- Why is my rice clumping?
- The rice was too fresh. Fresh rice has high moisture. Use day-old, refrigerated rice where the grains have hardened slightly.
- What chili sauce should I use?
- The original is Sambal Oelek, but Sriracha or any garlic chili sauce works.
Spicy Nasi Goreng with Chili Sauce
The secret to Indonesian 'fried rice' isn't in a recipe, but in saving leftovers. Nasi Goreng is the rebirth of yesterday's rice. This version is dominated by chili, giving it not just heat, but a vibrant red color and appetizing aroma. It's for those who like their food to bite back.
Ingredients
4
cups
Cooked Jasmine Rice (Day-old, chilled)
1/2
lb
Chicken Breast Fillet
1
medium
Red Onion
3
cloves
Garlic
2
large
Eggs
2
tbsp
Chili Sauce (Sambal or Sriracha)
1
tbsp
Kecap Manis (Indonesian Sweet Soy Sauce)
3
tbsp
Vegetable Oil
1
whole
Fresh Chili Pepper
2
stalks
Green Onions
1
bunch
Fresh Cilantro
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Wok or large skillet
- Spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Egg
Soy
Wheat
Sesame
Instructions
1
✓
Break up cold rice with your hands to remove clumps. Dice chicken into small cubes, chop vegetables.
Tip: The colder and drier the rice, the better the texture after frying. (Starch retrogradation).
2
✓
Heat wok until smoking. Add a little oil and scramble the two eggs. Remove to a plate and set aside.
Tip: A hot wok and fast cooking give the signature 'Wok Hei' (breath of the wok) flavor.
3
✓
Add more oil and toss in chicken. Sauté until golden brown. Add onion, garlic, and fresh chili; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Tip: Add garlic last, as it burns quickly in hot oil and becomes bitter.
4
✓
Add the rice. Toss quickly to coat every grain in oil. Add chili sauce and soy sauce.
Tip: Drizzle soy sauce down the hot sides of the wok to caramelize it before it hits the rice.
5
✓
Fry rice on high heat, stirring/tossing constantly for 2-3 minutes. Stir in eggs and green onions.
Tip: Rice grains should 'dance' in the wok. If it sticks, the pan isn't hot enough.
6
✓
Serve hot, garnished generously with cilantro and sesame seeds.
Tip: Serve with cucumber and tomato slices to cool the heat.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 4 cups Cooked Jasmine Rice (Day-old, chilled)
- 1/2 lb Chicken Breast Fillet
- 1 medium Red Onion
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 tbsp Chili Sauce (Sambal or Sriracha)
- 1 tbsp Kecap Manis (Indonesian Sweet Soy Sauce)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1 whole Fresh Chili Pepper
- 2 stalks Green Onions
- 1 bunch Fresh Cilantro