Vegetarian Nasi Goreng

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Anna Middleton (@chefanna)

This vegetarian nasi goreng is a delightful twist on the classic Indonesian fried rice. With a medley of vibrant vegetables, crunchy macadamia nuts, and a rich sambal paste, this dish is a flavor explosion. The crispy onions add a satisfying crunch, while the garnish of spring onions and lime wedges...

Vegetarian Nasi Goreng  recipe
Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
1hr

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 plate)

Main Ingredients

  • Basmati Rice
    Basmati Rice
    3cups
  • Red Onion, sliced fine
    Red Onion, sliced fine
    1
  • Petit Peas, defrosted
    Petit Peas, defrosted
    1cup
  • Red Pepper (cubed)
    Red Pepper (cubed)
    1
  • carrots (cubed)
    carrots (cubed)
    1cup
  • Sheem beans (shelled & steamed)
    Sheem beans (shelled & steamed)
    1/2cup
  • macadamia nuts (coursely chopped & toasted)
    macadamia nuts (coursely chopped & toasted)
    1cup
  • Kecap Menis (sweet soy sauce)
    Kecap Menis (sweet soy sauce)
    5tbsp

Sambal

  • Red Chillis (deseeded)
    Red Chillis (deseeded)
    4
  • turmeric
    turmeric
    1/4tsp
  • Garlic
    Garlic
    3clove
  • ginger (minced)
    ginger (minced)
    1tbsp
  • Chopped tomatoes (canned)
    Chopped tomatoes (canned)
    4tbsp
  • Lemon Grass (sliced)
    Lemon Grass (sliced)
    2tbsp
  • Peanut Oil
    Peanut Oil
    2tbsp
  • Fish Sauce
    Fish Sauce
    2tbsp
  • Salt
    Salt
    1tsp
  • Juice of 1 lime
    Juice of 1 lime
    1

Crispy Onions

  • onions (thinly sliced)
    onions (thinly sliced)
    2cups
  • rice flour
    rice flour
    1cup
  • Vegetable Oil for frying
    Vegetable Oil for frying
  • Sea Salt
    Sea Salt
    pinch

Garnish

  • Chopped Spring Onions
    Chopped Spring Onions
    2tbsp
  • Cocktail Tomatoes (quartered)
    Cocktail Tomatoes (quartered)
    1cup
  • Cucumber (deseeded & diagonally sliced)
    Cucumber (deseeded & diagonally sliced)
    1cup
  • Lime Wedges
    Lime Wedges
  • Fried Egg
    Fried Egg

How to make Vegetarian Nasi Goreng

Cooking the Rice

  1. Step 1

    Cook the rice until al dente.

Preparing the Sambal

  1. Step 1

    Add all the sambal ingredients to a blender and blitz until it’s a smooth paste.

Stir Frying

  1. Step 1

    Preheat a wok over high heat, add vegetable oil & chopped onions. Sautee until golden brown. Add thr carrots & sautee for 5 min, then add the red peppers. Add 5 tablespoons of the sambal. Cook for 5 min, stirring often.

  2. Step 2

    When the rice is cooked, rinse and drain, then add it to the wok. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes, ensuring the rice doesn't stick and burn.

  3. Step 3

    Stir in the kecap menis, peas, sheem beans, and macadamia nuts. Once the rice is beautifully coated in all the flavors, turn off the heat.

Making Crispy Onions

  1. Step 1

    Heat a small pot filled halfway with vegetable oil to around 180 degrees. Dip the onions in rice flour until fully coated, then deep fry in the hot oil until golden.

Serving

  1. Step 1

    Sprinkle the crispy fried onions over the nasi goreng, with sliced spring onion, fried egg, and garnish with lime wedges on the side.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

632.5kcal (31.62%)

Protein

15.0g (30%)

Carbs

80.0g (29.09%)

Sugars

12.5g (25%)

Healthy Fat

20.3g

Unhealthy Fat

5.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the onions by dipping a wooden spoon into the oil. If bubbles form around the wood, the oil is ready.

  2. Adjust the sambal's spiciness by adding more or fewer chilies according to your taste.

FAQS

  1. Can I use a different type of rice?

    Yes, you can use other types of rice, but long grain rice is preferred for its texture.

  2. Is there a substitute for macadamia nuts?

    You can use cashews or almonds as a substitute for macadamia nuts.

  3. How can I make this dish spicier?

    Add more red chilies to the sambal or include chili flakes when stir-frying.

  4. Can I make this dish vegan?

    Yes, simply omit the fried egg garnish to make it vegan.

  5. What can I serve with nasi goreng?

    Nasi goreng can be served with a side of pickled vegetables or a simple cucumber salad.

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Anna Middleton

(@chefanna)

I have been a professional South African chef for 18 years, now teaching kids & adults how to cook by using their instincts. I...

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