| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 360 | 8g | 2g | 50g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 3g | 20g | 1g |
A dish that has my heart leaping with delight, the Indonesian Fried Rice (Nasi Goreng) with Indonesian Bay Leaf is not your everyday fruit-based recipe. At first glance, you might think it’s a familiar bowl of fried rice, but look closer and you’ll discover a symphony of flavors and textures waiting to enchant your taste buds.
The Fusion of Flavours
Growing up in Atlanta, with a Nigerian heritage, I have always had a fondness for fusing flavors in my dishes. This recipe, with its blend of stunning Indonesian spices and bold colors, reminds me vaguely of some southern staples, like jambalaya. Yet, it also has a distinct taste of West African jollof rice, echoing my Nigerian roots.
The key to its unique flavor profile is the multitude of ingredients, each bringing something special to the table – the sweetness of pineapple, the heat from red chili, and the distinct aroma of Indonesian bay leaves. The combination might sound unusual, but once you try it, it’s a flavor journey that’s hard not to savor.
Not only will this dish add a twist to your regular dinner rotation, but it’s a perfect contender when you’re hosting a dinner party or a summer brunch.
Health Benefits
Food is not just about taste. As a lawyer, my days are often busy and stressful. I need meals that are not only delicious but also nutritious and easy to whip up. This fried rice recipe is not only flavour-packed but also densely nutritious.
It has a good balance of proteins from chicken and prawns, essential nutrients from the assortment of vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, peas, and sweetcorn. Furthermore, eggs add an extra protein punch, and pineapple offers a vibrant burst of vitamins and fiber.
If you’re looking for an Indonesian dish that is similar to Nasi Goreng, you might want to try Indonesian-Style Rice. The recipe uses a similar approach to build a high-flavor profile with simple ingredients. Also, for a perfect dining experience, pair this recipe with Cucumber and Pineapple Pickles, a classic Indonesian side dish.
Whether I’m enjoying a quiet dinner at home with my partner or cooking for friends and family, this Indonesian Fried Rice (Nasi Goreng) with Indonesian Bay Leaf recipe effortlessly merges my love for Southern and West African dishes with a fresh, Indonesian twist. It’s a dish that not only satiates your belly but also your soul.
What You’ll Need
- 3 cups of cooked jasmine rice
- 3 Indonesian bay leaves
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red chili, finely chopped
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup of diced pineapple
- 1/2 cup of peas
- 1/2 cup of sweetcorn
- 6 large prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1 chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step One
First, heat up the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add in the minced garlic, chopped shallots, and chopped red chili. Stir fry these ingredients until they are fragrant.
Step Two
Next, add the Indonesian bay leaves, diced chicken breast and prawns to the wok. Continue to stir fry until the chicken and prawns are fully cooked and turn a golden color.
Step Three
Then, push the sautéed ingredients to one side of the wok. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side, scrambling them immediately until they’re fully cooked. Once this is done, blend the eggs with the rest of the ingredients in the wok.
Step Four
Add the chopped carrot, chopped red bell pepper, peas, and sweet corn to the wok. Continue to stir fry all of these ingredients together until the vegetables are tender.
Step Five
Now, add the cooked jasmine rice to the wok. Break up any clumps in the rice and toss it well with the other ingredients.
In this stage, add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Continue to mix all of these ingredients together until they’re combined and the rice is heated through.
Step Six
Add the diced pineapple and chopped green onions to the wok. Toss these together with the other ingredients, making sure they’re evenly distributed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step Seven
Fry the ingredients together for a few more minutes, and then your Indonesian fried rice with Indonesian bay leaf is ready to serve!
Enjoy this aromatic and savory dish while it’s hot.
