Image by Hazim Abd Halim

Nasi goreng udang

When it comes to the culinary world, few dishes can compare to the unique flavor of Nasi Goreng Udang. A classic Indonesian dish of fried rice with shrimp, this tasty concoction is sure to tantalize the taste buds of any foodie.

Nasi goreng udang


Making its name from the words "nasi" (rice) and "goreng" (fried), Nasi Goreng Udang is a perfect balance between the succulent prawns and the savory fried rice. It is composed of a blend of spices blended with garlic, shallots and a splash of lemon juice, to give it its distinctive flavor.

The secret to this scrumptious dish is the texture of the rice. Prepared in a wok filled with oil, the rice is stirred until golden brown and crisp, then mixed with the prawns and spices. All of these flavors are melded together in a symphony of seamless harmony. Finally, the rice is plated along with an assortment of other delectables such as cucumber, tomato and fried shallots, all adding their own unique flavor to the mix.

What truly sets Nasi Goreng Udang apart from other dishes is its versatility. Whether served as a main dish or accompaniment, this delightful dish can be enjoyed all year round. To make it even more interesting, you can top it off with a tasty chilli sauce or sprinkle it with some freshly chopped cilantro for an extra kick of flavor.

Whether you try it for yourself or have it served to you, Nasi Goreng Udang is sure to provide you with a voluminous and delicious experience that won't soon be forgotten.

The origin of Nasi goreng udang

The Indonesian dish of Nasi Goreng Udang is a flavorful delight that many people enjoy. It is a rice-based dish with shrimp as the main ingredient, usually served with a complex assortment of condiments, such as sambal and achar. But how did this delectable dish come to be?

The origins of Nasi Goreng Udang extend far beyond Indonesia, to the Chinese Sailors who used to dock along the Indonesian coast during the 17th century. During those days, the sailors used to prepare a dish similar to Nasi Goreng using only the ingredients available to them at the time. Most likely, the dish was a combination of fried rice with small dried shrimps, soy sauce, garlic, and chili. Eventually, the sailors shared their recipe with the locals and as a result, a local version was created. This local version incorporated more fresh ingredients such as red chilies, lemongrass, and onion.

Over time, the locals added more of their own flavors, incorporating locally available ingredients such as kaffir lime leaves and shrimp paste, to create an even more delicious version of the original. Today, Nasi Goreng Udang still remains a popular dish in Indonesia, cooked with a variety of ingredients and spices.

While the recipe has evolved over the centuries, the central components remain the same – fried rice and shrimp. All that has changed is the complexity of the flavors. The combinations of spices, herbs, and condiments make this dish mouthwateringly scrumptious.

Whether you’re looking for a delicious meal to share or just want to recreate a centuries-old recipe, Nasi Goreng Udang is the perfect choice. With its unique blend of flavors and textures, it is sure to please any crowd.

Types of Nasi goreng udang

Ah, nasi goreng udang- a culinary delight like no other! Ahhh, if only words could do justice to this exquisite dish that finds it’s origin in Indonesian cuisine. I cannot be held accountable for my sudden cravings, every time I come across the mere thought of this eccentric and succulent treat!

Nasi goreng udang is prepared with rice and a plethora of spices and herbs, as is typical of many dishes from the region. Depending on where you are from, you may find different varieties of the dish; influenced by the ingredients available and local cultures. Of course, one thing that stands true about all nasi goreng udang is its sumptuousness; it is simply irresistible!

There is, however, a variation known as the “West Sumatran nasi goreng udang”; beloved for its countless number of herbs, spices, and ingredients. Its taste is quite distinct from the regular one, owing to its spiciness and richness. Not to mention, it usually has a component of prawns; making it even more delectable.

On the other hand, another variant of nasi goreng udang is the “East Java nasi goreng udang”; which is prepared with a lot of tempeh and tofu. This one is highly nutritious and typically served with a variety of condiments. Typically, meat is omitted in this version as it is mostly focused on plant-based ingredients and flavors.

Finally, there is the “Bali nasi goreng udang”; a classic example of Balinese cuisine. This version often uses fresh prawns and shrimps, along with a medley of shrimp paste, chilies, turmeric, and other awe-inspiring ingredients. It is then served either with a fried egg or slices of fried chicken. Its flavor is certainly intense, yet so addictive!

No matter what part of Indonesia you are from, nasi goreng udang is bound to bring delight to your palate! From its fragrant aroma, to its complex layers of flavor, this dish is truly an embodiment of Indonesian culinary tradition. So, why not take a journey through these scrumptious variations, and enjoy the best of this mouth-watering delicacy?