (Indonesian chili paste)
- Fried shallots, sliced cucumber, and tomato slices for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Vegetable oil can be heated in a wok or frying pan over medium heat. Mince the garlic and cut the shallot, then add them to the pan and cook until aromatic.
- Add the diced chicken or shrimp (if using) and cook until they are no longer pink.
- Add the diced carrots, green beans, and cabbage. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the cooked rice to the pan and stir-fry for a few minutes until heated through.
- Crack an egg into the pan and scramble it with the rice and vegetables.
- Add the kecap manis, oyster sauce, salt, black pepper, and sambal oelek. Stir-fry everything together until well combined.
- Serve the nasi goreng hot, garnished with fried shallots, sliced cucumber, and tomato slices if desired.
Tips:
- To make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, simply omit the chicken or shrimp and use a vegetable-based oyster sauce.
- If you prefer your nasi goreng to be spicier, increase the amount of sambal oelek or add a few slices of fresh chili peppers.
- Balinese nasi goreng can be served as a main dish or as a side dish to accompany other Indonesian dishes such as satay or gado-gado.
For those who adore Indonesian food, Balinese nasi goreng is a must-try. This recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite due to its delicious combination of spices and veggies. Try it out and experience Bali without leaving your house.
There are many variations of nasi goreng, and Balinese nasi goreng is no exception. You can customize this recipe to suit your personal taste preferences by adding or substituting ingredients. Here are a few ideas:
- Substitute the diced chicken or shrimp with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian or vegan version.
- Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the stir-fry for extra flavor and nutrition.
- If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to white rice, try brown.
- Add a tablespoon of tomato paste or ketchup for a tangy flavor.
- Substitute the sambal oelek with chopped fresh chili peppers for a spicier version.
- Add a teaspoon of shrimp paste (terasi) for a richer umami flavor.
Whichever twist you choose with, it’s important to strike a good balance between the dish’s flavors and textures. Bali’s nasi goreng is a crowd-pleasing staple since it’s cheap, simple, and tasty.
With its combination of aromatic spices, tender vegetables, and fluffy rice, this recipe is sure to please your taste buds and satisfy your hunger. So why not try making it at home and experience a taste of Bali? You can enjoy it as a main course or as a side dish to accompany other Indonesian dishes, and it’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch with friends and family. Bon appétit!