Nasi Goreng Ayam (Indonesian Chicken Fried Rice)
Nasi goreng, which translates to “fried rice,” is one of Indonesia's best-known dishes, and it’s prepared in numerous ways around the world. Like many other fried rice recipes, this version, from the chef Lara Lee’s “Coconut & Sambal,” blends crunchy vegetables with piquant rice, but the addition of ginger and white pepper offer spice and aroma, while kecap manis, a velvety sauce, adds a slightly sweet balance to the dish. Don’t skimp on the fried egg or the fried shallots; both add essential crunch and texture. This is an ideal for a dinner for two.
- Total:
- Serves: 2 persons
Ingredients
- 2boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 7 ounces total), cut into bite-size cubes
- ¼teaspoon sea salt and a scant 1/8 teaspoon white pepper, plus more as needed
- 3tablespoons coconut oil or sunflower oil
- 2shallots, preferably Thai, or 1 small banana shallot, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1(3-inch) piece fresh galangal (or ginger), peeled and woody stem removed, finely chopped
- 2garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1cup green beans, chopped
- 2scallions, chopped into large chunks
- ¼teaspoon ground turmeric
- 3 ½ounces uncooked jasmine or basmati rice, cooked and cooled (about 3 cups)
- 2tablespoons store-bought or homemade kecap manis (see Note for recipe)
- 2teaspoons light soy sauce
- 1 ½teaspoons fish sauce
- 2large eggs, or duck eggs
- 1tablespoon store-bought or homemade crisp fried shallots
- ½long red chile, such as cayenne, thinly sliced
- Prawn crackers, for serving
Instructions
Step 1
In a medium bowl, season the chicken pieces with the salt and white pepper.Step 2
In a large wok or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over high heat until it melts or shimmers. Fry the chicken, stirring frequently, until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.Step 3
Add another 1 tablespoon oil to the pan, then add the shallot, galangal and garlic, and cook over medium-high until fragrant. Add the green beans, scallions and turmeric and cook for 1 minute.Step 4
Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a wooden spoon and stirring until combined and warmed.Step 5
Return the chicken to the pan. Stir in the kecap manis, light soy sauce, fish sauce, a large pinch of white pepper, and extra salt if needed.Step 6
Meanwhile, fry the eggs: Place a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Once shimmering, crack the eggs directly into the oil. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the whites are partially cooked. Tilt the pan and spoon the hot oil over the egg whites until they are fully cooked. Season with salt.Step 7
Divide the fried rice between two serving plates and top with the fried shallots, sliced chile and fried eggs; serve with crackers.