Nassi Goreng
Nassi Goreng is a flavorful Indonesian fried rice dish with pork, shrimp, and spices, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal with bold, aromatic flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw rice ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons oil ⓘ
- 3/4 pound lean pork, cubed ⓘ
- 2 onions, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sambal
- 1 teaspoon powdered ginger
- 1 teaspoon laos, ketoembar or trassi (optional) ⓘ
- 2 leeks, cut into rings
- 1/2 cup baby shrimp, peeled ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon ketchup or soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped celery tops ⓘ
- 2 eggs
- 2 tomatoes, sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to the package directions and set aside to cool.
- Heat the oil in a heavy saucepan and brown the pork quickly over high heat.
- Add onions, garlic, salt, pepper, sambal, ginger, and optional spices; sauté for 5 minutes.
- Add leeks and sauté for another 2 minutes.
- Add the cooled rice and cook for a few minutes over high heat, stirring constantly.
- Add shrimp, ketchup or soy sauce, and chopped celery tops; heat through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the pork in soy sauce and ginger before cooking. You can substitute the pork with chicken or tofu for a different protein option. If you prefer a spicier dish, add more sambal or fresh chili. Using leftover rice can make this dish quicker to prepare, just ensure it's well-cooled before frying.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Nassi Goreng hot, garnished with sliced tomatoes and chopped celery tops for freshness. It pairs beautifully with a side of cucumber salad or fried eggs on top for added richness. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a spicy sambal or pickled vegetables on the side for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply stir-fry in a pan over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking. This dish can also be frozen for up to a month; just thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nassi Goreng contains roughly 1399 calories, with 21g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 133g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2280mg per serving (99% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Nassi Goreng vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make Nassi Goreng vegetarian by substituting the pork with firm tofu or tempeh and ensuring the sauces used are plant-based. Increase the amount of vegetables for added texture and nutrition, and feel free to experiment with additional spices for depth of flavor.
What type of rice is best for Nassi Goreng?
Jasmine rice is ideal for Nassi Goreng due to its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture, which holds up well when stir-fried. However, you can also use long-grain rice or basmati if you prefer a firmer texture. Just make sure the rice is cooked and cooled before adding it to the pan.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the spiciness of Nassi Goreng, add more sambal or incorporate fresh chilies into the stir-fry. You can also use chili oil for an extra kick. For those who love heat, consider serving sliced fresh chilies on the side or mixing in some chili flakes with the rice.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).