Beef Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)

Discover the rich and savoury world of Indonesian cuisine with this tantalizing Nasi Goreng, a flavorful fried rice delight featuring beef mince, enhanced by a sweet and umami-packed soy sauce with a hint of spice.

What is Nasi Goreng

Nasi Goreng, a delightful Indonesian dish, is a flavourful fried rice creation that immerses you in the rich and savory world of Indonesian cuisine. It achieves a harmonious blend of sweet, savoury, and umami-rich flavors, featuring a protein, vibrant vegetables, and a soy sauce that delivers both sweetness and umami depth. While traditionally prepared with chicken or shrimp, my personal preference leans towards savouring the indulgent twist of beef mince (ground beef).

I was initially introduced to the culinary delight of Nasi Goreng several years ago. My first encounter with this dish involved thin strips of egg, almost resembling a delicate omelette. However, over time, my family's taste has evolved to embrace the more popular choice of a fried egg crowning the fragrant fried rice, creating a luxurious union of flavours.

Calories in Nasi Goreng

These delicious Nasi Goreng serves four people and has 506 calories per serving (no sides).

If you're looking for more recipes within the same calorie range, you'll find an abundance of options in my dedicated collection of 500+ calorie recipes.

If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie intake using a reliable calorie calculator. Please note that the calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Personalizing your calculations is essential to meet your individual needs. By using a calorie calculator, you can make informed choices and stay on track with your dietary goals.

Ingredients for Beef Nasi Goreng

To prepare these yummy Nasi Goreng, here are some notes on the ingredients used:

1. Beef Mince (Ground Beef): use extra lean 5% fat to keep the calories low.
2. Onion: I use a regular white onion
3. Red Bell Pepper: Not usually traditional to the dish, but I like to add it.
4. Garlic: fresh garlic minced, but lazy or jarred mince garlic is fine also.
5. Sambal Oelek: This will add some heat to the dish, so omit if you don't like spicy food. You can also use one fresh red chilli, chopped if you can't get this.
6. Tomato Paste (Puree) - this is concentrated tomato paste
7. Soy Sauce: In traditional Nasi Goreng, Kecap Manis, a sweet Indonesian soy sauce, is typically used. However, for greater accessibility, I opt for a blend of light and dark soy sauce along with the maple syrup mentioned below.
8. Maple Syrup: This helps replicated the sweetness in this dish, you can use honey if you prefer or a granulated sweetener (the latter won't create the same gloss or caramelization)
9. Shrimp Paste: This can be found at most asian grocery stores, if you can't get this a simple swap for fish sauce will work fine.
10. Cold Cooked Rice: Cold cooked rice is essential for this recipe's success. Avoid cooking it on the same day and using it hot, as it will result in a sticky texture. Instead, prepare the rice a day in advance, cool it, and refrigerate it until you're ready to use it. For the right rice-to-water ratio, start with approximately 1 cup (180g) of uncooked rice. Any type of white rice will work, and I personally prefer Kokuho Rose rice, a short-grain white rice, which might not be traditional for Nasi Goreng but works perfectly for fried rice dishes.
11. Cooking Oil: Cooking oil choice is flexible, but opting for one with a high smoke point is ideal. While a low-calorie spray can suffice if you prefer a lighter option, for the best fried rice experience, a touch of regular oil is well worth it.
12. Spring Onions (Green Onions) - this are for colour and are added at the end.
13. Eggs - fried preferably with a soft yolk and served on top

Once you've gathered all the ingredients and prepared them accordingly, you're all set to create this easy and delightful recipe.

See the recipe card for specific quantities and instructions.

What is Umami?

Wondering what Umami is? It's often called the 'savoury taste' and is one of the five fundamental flavors, alongside sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. It's that rich, meaty savoriness that adds depth to dishes, found in ingredients like tomatoes, mushrooms, soy sauce, and aged cheeses. It's the secret ingredient that makes food taste incredibly delicious.

This delicious Nasi Goreng is packed with umami flavor, making it a family-favourite dish.

Sides for Nasi Goreng

Nasi Goreng is traditionally served with a side of sliced cucumber and tomatoes, adding a refreshing contrast that complements the bold flavors of the fried rice.

The other star of the show is typically a fried egg, but for those who aren't fans of fried eggs, thin strips of seasoned omelette make an excellent alternative.

If you're looking to dial up the heat, consider garnishing your Nasi Goreng with sliced red chili. For an extra burst of flavor, I personally enjoy adding a small handful of fresh coriander (cilantro), although it's not a traditional component of the dish.

To introduce a delightful crunch, stir-fried bean sprouts are another fantastic side option that pairs perfectly with this flavorful dish. The beauty of Nasi Goreng lies in its versatility, allowing you to customize your meal to suit your taste preferences.

More Rice Recipes

Are you in search of more low calorie recipes with rice? Look no further! Here are some great choices below:

• One Pot Savoury Rice
• Orange Ginger Chicken Fried Rice
• Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bowl
• One Pot Coconut Chicken Curry Rice
• Spicy Beef, Beans and Rice
• One Pot Cowboy Rice
• One Pot Cuban Style Rice (with Chicken and Sausage)

or if you would like more recipe ideas or sides to make with this recipe - head on over to the FULL RECIPE INDEX where you will find over 900 delicious recipes with calories and you can search by meal type, ingredients, course, diet and more.

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