Cara Bikin Nasi Bakar: A Delicious Indonesian Dish

>Hello Sohib EditorOnline! If you’re looking for a flavorful and satisfying Indonesian dish, you should definitely try making nasi bakar. This rice dish is packed with rich and savory flavors, and it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. In this article, I will guide you step-by-step on how to make nasi bakar, so you can impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.

What is Nasi Bakar?

Nasi Bakar is a traditional Indonesian dish that literally means “grilled rice”. It typically consists of steamed rice that is mixed with various spices and ingredients, such as shredded chicken, chili, garlic, and shallots. The mixture is then wrapped in banana leaves and grilled until fragrant and slightly charred. The result is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is popular throughout Indonesia.

History of Nasi Bakar

The origins of nasi bakar can be traced back to ancient Indonesian traditions, where people used to cook food by wrapping it in banana leaves and grilling it over an open fire. This method of cooking not only infused the food with the aroma of the banana leaves, but it also helped to preserve the food for longer periods of time. Today, nasi bakar is still popular in Indonesia, and it’s often served as a snack, a side dish, or even a main course.

Ingredients for Nasi Bakar

Ingredients	Quantity
Steamed Rice	2 Cups
Shredded Chicken	1 Cup
Chili	3-4 Pieces
Garlic	3-4 Cloves
Shallots	3-4 Pieces
Coconut Milk	1 Cup
Salt	1 Teaspoon
Sugar	1 Teaspoon
Bay Leaves	2 Pieces
Oil	2 Tablespoons

Instructions for Making Nasi Bakar

Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to start cooking!

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

The first step is to prepare all the ingredients for the nasi bakar. Start with the rice, which needs to be cooked and cooled to room temperature. You can use a rice cooker or a pot to cook the rice, and make sure to follow the instructions on the package. Once the rice is cooked, let it cool for a few minutes.

Next, prepare the other ingredients by chopping them into small pieces. Slice the chili, garlic, and shallots thinly, and shred the cooked chicken. Set aside these ingredients for later use.

Step 2: Cook the Spices

Heat a pan over medium heat and add the oil. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced garlic and shallots, and sauté them until fragrant and slightly browned. Add the sliced chili and bay leaves, and continue cooking for another minute or two. Be careful not to burn the spices, as this can ruin the flavor of the dish.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

Once the spices are cooked, turn off the heat and add the shredded chicken to the pan. Mix well to combine, and then add the cooked rice to the pan. Mix the rice with the chicken and spices until everything is evenly distributed.

After that, add the coconut milk to the pan, and mix well with the rice mixture. The coconut milk will give the nasi bakar a creamy and rich flavor, so make sure to use a good-quality one.

Finally, season the mixture with salt and sugar, and mix well. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and set aside the mixture to cool slightly.

Step 4: Wrap the Rice Mixture in Banana Leaves

Now it’s time to wrap the rice mixture in banana leaves. Take a piece of banana leaf and cut it into a square or rectangle shape. Place about 1/2 cup of the rice mixture on the leaf, and fold the leaf around the rice to create a neat package. You can use a toothpick or a piece of string to secure the package if necessary.

Repeat this process with the remaining rice mixture and banana leaves until all the mixture is used up.

Step 5: Grill the Nasi Bakar

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Once the grill is hot, place the wrapped rice packages on the grill, and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the banana leaves are slightly charred and fragrant.

Once the nasi bakar is cooked, carefully remove it from the grill and serve hot. You can unwrap the banana leaves before serving, or leave them on for a more authentic presentation.

FAQ

What can I serve with nasi bakar?

Nasi bakar can be served on its own as a main course, or as a side dish with other Indonesian dishes such as satay, beef rendang, or gado-gado. It can also be accompanied by sambal, a spicy Indonesian condiment that pairs well with rice dishes.

Can I use other meats in nasi bakar?

Yes, you can use other meats or proteins in nasi bakar, such as beef, shrimp, or tempeh. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and seasonings accordingly.

Can I store nasi bakar in the fridge?

Yes, nasi bakar can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.

What are some tips for making nasi bakar?

Here are some tips to help you make the perfect nasi bakar:

• Use good-quality rice and coconut milk for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t overcook the rice, as it can become mushy and sticky.
• Be careful not to burn the spices, as this can ruin the flavor of the dish.
• Wrap the rice mixture tightly in banana leaves to create a neat package.
• Grill the nasi bakar over medium heat to prevent burning or overcooking.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to make a delicious and authentic nasi bakar that will impress your taste buds and your guests.

Conclusion

Congratulations, you’ve successfully made nasi bakar! This traditional Indonesian dish is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, and now you can enjoy it in the comfort of your own home. With its rich and spicy flavors, nasi bakar is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. So, invite some friends over, heat up the grill, and share the joy of nasi bakar with those around you. Selamat makan!

Cara Bikin Nasi Bakar: A Delicious Indonesian Dish