Vegan Nasi Goreng

Name: Vegan Nasi Goreng
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Indonesian
Ingredients: 3 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 chili pepper, thinly sliced; 1 shallot, thinly sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 200g tofu; 1.5 tbsp soy sauce; 1.5 kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) *; 3 cups cooked rice; 200g frozen vegetables (I recommend green beans, carrot, corn & peas); Vegan egg; 1 green onion; Tomatoes and cucumber slices

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Vegan Nasi Goreng - a tasty twist on Indonesian fried rice - is a colorful dish with vibrant greens, fiery reds, and golden hues dancing on fluffy rice. The sizzling spices mixed with stir-fried vegetables create deep and complex flavors.

Nasi Goreng packets were my go-to meals during university, a quick and convenient bite that saved me many times. When I switched to a vegan lifestyle, I took on the challenge of recreating those familiar flavors without meat or eggs, aiming to capture the comforting taste of my student days.

This Vegan Nasi Goreng is bursting with textures and flavors. Tofu becomes crispy and soaks up the delicious blend of soy sauce and kecap manis, while frozen veggies stay crunchy yet add a fresh touch to the dish.

The dish is not just delicious, but also easy to make. It doesn't require fancy ingredients or cooking skills, just a willingness to explore and a curious palate.

If you love Indonesian cuisine, you might also want to try these delicious vegan recipes: Vegan Rendang and Gado Gado Tempeh Salad.

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Ingredients
Instructions
Substitutions
Variations
Equipment
Storage
Top tip
FAQ
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Ingredients

To make this Vegan Nasi Goreng, you will need the following ingredients:

Day-old Rice: This is the main ingredient of nasi goreng. You can use any type of rice, but long-grain rice such as jasmine or basmati rice works best. You can also use leftover rice from the previous day, as it will be drier and crispier when fried.

Tofu: This is the protein source of the dish. You can use firm or extra-firm tofu, and crumble it into small pieces. Tofu will absorb the flavors of the sauce and spices, and become golden and crisp when cooked.

Chilli pepper: This adds some heat and spiciness to the dish. It can be fresh or dried, and the amount can be adjusted according to personal preference.

Shallot: This is the aromatic base of the dish. You can use red onion or shallot, and dice it finely. Shallot will add sweetness and depth to the dish.

Garlic: This is another aromatic ingredient that adds flavor and fragrance to the dish.

Soy sauce: This is the salty and savory sauce that adds umami and depth to the dish.

Kecap manis: This is the sweet soy sauce that gives nasi goreng its distinctive taste and caramelization. You can find it in Asian grocery stores or online, or make your own (check recipe notes).

Frozen vegetables: These are convenient and nutritious veggies that add color and texture to the dish. You can use any frozen vegetables you like, but I recommend using a mix of green beans, carrots, corn, and peas for a balanced and delicious combination.

Garnishes: These are the optional toppings that add extra flavor and appeal to the dish. You can use any garnishes you like, but some popular ones are vegan egg, green onion, tomatoes, and cucumber slices.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

To make this Vegan Nasi Goreng, follow these simple steps:

Prep

Cut your tofu into small cubes.
Peel and dice the shallot and garlic.
Thinly slice the chili pepper and the green onion.
Cut the tomato and cucumber into thin slices.

Cook

Heat some oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
Add the tofu cubes and fry them until golden and crisp on both sides, turning occasionally. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
In the same pan, add the shallot, garlic, and chili pepper. Stir-fry for about a minute, or until fragrant.
Add the fried tofu and soy sauce. Stir-fry until well combined.
Add the cooked rice, frozen vegetables, and kecap manis. Stir-fry until everything is well mixed and heated through.

Serve

Sprinkle the Vegan Nasi Goreng with chopped green onion.
Serve with slices of tomato and cucumber or vegan egg on the side.
Enjoy your delicious and easy vegan nasi goreng! 😊

Stir fry the ingredients until well combined.

Serve the Nasi Goreng with some tomato and cucumber slices

Substitutions

You can easily make this Vegan Nasi Goreng recipe fit your dietary needs by making some simple substitutions. Here are some suggestions:

Gluten-free: you can use tamari instead of soy sauce, and make sure your kecap manis is gluten-free as well. You can also use brown rice instead of white rice.
Soy-free: you can use chickpeas, mushrooms, or seitan instead of tofu.

Variations

You can also customize this Vegan Nasi Goreng recipe to suit your preferences and tastes by adding some variations. Here are some ideas:

Veggie: You can use any vegetables you like, such as broccoli, cabbage, corn, peas, or mushrooms. Just make sure to cut them into small pieces and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Protein: You can add some tempeh for extra protein and crunch.
Spicy: You can make it spicier by adding more chili paste, fresh chili peppers, or sriracha sauce.

Equipment

To make this Vegan Nasi Goreng recipe, you will only need a large skillet or wok.

Storage

You can store the leftovers of this vegan nasi goreng in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or stir-fry until hot.

Top tip

The best tip for making this vegan nasi goreng is to use cold and dry rice. This will prevent the rice from sticking together and becoming mushy. You can use leftover rice from the previous day, or cook the rice ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use.

FAQ

What is kecap manis and where can I find it?

Kecap manis is a sweet soy sauce that is made from soy sauce, sugar, and spices. It is the key ingredient that gives nasi goreng its distinctive taste and color. You can find it in Asian grocery stores or online.

If you cannot find it, simply combine 2 tablespoon soy sauce and 2 tablespoon brown or coconut sugar in a bowl. Microwave or heat up on a stove for 1 minute, and you will have your homemade kecap manis.

If you have tried my recipe, please let me know what you think by leaving me a review on this page or tagging me on Instagram @veggieanh. I would love to see your creations!