Turmeric Chicken and Turkey Bacon Nasi Goreng
Experience a comforting bowl of my Turmeric Chicken and Turkey Bacon Nasi Goreng, a delightful twist on a classic Indonesian fried rice. Perfect for utilizing day-old jasmine rice, this dish is infused with aromatic flavors from onions, garlic, and the warm golden hue of turmeric. Growing up, my grandmother perfected this recipe with traditional pork bacon, but I’ve adapted it with lean turkey bacon for health-conscious cooks without sacrificing flavor. Topped with fluffy strips of eggs and adjustable spice levels with sambal oelek, this meal is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. Enjoy the rich taste and the memories that come with it!
N/A
Servings
140
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
prepared jasmine rice
2 cups (cooked and cooled)
onions
2 (diced)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
celery stalks
2-3 (chopped)
cooked chicken breasts or turkey bacon
2 (chopped or finely chopped)
tomato ketchup
1 tablespoon (to taste)
shrimp paste
1/2 teaspoon (or half-inch cube of solid shrimp (blachan))
salt and pepper
to taste (to taste)
ketjap manis
1/4 cup (or more, to taste)
sambal oelek
1 teaspoon (or to taste (optional))
olive oil
for frying (for cooking omelet)
eggs
2-3 (whisked for omelet garnish)
Instructions
1
Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped turkey bacon (or chicken) and cook until it's thoroughly browned and crisped, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped celery. Sauté until the onions become translucent and soften, about 3-4 minutes.
4
Mix in the tomato ketchup, shrimp paste, salt, and pepper. If you want to add some heat, include sambal oelek at this stage.
5
Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the shrimp paste fully dissolves and everything is heated through.
6
Add the prepared jasmine rice to the skillet. Use a spatula to break up any clumps and mix thoroughly with the other ingredients.
7
Continue to heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is warmed through and absorbs the flavors, around 5 minutes.
8
Adjust the flavor by adding more ketchup to achieve a light brown color in the rice.
9
For the optional omelet garnish, heat olive oil in a small pan on low-medium. Whisk together 2 or 3 eggs, pour them into the pan, and cook until the center sets. Turn off the heat and cover to let steam finish cooking the edges.
10
Cut the omelet into thin strips and serve over the nasi goreng.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Turmeric Chicken and Turkey Bacon Nasi Goreng?
It is a comforting Indonesian-style fried rice dish featuring jasmine rice, aromatic spices, and lean proteins like turkey bacon or chicken.
What does Nasi Goreng mean?
Nasi Goreng is Indonesian for "fried rice," characterized by its savory and sweet flavor profile.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Day-old jasmine rice that has been cooked and cooled is ideal as it is drier and prevents the dish from becoming mushy.
Is this recipe a healthy option?
Yes, this version uses lean turkey bacon and chicken breasts, providing a health-conscious alternative to traditional pork-based nasi goreng.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 140 calories.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe contains 7 grams of protein per serving.
Can I substitute the turkey bacon?
Yes, you can use chopped chicken breasts or traditional pork bacon if you prefer.
What provides the golden color in this dish?
The dish gets its golden hue from aromatic turmeric and a touch of tomato ketchup.
What is shrimp paste?
Shrimp paste, or blachan, is a fermented condiment that adds a deep, salty, and savory umami flavor to the rice.
Is the dish spicy?
The spice level is adjustable; you can add sambal oelek to your taste or omit it for a milder meal.
What is Ketjap Manis?
Ketjap Manis is a thick, sweet Indonesian soy sauce that is a staple ingredient for authentic Nasi Goreng.
How do I prepare the egg garnish?
Whisk 2 to 3 eggs, cook them into a thin omelet, then slice into strips to serve over the rice.
What is Sambal Oelek?
It is a popular Indonesian chili paste made from crushed raw red chilies, vinegar, and salt.
What vegetables are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped celery stalks.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe uses 12 specific ingredients to create its complex flavor profile.
How long does it take to cook the meat?
The turkey bacon or chicken should be cooked for about 5-7 minutes until it is thoroughly browned and crisped.
Can I use a regular skillet?
Yes, a large skillet works perfectly if you do not have a traditional wok.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking or clumping?
Use a spatula to break up any clumps as you add the rice to the skillet and mix thoroughly with the other ingredients.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely, you can easily add peas, carrots, or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover nasi goreng in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Why is tomato ketchup used in this recipe?
Ketchup is used to balance the savory flavors with a hint of sweetness and to help achieve the desired light brown color.
What is the origin of this specific recipe?
It is an adaptation of a traditional family recipe originally perfected by the author's grandmother.
What is the total fat content?
This dish contains 5 grams of fat per serving.
How much shrimp paste should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of shrimp paste or a half-inch cube of solid blachan.
What oil is recommended for the omelet?
Olive oil is recommended for frying the egg garnish.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is perfect for family gatherings as the flavors are comforting and the spice is optional.
Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine?
Yes, though the texture will be firmer and less traditional than using jasmine rice.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to heat a splash of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
How do I know when the onions are ready?
Sauté the onions until they become translucent and soften, which takes about 3-4 minutes.
How do I finish the omelet edges?
After the center sets, turn off the heat and cover the pan to let the steam finish cooking the edges.