Name: Beef Nasi Goreng: Elevate Your Weeknight Dinner Game Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Indonesian
Ingredients: 500 grams minced beef or ground turkey/chicken for lighter options; 1 medium onion finely diced; 3 cloves garlic crushed; 1 medium red bell pepper diced; 2 stalks spring onions chopped; 2 tablespoons sambal oelek or fresh chili; 1 tablespoon shrimp paste omit for vegetarian versions; 2 tablespoons soy sauce or gluten-free tamari; 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey/agave syrup; 2 cups cooked rice best if chilled overnight; 2 large eggs sunny-side up, or tofu scramble for vegan option; 1 cup fresh vegetables such as cucumbers and tomatoes; cilantro optional, or substitute with parsley

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 10 reviews

There’s something magical about transforming humble ingredients into a feast, and that’s exactly the kind of wonder you’ll invite to your table with Beef Nasi Goreng: Elevate Your Weeknight Dinner Game. This Indonesian fried rice classic isn’t just crave-worthy comfort food, it’s a true celebration of bold flavors and textures. Hearty minced beef, aromatic spices, and vibrant vegetables combine in a sizzling wok, topped with a runny fried egg for extra luxury. Whether you’re looking to shake up dinner or treat friends, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight favorite!

Beef Nasi Goreng: Elevate Your Weeknight Dinner Game Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to great Nasi Goreng? Simple, familiar ingredients that pack a punch. Each one plays a special role, whether it’s building bold flavors, adding smoky depth, or creating beautiful color on your plate. Here’s what you’ll need for Beef Nasi Goreng: Elevate Your Weeknight Dinner Game.

Minced beef (500 grams): Rich and savory, minced beef brings the signature heartiness to the dish; swap for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Onion (1 medium, finely diced): The sweet, mellow base that lifts all the other flavors.
Garlic (3 cloves, crushed): Fresh garlic infuses the rice with irresistible aroma—you’ll smell it before you even taste it.
Red bell pepper (1 medium, diced): Pops of sweetness and color that break up the richness.
Spring onions (2 stalks, chopped): Bright green freshness that finishes the dish with a hint of crunch.
Sambal oelek (2 tablespoons): This spicy, tangy chili paste is the punchy soul of the sauce—use less for a milder version.
Shrimp paste (1 tablespoon): Optional but essential for that deep, umami-packed Indonesian wow-factor.
Soy sauce or gluten-free tamari (2 tablespoons): Adds depth, salt, and a lovely caramel color to the rice.
Maple syrup/honey/agave syrup (1 tablespoon): Just a hint of sweetness balances all that savory flavor—don’t skip it!
Rice (2 cups cooked, chilled overnight): Chilled rice is key for perfect fried rice that’s fluffy, not mushy.
Eggs (2 large, fried sunny-side up): That gorgeous, runny yolk crowns every plate like edible gold—use tofu scramble for a vegan spin.
Fresh vegetables for garnish (1 cup, such as cucumbers and tomatoes): Crisp and colorful, these keep every bite feeling fresh.
Cilantro (optional): Sprinkle for a fresh herbal finish, or use parsley if you prefer.
Oil (for frying): A couple of tablespoons is all you need to crisp everything up in the pan.
Large frying pan or wok: Roomy enough for tossing everything together—don’t overcrowd!

How to Make Beef Nasi Goreng: Elevate Your Weeknight Dinner Game

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

The real trick to mouthwatering Beef Nasi Goreng: Elevate Your Weeknight Dinner Game? Cold, cooked rice! Rinse two cups of uncooked rice under cold water until the water is clear, then cook and refrigerate overnight. Chilled rice fries evenly and soaks up flavor without turning mushy.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat two tablespoons of oil in a large deep frying pan or wok over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and crushed garlic, sautéing for three to five minutes. You’re looking for soft, golden bits that fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma—this is your flavor foundation!

Step 3: Cook the Beef and Bell Pepper

Add the minced beef (or poultry) and diced red bell pepper to your hot pan. Break up the beef as it cooks, stirring for five to seven minutes until the meat browns and the bell pepper softens. The beef juices start to mingle with the aromatics, giving you a mouthwatering sizzle.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Bomb

Time for the flavor makers! Stir in the sambal oelek, shrimp paste (if using), soy sauce, and maple syrup. Mix well and let everything cook together for about two minutes. The sauce should cling to the meat and veggies, turning them glossy and fragrant. It’s the moment that transforms a humble stir fry into Beef Nasi Goreng: Elevate Your Weeknight Dinner Game.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Rice

Add in your chilled cooked rice, breaking up any big clumps with the back of your spatula. Stir-fry for five minutes, working the grains into the sauce and letting them soak up all that spicy, savory-sweet goodness. Don’t rush—patience here means perfectly separated, flavorful rice.

Step 6: Finish with Spring Onions

Once the rice is piping hot and fragrant, fold in the chopped spring onions and stir for another minute. This last splash of green adds color and a gentle crunch that brightens every bite.

Step 7: Top with Eggs

While the rice sizzles, heat a tablespoon of oil in a separate pan and fry two eggs sunny-side up. The whites should be just set, while the yolk stays gloriously runny. For a vegan or lighter version, a tofu scramble works perfectly.

Step 8: Plate and Garnish

Spoon the rice onto plates, then gently lay a fried egg on top of each mound. Scatter over extra spring onions and fresh cilantro if you like, and pile on the sliced cucumbers and tomatoes alongside. Your Beef Nasi Goreng: Elevate Your Weeknight Dinner Game is ready to wow!

How to Serve Beef Nasi Goreng: Elevate Your Weeknight Dinner Game

Garnishes

The crowning touch for this dish is a generous sprinkle of chopped spring onions and fresh cilantro, which offers both fresh flavor and a vibrant burst of green. Add thinly sliced cucumbers and ripe tomatoes on the side for a cooling crunch. A drizzle of extra sambal oelek on top is a great choice if you love an extra chili kick!

Side Dishes

If you want to make Beef Nasi Goreng: Elevate Your Weeknight Dinner Game a full feast, pair it with crispy Indonesian prawn crackers, a light cucumber and carrot salad with vinegar, or even a handful of spicy pickled vegetables. These light sides cut through the richness and balance the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a showstopping dinner, try serving individual portions in shallow bowls, topping each with a perfectly fried egg and fanned cucumber and tomato slices. Or, plate the rice in a ring mold for a restaurant-worthy presentation. For casual gatherings, pile everything family-style on a big platter—then invite everyone to dig in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), scoop the cooled rice into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three days, gaining even more flavor as the spices meld together overnight. Remember to store the fried eggs separately for best results.

Freezing

Beef Nasi Goreng: Elevate Your Weeknight Dinner Game is surprisingly freezer-friendly. Portion the cooled rice (without the eggs) into freezer-safe containers or bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, tip the rice into a large pan or wok with a splash of oil or a spoonful of water to loosen it up. Stir-fry over medium heat until steaming hot. If you want, quickly fry a fresh egg to go on top, or reheat leftover eggs in a covered pan over low heat so the yolks don’t cook through.

FAQs

Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of chilled rice?

For the best texture, chilled rice really is key—freshly cooked rice tends to become sticky and clump together in the pan. If you’re in a hurry, spread hot rice out on a baking sheet and pop it in the freezer for 20 minutes to cool it quickly!

How spicy is Beef Nasi Goreng: Elevate Your Weeknight Dinner Game?

It’s as spicy as you want it to be! Sambal oelek adds a gentle, flavorful heat, but you can always scale it back, use less chili, or offer extra on the side for spice-seekers at the table.

Can I make this gluten free?

Absolutely! Just swap regular soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and double-check your sambal oelek for added wheat. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten free.

What can I substitute for shrimp paste?

If you’re vegetarian, allergic, or simply don’t have shrimp paste, no worries! Miso paste or even a dash of fish sauce (if not vegan) adds similar umami depth. Or, leave it out altogether—your Beef Nasi Goreng: Elevate Your Weeknight Dinner Game will still taste fantastic.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Totally! Simply use less sambal oelek or substitute with sweet chili sauce for a gentler flavor. Kids also love customizing their own bowls with extra veggies and a fried egg on top.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that delivers bold flavor, weeknight ease, and serious comfort, look no further than Beef Nasi Goreng: Elevate Your Weeknight Dinner Game. It’s endlessly adaptable, quick to make, and guaranteed to wow your family, friends, or just yourself. Give it a try, make it your own, and savor every last forkful!