Indonesian Fried Rice

Servings: 4 servings Difficulty: Intermediate
A savory and aromatic fried rice dish with a distinct tangy kick from tamarind and fresh herbs
Indonesian Fried Rice recipe image

This Indonesian Fried Rice is a vibrant, savory dish that balances sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. The base of cold cooked rice is stir-fried with aromatics like shallots, garlic, and serrano chiles for a fragrant foundation. Tamarind pulp adds a unique sour note, while shrimp paste provides deep umami richness. Topped with shrimp, diced chicken, or pork, and fresh vegetables like peas and cabbage, it’s a hearty meal perfect for lunch or dinner. The use of ketjap manis gives the rice its characteristic glossy brown hue and sweet-savory profile. Ideal for using up leftovers, this dish comes together quickly and delivers authentic home-style Indonesian comfort food.

Indonesian Fried Rice

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4 servings Calories: 450

Description

This Indonesian Fried Rice is a vibrant, savory dish that balances sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. The base of cold cooked rice is stir-fried with aromatics like shallots, garlic, and serrano chiles for a fragrant foundation. Tamarind pulp adds a unique sour note, while shrimp paste provides deep umami richness. Topped with shrimp, diced chicken, or pork, and fresh vegetables like peas and cabbage, it's a hearty meal perfect for lunch or dinner. The use of ketjap manis gives the rice its characteristic glossy brown hue and sweet-savory profile. Ideal for using up leftovers, this dish comes together quickly and delivers authentic home-style Indonesian comfort food.

Directions

  1. Prepare the tamarind by soaking the pulp in warm water for 10 minutes, then squeeze to extract the juice and discard the solids.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add shallots, garlic, serrano chiles, shrimp paste, anchovy paste, and turmeric. Stir-fry until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes. Remove shrimp from the wok and set aside.
  5. In the same wok, add diced red pepper, green peas, and shredded purple cabbage. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
  6. Add the cold cooked rice to the wok. Break up any clumps with a spatula and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
  7. Pour in the tamarind juice, ketjap manis, and light soy sauce. Toss well to coat the rice evenly.
  8. Return the cooked shrimp to the wok along with the diced chicken and barbecued pork. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes to heat everything through.
  9. Season with salt to taste. Remove from heat.
  10. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4 servings


Amount Per Serving
Calories 450kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12g19%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Cholesterol 60mg20%
Sodium 800mg34%
Total Carbohydrate 65g22%
Dietary Fiber 3g12%
Sugars 5g
Protein 18g36%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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