Croatian-style Nasi Goreng

Ingredients

While the original Indonesian Nasi Goreng typically uses ingredients like kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) and shrimp paste, this Croatian adaptation replaces them with Croatian ingredients such as olive oil and smoked paprika. The Croatian version also incorporates local vegetables and protein options, giving it a unique twist while still maintaining the essence of the original dish. We alse have the original recipe for Nasi goreng, so you can check it out.

• 300g (10.5 oz) long-grain rice 300g (10.5 oz) long-grain rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 200g (7 oz) chicken breast, diced 200g (7 oz) chicken breast, diced
• 100g (3.5 oz) smoked sausage, sliced 100g (3.5 oz) smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 carrot, diced 1 carrot, diced
• 100g (3.5 oz) peas 100g (3.5 oz) peas
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 eggs, beaten 2 eggs, beaten
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, set aside to cool.
2. 2.
   Heat olive oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced chicken breast and smoked sausage to the pan. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and the sausage is slightly browned.
4. 4.
   Add the diced red bell pepper, carrot, and peas to the pan. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. 5.
   Push the ingredients to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the empty space. Scramble the eggs until cooked through.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked rice to the pan and mix well with the other ingredients.
7. 7.
   Drizzle soy sauce over the rice and sprinkle with smoked paprika and chili flakes (if desired). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir-fry for a few more minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
8. 8.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
9. 9.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice — Use long-grain rice for the best texture and fluffiness in the fried rice.
• Smoked sausage — Opt for a high-quality smoked sausage with robust flavors to enhance the dish.
• Soy sauce — Choose a gluten-free soy sauce if you have dietary restrictions.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili flakes to suit your taste.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added variety.
• To make it more Croatian, serve the Nasi Goreng with a side of ajvar (Croatian red pepper relish) or pickled vegetables.
• Leftover Nasi Goreng can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for a quick and delicious meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Croatian-style Nasi Goreng hot as a main course. It can be enjoyed on its own or accompanied by a fresh salad or pickled vegetables for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Croatian-style Nasi Goreng with a sprig of fresh parsley or cilantro to add a pop of color. Serve it in a vibrant bowl or on a decorative plate to make it visually appealing.