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Hi! I’m Kate, the face behind KateFi.com—a blog all about making life easier and more affordable.
Nasi Goreng is Indonesia’s beloved fried rice dish, known for its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and satisfying texture. It’s an incredibly budget-friendly meal that costs just around $3 to prepare!
🌟 Why You’ll Love Indonesian Nasi Goreng
- Cheap & Satisfying: Costs around $3 to serve two people.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes.
- Customizable: Add any veggies or protein you have on hand.
- Bursting with Flavor: A perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy.
Learn more about Indonesian cuisine from TasteAtlas.
📋 Ingredients (Serves 2, Cost: $3.00)
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old) (Free if leftover)
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped ($0.30)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ($0.10)
- 1 carrot, grated ($0.20)
- 1/2 cup cabbage, shredded ($0.20)
- 2 eggs (optional, but recommended) ($0.60)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce ($0.20)
- 1 tbsp kecap manis (sweet soy sauce, or mix soy sauce & sugar) ($0.20)
- Salt & pepper to taste (Free)
- Oil for frying ($0.20)
- Chili sauce (optional for extra spice) ($0.20)
For more authentic recipes, check out this Indonesian Nasi Goreng recipe from Saveur.
🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: If using fresh rice, spread it out and let it cool to reduce moisture. Day-old rice is best.
- Cook the Eggs: Heat oil in a pan, scramble the eggs, and set aside.
- Stir-Fry Veggies: In the same pan, sauté garlic and onions until fragrant. Add carrots and cabbage, and cook until softened.
- Add Rice & Sauces: Add rice, soy sauce, and kecap manis. Stir well to coat the rice evenly.
- Combine & Serve: Add scrambled eggs, mix, and serve hot with chili sauce if desired.
Want more tips? Read this comprehensive guide from Serious Eats.
📊 Cost Breakdown
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| Rice | Free |
| Onion | $0.30 |
| Garlic | $0.10 |
| Carrot | $0.20 |
| Cabbage | $0.20 |
| Eggs | $0.60 |
| Soy Sauce | $0.20 |
| Kecap Manis | $0.20 |
| Oil | $0.20 |
| Chili Sauce | $0.20 |
| Total Cost | $3.00 |
🌟 Tips for Perfect Nasi Goreng
- Use Day-Old Rice: It helps prevent the dish from becoming too sticky.
- Adjust Spice Level: Add more chili sauce or chopped fresh chili if you love heat.
- Protein Options: Add chicken, shrimp, or tofu if you want more substance.
For more Indonesian recipes, visit TasteAtlas.
📖 More Budget-Friendly Recipes You’ll Love
- Georgian Khachapuri – The $3 Cheese Bread That Feels Like a Feast
- South Indian Sambar for Less Than $4 – The Ultimate Comfort Food That’s Vegan
- Ukrainian Deruny – The 4-Ingredient Potato Pancakes That Are Crazy Cheap & Delicious
📌 Final Thoughts
Nasi Goreng is proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy a flavor-packed meal. Whether you’re a fan of spicy dishes or just love trying new flavors, this recipe is sure to impress!
For more cheap and delicious recipes, keep visiting KateFi.com!
