Here Are 15 Types Of Nasi Goreng You Have To Try If You Haven't Already
Though a Malaysian staple, I bet you didn't know there were this many variations (and more) of the classic Nasi Goreng.
1. Nasi Goreng Biasa
The simplest on the list, and the kickstarter of all the Nasi Goreng. Add some soy sauce to brown the colour and give it some flavour. There you have it!
2. Nasi Goreng Ayam Kunyit
While there's not much to be said about the fried rice in this version, more attention and detail is fixated on the chicken bits itself. For the Nasi Goreng Ayam Kunyit, marinate the chicken bits in turmeric and leave them to sit for a fair amount of time before frying them up. The trick here is to fry the rice in the same batter as the turmeric chicken so you maximise on the bountiful flavours.
3. Nasi Goreng Ikan Masin
Incorporating salted fish, Nasi Goreng Ikan Masin is bound to give your smell senses just as much of an adventure as your flavour palette. Together with some diced onions and fried egg, just look out to make sure you don't get any fish bones on your plate.
4. Nasi Goreng Belacan
A relatively simple dish to create, cooks will only require two ingredients to add to your fried rice: belacan and dried shrimp. Cooked with care and precision, this dish is bound to give even the most spicy eaters a run for their money. If you want to add more flavour, incorporating some shrimp and chopped sausage pieces will surely tie this fried rice together.
5. Nasi Goreng Daging
If you're thinking about making a scrumptious beef curry, add some cooked rice into the mix and you can get yourself a curry-flavoured masterpiece. Nasi Goreng Daging, though pretty self-explanatory, is a spicy wonderland on a plate. Graze on the chunks of meat to complement the aromatic rice.
6. Nasi Goreng Ladna
Bet you didn't know fried rice could swim? Nasi Goreng Ladna is a relatively saltier version of the classic, gilded with seafood and vegetables in a thick, gooey broth. Made primarily of oyster sauce, this item is actually one of the better variations of fried rice regardless of it's strange visual appearance.
7. Nasi Goreng USA
No, Barack Obama did not come to Malaysia and create this dish. In actuality, Nasi Goreng USA stands for 'udang', 'sotong', and 'ayam'. Though you may choose to swap out the chicken for beef instead, the addition of red sauce and a fried egg are just as essential as the U.S.A.
8. Nasi Goreng Pattaya
Similar to the USA, Nasi Goreng Pattaya has nothing to do with Thailand. It is however, one of the more visually appealing items on the menu. Enclosed in a thin omelette wrap, this fried rice is bundled up warmly with chilli sauce drizzled on the top of the omelette.
9. Nasi Goreng Petai
I won't argue with anyone that tells me how petai beans are for those with an acquired taste. I will however challenge anyone who won't try Nasi Goreng Petai. Rich in flavour and plump in size, the addition of petai to jasmine rice, anchovies, and some cut chilli slices will certainly boost our classic fried rice to an appetising dish.
10. Nasi Goreng Nyonya
Comforting and hearty, Nasi Goreng Nyonya is a Peranakan household favourite. With fairly simple ingredients, the use of dried prawns, shallots, sambal paste, and scrambled eggs are everyday items you can find in any kitchen. If you're out of ideas of what to try next, this would be a good option to add to your cooking list.
11. Nasi Goreng Mamak
If you want a dash of curry for your fried rice, look no further! Together with Maggi instant-noodle curry powder and some additional condiments such as fishcakes, tofu, and fried veggies, Nasi Goreng Mamak will hit the spot if you need a late-night snack.
12. Nasi Goreng Paprik
Now this one actually is from Thailand, though Malaysians have given it our own twist. Nasi Goreng Paprik is essentially fried rice cooked in a sautéed chilli paste with vegetables and chicken. Adding more diversity to the plate, it is sometimes accompanied with fish or prawn crackers.
13. Nasi Goreng Tomyam
Infused with the herbs of lemongrass and fish sauce, Nasi Goreng Tomyam is rich in the typical Thai flavours that we have come to incorporate as our own. Packed with seafood condiments including squid, prawns, and lime for a squirt of zest, those who haven't tried this one yet are sure missing a heavy-hitter among the fried rice family.
14. Nasi Goreng Nanas
This version of fried rice comes with the food, and the bowl. Nasi Goreng Nanas is infused with the sweet flavours from chopped up pineapple pieces. Typically served in a halved pineapple, the amalgamation of cashew nuts and jumbo shrimp have grown to become part of the signature of this fried rice.
15. Nasi Lemak Goreng
When two classics collide, most of the time, it's a good thing. Instead of using fried rice, try the beloved Nasi Lemak with fried rice as an alternative. With sambal belacan, anchovies, and a fried egg, couple these typical fried rice ingredients with sliced cucumbers, a boiled egg, and raw peanuts to tie this unique arrangement together.