Nasi Goreng Cina Recipe (Chinese Style Fried Rice)

Cooked rice: Preferably day-old, as it provides the best texture for fried rice.

Vegetable oil: Used for stir-frying the ingredients.

Garlic: Adds a fragrant aroma and depth of flavor.

Onion: Provides a savory base for the dish.

Carrots: Adds sweetness and color to the fried rice.

Peas: Contributes a pop of color and texture.

Corn: Adds a touch of sweetness and crunch.

Eggs: Scrambled into the rice for added protein and richness.

Soy sauce: Provides a salty, umami flavor that ties the dish together.

Sesame oil: Adds a nutty, aromatic finish to the fried rice.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth.

Green onions: Used as a fresh garnish to brighten the dish.

To achieve the best texture for your fried rice, always use day-old cooked rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and can result in a mushy dish. Spread the rice out on a baking sheet and refrigerate it overnight to dry it out slightly. This will help the grains stay separate and give your Nasi Goreng Cina that perfect, slightly chewy texture.

• day-old cooked rice - Substitute with freshly cooked rice: If you don't have day-old rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool and dry out for a few hours.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it a good alternative for frying.

• garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Use ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic to maintain the garlic flavor.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder, sweeter taste and can be used in place of onions in equal amounts.

• carrots, peas, corn mixed vegetables - Substitute with frozen mixed vegetables: Frozen mixed vegetables are convenient and often contain a similar mix of vegetables.

• eggs - Substitute with tofu: Crumbled tofu can be used as a vegan alternative to eggs, providing a similar texture.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce with a similar flavor profile.

• sesame oil - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil has a nutty flavor that can mimic the taste of sesame oil in a pinch.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add both saltiness and umami flavor to the dish.

• green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives have a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a garnish.

• Allow the cooked rice to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the rice soggy.

• Transfer the Nasi Goreng Cina into an airtight container. Make sure to use a container that seals well to maintain the freshness of the fried rice.

• Label the container with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of how long the rice has been stored.

• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the fried rice within 3-4 days. The cool temperature will keep the vegetables and eggs fresh.

• For longer storage, place the airtight container in the freezer. The fried rice can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its flavor and texture.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the fried rice in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing helps maintain the integrity of the rice and vegetables.

• Reheat the Nasi Goreng Cina in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable oil to prevent sticking and to revive the flavors.

• Stir-fry until the fried rice is heated through, making sure to break up any clumps. This ensures even heating and restores the original texture.

• Optionally, you can add a bit more soy sauce or sesame oil during reheating to enhance the flavors.

• Garnish with freshly chopped green onions before serving to add a touch of freshness and color.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of vegetable oil or sesame oil to the skillet.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover Nasi Goreng Cina.
  4. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, breaking up any clumps of rice.
  5. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the rice is heated through.
  6. Optionally, you can add a splash of soy sauce or a bit more sesame oil for extra flavor.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover Nasi Goreng Cina in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a tablespoon of water or broth to keep the rice moist.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small corner open for steam to escape.
  4. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, then stir the rice.
  5. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the rice is heated through.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the leftover Nasi Goreng Cina evenly in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the rice from drying out.
  4. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is thoroughly heated.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you prefer a slightly crispy texture.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Place the leftover Nasi Goreng Cina in a heatproof bowl.
  2. Set up a steamer and bring the water to a boil.
  3. Place the bowl in the steamer and cover with a lid.
  4. Steam for about 5-10 minutes or until the rice is heated through.
  5. Stir the rice halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Wok: A versatile cooking pan with high sides, perfect for stir-frying ingredients quickly and evenly.

• Spatula: Essential for stirring and mixing ingredients in the wok without scratching its surface.

• Knife: Used for chopping the garlic, onion, and green onions finely.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and stable surface for chopping vegetables and other ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like vegetable oil, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

• Mixing bowl: Useful for beating the eggs before adding them to the wok.

• Rice cooker: Ideal for cooking rice perfectly, especially if you don't have day-old rice on hand.

• Serving spoon: Helps in serving the fried rice neatly and efficiently.

• Bowl: For serving the finished Nasi Goreng Cina.

Use day-old rice: Day-old cooked rice is less sticky and easier to stir-fry, saving you time.

Pre-chop vegetables: Prepare and chop mixed vegetables in advance to streamline the cooking process.

Ready garlic and onion: Mince garlic and chop onion ahead of time to speed up your prep work.

Use frozen veggies: Opt for frozen mixed vegetables to eliminate washing and chopping.

Cook eggs separately: Scramble the eggs in a separate pan to save time when combining ingredients.

Measure sauces beforehand: Pre-measure soy sauce and sesame oil to quickly add them when needed.