This post Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice), was last updated on 2022.
Nasi Goreng, a popular Indonesian fried rice, is traditionally served with a scrambled egg. I love the rich, caramelised brown colour of this rice. It’s a simple recipe, you won’t need to hunt down any unusual ingredients, and it’s one of my favourite Indonesian foods – and I’m betting you will love it too. 🙂
Nasi Goreng
Anyone who has been to Bali would be familiar with Nasi Goreng and probably had it almost every day because it’s everywhere and darn delicious!
For those who have already tried and loved Nasi Goreng, it is easy to replicate this in your own home.
And for those who haven’t tried it, I hope you do!
What is Nasi Goreng?
The literal translation of Nasi Goreng is “fried rice” in Indonesian and Malaysian – and that’s exactly what it is! It’s mainly rice with just a little bit of meat and just onion for the vegetables. It’s distinguished by its sauce, which is sweetened with kecap manis. This sweet soy sauce caramelizes rice as it cooks.
Typically it’s served with a sunny side up egg (love how the yolk runs into the rice!) To make it a meal, add a side dish of fresh cucumber and tomato with no dressing.
Shrimp Paste can be made optionally
There are many ways to make Nasi Goreng. Some of the versions are more difficult than others and require dried shrimp (belacan), which can be found in large supermarkets throughout Australia and Asia.
It’s a choice between making it with and without. It’s tasty even Without dried shrimp – and in fact, when I originally shared this Nasi Goreng recipe in 2016, I chose the version withoutBecause of this reason, shrimp paste is made.
It is, however. IsYou will find it more delicious and authentic With dried shrimp.
So I’ve compromised and taken the easy route by using shrimp paste rather than dried shrimp which requires more effort in the preparation process (crumble and toast before using).
Kecap Manis (sweet soy sauce)
The distinctive feature of Nasi Goreng’s kecap manis/ketjap manis is the dark brown rice that is used to make the sweet soy sauce. It’s thicker and sweeter than normal soy sauce, with a consistency like syrup.
Don’t go running for the hills thinking it’s a hard-to-find-ingredient!In Australia, kecap manis can be found in major supermarkets (see Woolworths).
And if you can’t find it at your supermarket, don’t worry! It is SO easy to make – just reduce soy sauce and brown sugar. Seriously. I’ve included directions in the recipe for you.
It is not an option to eat cold, old rice!
Shrimp paste can be used, but the COLD-cooked rice is required.
It’s simply not possible to make any fried rice with hot, freshly cooked rice – it gets kind of stickier when stir fried in sauce.
On the other hand, day old cold rice is drier and harder, so the rice can be stir fried in the sauce in a way that makes it become caramelised which gives Nasi Goreng the signature colour and flavour.
Speedy option: Cook the rice, spread out on tray then FREEZE for 1 – 2 hours, or refrigerate for 3 – 4 hours. It’s not just about cooling the rice, it’s also about making the surface of the rice dry out.
Super quick 20 minute recipe
The process of making fried rice is simple and similar to other fried rice recipes. If necessary, first prepare the garlic, chilli, onion and chicken. Then, make the rice.
Let the rice grains caramelize for a few minutes. Trust me – you will know when it’s ready, it smells amazing!
How to serve Nasi Goreeng
Nasi Goreng is traditionally served alongside a fried egg, and fresh vegetables (commonly just plain chunks of tomato or cucumber).
Both these side options are very typical in various parts of Asia to add protein and vegetables to a plate to turn something carb-heavy into a meal.
Nasi Goreng makes a great Asian side dish. This is something that packs a big flavour punch and can be prepared in a variety of Asian flavors. Serve it with:
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Thai or Indonesian Chicken Satay Skewers
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Asian Marinated Chicken
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Asian Chilli Garlic Shrimp/Prawns – big punchy flavours, tastes like Thai Chilli jam!
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Marinated Thai Chicken (Gai Yang).
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Chinese Barbecue Pork (Char Siu)
You can also take a look at my Asian recipes collection to get more ideas.
This is something I hope you will try. Super tasty, it’s probably one of the most flavour packed Asian fried rice dishes! – Nagi x
You can see how it is done.
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Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 tbsp Oil
- 5 oz / 150g Chicken breast Thinly sliced (or another protein)
- 1 tbsp Kecap Manis (sweet soy sauce, Note 1)
Rice
- 1.5 tbsp Oil
- 2 Garlic cloves Finely chopped
- 1 tsp Red chilli Finely chopped (Note 2).
- 1 Onion , small, diced
- 3 Cups Cooked white rice Day old, cold (Note three)
- 2 tbsp Kecap Manis (sweet soy sauce, Note 1)
- 2 tsp Shrimp paste Optional (Note 4).
Garnishes/side servings (optional).
- 4 eggs Fried to your liking
- 1 Green onion Sliced
- Cucumbers, tomatoes cut into wedges/chunks
- Fried shallots Optional, store-bought (Note 3).
- Lime wedges
Instructions
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Over high heat, heat oil in a large skillet/wok.
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Stir in the garlic and chilli, then continue to stir for 10 seconds.
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Cook the onion for one minute.
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Cook the chicken until it turns mostly white. Add 1 tbsp of kecap manis to the chicken and continue cooking for 1 minute, or until it is cooked through and slightly caramelised.
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Add rice, 2 tablespoons kecap manis, and shrimp paste, if desired. Stirring constantly for 2 minutes, until sauce reduces and rice grains begin to caramelize (key to flavour!).
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Serve garnished with green onions, red chilli, or fried shallots.
Serving
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Serve as an accompaniment for Asian main dishes or as part of a large spread, Asian or not! 🙂See the post for more suggestions.
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Make it a meal – traditional Indonesian style!Serve it with a sunny-side up (runny) egg!Serve with tomato wedges and cucumber slices on the side.
Recipe Notes
Also It’s easy to make your own!Mix 1/4 cup regular soy sauce (I use Kikkoman), with 1/4 cup brown Sugar over medium heat. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat until it is maple syrup consistency. As it cools, it will thicken even more.
2. Chilli – I use 2 Thai red chillies or birds eye. This adds mild warmth but doesn’t make the dish spicy. Taste. Chilli pasteYou can also use it instead. Just add it to the rice.
3. Day old rice cooked –Fried rice can be made from day-old rice that has been kept in the refrigerator overnight. It helps dry it, which makes it easier for you to stir fry the grains to evenly coat with the flavors. TIP: Save bags of cooked rice in your freezer. It’s great for frying rice, but you can also use it plain.
4. Shrimp paste– This adds complexity and depth to the flavours, but it is not required. Traditional belacan, which is dried shrimp blocks, needs to be crumbled and then toasted before being used. The same flavour can be achieved with any shrimp paste that you can simply dollop in. Any brand/type of shrimp paste is acceptable.
It’s still delicious WITHOUTShrimp paste SUB with more kecap mans OR 1 tbsp fish sauce!
5. Fried shallots are slices shallots that have been fried until crunchy. Although they add texture and flavor to the dish, they aren’t a traditional garnish. Fried shallots are available at most supermarkets across Australia.
6. This GLUTEN FREE recipe is for youYou can make your own Kecap Manis (Note 1) by using Tamari.
7. StorageIt keeps well for a few days in the refrigerator, then it starts to get a little dry. You can save it by adding a little water to it and heating it in the microwave. This will make it all steamy-moist again. You can do the same thing if it is frozen.
8. Nutrition per serving including egg.
Nutrition Information:
Original March 2016 recipe for Nasi Goreng. This recipe was originally shared in March 2016. Updated June 2019. New photos, new writing, slightly improved recipe, and, most importantly, Life of Dozer!
Dozer Life
Annual check up – passed with flying colours! And he behaved pretty well too…. until he saw the needle….
…. But the tiny little prick was soon forgotten, and he ran to the reception desk for some treats. 🙄 The wonderful team at Mona Vale Vetinary Hospital spoil him!! It is a wonderful place to be.
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