How to Make Malaysian Nasi Goreng (Fried Rice) – Authentic Recipe & Tips
Malaysian nasi goreng (fried rice) is a flavorful, spicy, and satisfying dish that is easy to prepare. Whether you’re craving a quick meal or looking for an authentic taste of Malaysia, this recipe will guide you step by step.
What is Nasi Goreng?
Nasi goreng, meaning “fried rice” in Malay and Indonesian, is a staple dish across Southeast Asia. The Malaysian version is packed with bold flavors from sweet soy sauce (kicap manis), shrimp paste (belacan), garlic, and chili. It’s commonly served with a fried egg, fried anchovies (ikan bilis), and a side of sliced cucumber.
Why is Malaysian Nasi Goreng So Popular?
- Quick & easy – Perfect for using up leftover rice.
- Bursting with umami – Thanks to belacan and soy sauce.
- Customizable – Add chicken, prawns, beef, or go vegetarian.
Ingredients for Malaysian Nasi Goreng
Here’s what you need to make an authentic plate of nasi goreng:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old for better texture)
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp shrimp paste (belacan) (optional but recommended)
- 1-2 red chilies, sliced (adjust spice level)
- 1 tbsp kicap manis (sweet soy sauce)
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp fish sauce (optional, for extra umami)
- 1 egg (for fried egg topping)
- 100g chicken, prawns, or tofu (optional)
For Garnishing:
- Fried shallots
- Fried anchovies (ikan bilis)
- Cucumber slices
- Lime wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Use cold, leftover rice for the best texture. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too soft and sticky.
- If using belacan (shrimp paste), lightly toast it in a pan for enhanced flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic, onions, chilies, and belacan. Stir-fry until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Step 3: Cook the Protein
- If using chicken, prawns, or tofu, add them now and cook until done.
Step 4: Fry the Rice
- Increase the heat to high and add the cold rice. Stir well to break up clumps.
- Pour in kicap manis, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Mix thoroughly so every grain is coated.
Step 5: Serve with Fried Egg & Garnishes
- Fry an egg separately and place it on top of the rice.
- Garnish with fried shallots, anchovies, cucumber slices, and lime wedges.
Tips for the Best Nasi Goreng
- Use cold rice – This prevents it from turning mushy.
- Cook on high heat – Helps achieve that smoky “wok hei” flavor.
- Adjust spice level – Use more chilies for extra heat or reduce them for a milder taste.
- Add more toppings – Fried tofu, satay, or even a side of sambal can elevate the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What makes Malaysian nasi goreng different from Indonesian or Thai versions?
Malaysian nasi goreng often includes belacan (shrimp paste), kicap manis (sweet soy sauce), and is served with fried anchovies and cucumber. Thai versions use fish sauce and lime, while Indonesian versions rely more on kicap manis.
2. Can I make nasi goreng without belacan?
Yes! If you don’t have belacan, substitute it with fish sauce or omit it for a milder taste.
3. What type of rice is best for nasi goreng?
Long-grain rice (like jasmine rice) works best. It stays fluffy and doesn’t clump together when fried.
4. Is nasi goreng spicy?
It can be, but you can control the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili.
5. What can I serve with nasi goreng?
Serve it with:
- Sambal (spicy chili paste)
- Acar (pickled vegetables)
- Keropok (prawn crackers)
Final Thoughts
Malaysian nasi goreng is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s easy to make at home. Whether you like it spicy, mild, with chicken, or vegetarian, this dish is highly versatile. Try it today and enjoy a taste of Malaysia in your own kitchen!
Related Recipes You May Like:
- How to Make Nasi Lemak
- Best Sambal Belacan Recipe
- Spicy Mee Goreng Mamak Recipe
Would you like more Malaysian recipes? Let me know in the comments!
