Nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice)

This fried rice is pretty simple and quick to make is jam packed with flavor. Perfect any meal of the day.

📝 Ingredients

• 2/3 cup jasmine rice ((2/3 cup gives approx 2 1/3 cup cooked, 350g))
• 2 shallots
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/2 tsp belacan (also called terasi, shrimp paste (skip if don't have))
• 1/2 tbsp sambal olek (chili paste, or use 1-2 fresh red chili)
• 1 chicken tender (approx 1/2 chicken breast, optional)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or other neutral oil)
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 tbsp kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
• 6 slices tomato
• 6 slices cucumber
• 2 handfuls shrimp/prawn crackers (krupuk udang, fried if not already cooked)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1--- Ahead of time ---
2. 2If you have leftover rice, then skip these steps. Rinse then cook the rice according to packet instructions - typically a little under twice as much water to rice, cover, bring to simmer then simmer covered until water is absorbed.
3. 3One the rice has cooked, spread it out in a layer on a plate or tray and let it cool for around 2 hours. You can place in the fridge to chill further.
4. 4--- When ready to make fried rice ---
5. 5It's best to get everything prepared before you cook. Peel and finely slice the shallots and mince or finely grate the garlic. Mix together the garlic, shrimp paste and sambal olek so they are well combined. Dice the chicken into small pieces, both if fresh or already cooked, if using. Break the chilled rice up with you hands so the grains are less stuck together.
6. 6Warm the oil in a wok or wide skillet/frying pan over a medium-high heat. If the chicken is uncooked, fry it briefly, turning so that it is cooked through then remove and set aside.
7. 7Fry the eggs in the oil, keeping them separate, ideally so that the bottom becomes gently crisp but the yolk is still runny. Remove the eggs from the pan and set aside.
8. 8Add the garlic-chili paste and cook briefly, stirring constantly, then add the shallots. Cook a couple minutes to soften the shallots then add the rice.
9. 9Cook, stirring regularly, for a couple minutes so that the rice becomes well coated with the garlic and chili. Add in the kecap manis and mix through.
10. 10Add in the cooked chicken, mix through then remove from heat and serve. Divide into two portions and serve each topped with a fried egg, with around 3 slices of tomato and cucumber and a handful of shrimp crackers on the side.