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Nasi Campur (Mixed Rice Plate)

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20 min
Prep
25 min
Cook

Ingredients

  • 400 g steamed white rice
  • 200 g chicken thigh, marinated and fried
  • 150 g tempeh, sliced and fried
  • 2 eggs, hard-boiled and fried until blistered
  • 100 g long beans, stir-fried with garlic
  • 2 tbsp sambal (chili paste)
  • 2 tbsp fried shallots
  • 1 cucumber, sliced

Method

  1. Cook rice and keep warm.
  2. Marinate chicken thigh briefly in garlic, turmeric, and salt, then shallow-fry until golden and cooked through.
  3. Fry tempeh slices until crisp, and fry the hard-boiled eggs until the surface blisters.
  4. Stir-fry long beans quickly with garlic and a pinch of salt.
  5. Plate the rice with each side dish arranged separately around it, finishing with sambal, fried shallots, and cucumber slices.

Introduction: Nasi campur, meaning 'mixed rice', is a composite lunch plate found across Indonesia, pairing steamed rice with a personal selection of small side dishes such as fried chicken, tempeh, egg, and vegetables.

Cultural Background: Nasi campur, meaning 'mixed rice', is a composite lunch plate found across Indonesia, pairing steamed rice with a personal selection of small side dishes such as fried chicken, tempeh, egg, and vegetables. Each region has its own signature combination, making it endlessly adaptable to what is fresh and available.

Tips: Prepare each side dish in its own pan so flavors stay distinct rather than blending together. Balance textures and colors on the plate; nasi campur is as much about variety as flavor.

Variations: Swap chicken for grilled fish or beef depending on regional style. Add rendang, fried anchovies, or a vegetable curry as additional sides.

Storage: Store each component separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Reheat rice by steaming; reheat fried items briefly in a hot dry pan to restore crispness.

FAQs:

Q: Is nasi campur the same everywhere in Indonesia?

A: No, the specific side dishes vary widely by region and even by individual warung.

Q: Can I meal-prep nasi campur?

A: Yes, prepare the components in advance and assemble fresh rice and sides just before serving.

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