Nasi Goreng – Indonesian Fried Rice Flavours with Supermarket Ingredients

kecap manis

🥗Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

💰Cheaper: regular soy sauce + sugar

Low-sodium soy sauce reduces salt intake while maintaining flavor.

fried shallots

🥗Healthier: baked shallots

💰Cheaper: onions

Baked shallots are lower in fat, while onions add sweetness.

chicken

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: tempeh

Tofu is a plant-based protein that is often more affordable.

shrimp

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: canned tuna

Canned tuna offers a budget-friendly protein alternative.

Toast the anchovies to intensify umami and reduce brininess.

Make the paste by chopping garlic, shallots, and fresh chilies finely or using a food processor.

Cook the paste in a pan with preserved oil from the anchovies, browning it to get a signature aroma.

Add day-old cooked rice to the pan, ensuring it is dry to prevent clumping.

Adjust the amount of oil to coat each grain of rice slightly.

Add soy sauce for color and umami, tasting as you go to balance with brown sugar.

Incorporate Worcestershire sauce towards the end for added flavor without losing pungency.

Caramelize the mixture bit by bit until everything is glossy.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens