Nasi Goreng Recipe | Indonesian Fried Rice | Asian Recipes

Summary

In this episode of Pai's Kitchen, the host demonstrates how to make Nasi Goreng, a classic Indonesian fried rice dish. The recipe starts with creating a flavorful herb paste using garlic, shallots, and shrimp paste. The sauce combines sweet soy sauce, fish sauce, and sambal for a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. The dish is customizable with leftover meats, vegetables, and a fried egg on top. To complete the meal, the fried rice is served with crispy shrimp crackers, pickles, and fried shallots. The host emphasizes the dish's versatility, making it a fun, delicious option for any meal.

Takeaways

• 😀 Nasi Goreng, meaning 'fried rice' in Indonesian, is a flavorful dish with ingredients common to Thai cuisine, making it familiar and exciting for those who enjoy Thai food.
• 😀 The base of Nasi Goreng is a herb paste made with garlic, shallots, and shrimp paste. Indonesian shrimp paste is used in this recipe, but Thai shrimp paste can be a substitute.
• 😀 Sweet soy sauce, known as 'kecap manis' in Indonesia, is a key ingredient in the sauce for Nasi Goreng. It adds a thick, sweet molasses flavor to the dish.
• 😀 Sambal, a ground-up chili and vinegar mix, adds spice to the sauce for Nasi Goreng. The amount used can be adjusted according to preference.
• 😀 Nasi Goreng is a versatile dish, allowing for various proteins and vegetables. It's commonly used as a way to utilize leftover ingredients, such as shredded chicken.
• 😀 Fried eggs, specifically sunny-side-up eggs, are often served on top of Nasi Goreng as a traditional finishing touch.
• 😀 When cooking Nasi Goreng, it's important to fry the rice in a hot wok to ensure the rice gets crispy and slightly toasted.
• 😀 The dish is often topped with green onions for freshness, but other toppings such as shrimp crackers, pickled vegetables, and fried shallots are common accompaniments.
• 😀 Shrimp crackers ('krupuk') are an essential addition to Nasi Goreng. They are made from shrimp and tapioca starch, fried until golden and crispy.
• 😀 Indonesian-style pickle, made from cucumber and carrot, is often served with Nasi Goreng for a refreshing and tart contrast to the richness of the fried rice.
• 😀 The fried shallots, which can be made easily at home, add a crunchy and flavorful garnish to Nasi Goreng, providing both texture and a burst of savory taste.

Q & A

What is the main dish being prepared in this video?

The main dish being prepared is Nasi Goreng, which is Indonesian fried rice.

Why did the host fall in love with Indonesian food?

The host fell in love with Indonesian food because it shares many of the same ingredients as Thai cuisine, making the flavors familiar.

What are the key ingredients used in the herb paste for Nasi Goreng?

The key ingredients for the herb paste are garlic, shallots, and shrimp paste.

What is the difference between Indonesian and Thai shrimp paste?

Indonesian shrimp paste is generally firmer and comes in a block, while Thai shrimp paste is softer and usually comes in a tub. However, they are very similar in flavor.

What sauce is used to flavor the Nasi Goreng?

The sauce is made from Indonesian sweet soy sauce (ketchup manis), fish sauce, and sambal, which is ground-up chili and vinegar.

Can you use any type of protein in Nasi Goreng?

Yes, Nasi Goreng can include any type of leftover protein, such as shredded chicken, or even be made without any protein at all.

What is the purpose of using cold rice in the recipe?

Cold rice is used because it is easier to break apart and helps to avoid the rice becoming mushy when stir-fried.

What is a key addition to the dish at the end of cooking?

At the end of cooking, the dish is topped with a fried sunny-side-up egg.

What are some classic accompaniments to Nasi Goreng?

Classic accompaniments include shrimp crackers (krupuk), cucumber and carrot pickles, fried shallots, and green onions.

Why are shrimp crackers important for Nasi Goreng?

Shrimp crackers add a crispy texture and a salty, savory flavor that complements the rich and flavorful fried rice.