Nasi Goreng Sunda

Nasi Goreng Sunda is an Indonesian fried rice dish that originates from the Sundanese people of West Java. Distinguished by its unique blend of local spices, this dish is a staple in Sundanese cuisine, offering a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Over time, it has become one of the most beloved variations of fried rice not just in Indonesia, but across Southeast Asia.

History of Nasi Goreng Sunda

The Sundanese are known for their fresh and simple cooking style, utilizing an abundance of local herbs and spices. Nasi Goreng Sunda is traditionally made using leftover rice from previous meals, which is stir-fried with a variety of aromatic ingredients. This practice was born out of necessity to minimize food waste and has transformed into a beloved culinary tradition.

Ingredients

• Rice - 4 cups of cooked and cooled white rice
• Shallots - 4 cloves, thinly sliced
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Kecap Manis - 3 tablespoons, sweet soy sauce
• Chili Paste - 1 tablespoon, adjust to taste
• Shrimp - 200g, peeled and deveined
• Chicken - 200g, sliced thinly
• Eggs - 2, beaten
• Vegetable Oil - 4 tablespoons
• Salt - 1 teaspoon, or to taste
• Pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Spring Onion - 2 stalks, chopped
• Cucumber - sliced for garnishing
• Tomato - sliced for garnishing
• Fried Shallots - for extra crunch
• Kerupuk - Indonesian crackers, for serving

Preparation

To prepare Nasi Goreng Sunda, you will need to ensure all your ingredients are ready and prepared as described. Cook and cool the rice in advance. Cooling the rice is crucial as it helps the grains separate easily and prevents them from getting mushy during frying.

Cooking Process

Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics

In a large wok or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and minced garlic, frying until they become fragrant and golden brown.

Step 2: Cook the Proteins

Add the shrimp and chicken to the pan. Stir-fry until the proteins are cooked through, which should take about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

Push all the ingredients to the side of the pan and add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the empty space. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until just set. Mix the scrambled eggs with the rest of the ingredients in the pan.

Step 4: Fry the Rice

Add the rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps as you go along. Ensure that the rice is well-coated with the aromatics, proteins, and scrambled eggs.

Step 5: Season the Rice

Pour over the kecap manis and chili paste, stirring to evenly distribute the sauces throughout the rice. Season with salt and pepper according to your preference.

Garnishing and Serving

Once everything is well combined and heated through, turn off the heat and mix in the chopped spring onion. Plate the Nasi Goreng Sunda and garnish with slices of cucumber and tomato. Sprinkle with fried shallots for an added crunch, and serve with kerupuk on the side.

How to Enjoy Nasi Goreng Sunda

This dish can be enjoyed as a hearty meal at any time of the day. It's commonly served with a sunny side up egg on top for extra richness. The interplay of textures and flavors in Nasi Goreng Sunda makes it a satisfying and invigorating meal. Pair it with a refreshing beverage like iced tea or a traditional Indonesian drink like cendol to enhance the dining experience.

For an authentic touch, set the table with banana leaves as placemats, adding to the visual and aromatic appeal of this Sundanese delight.