Nasi Goreng is a sweet, savory, and spicy Indonesian fried rice dish. It is typically made with cooked rice, chicken, aromatics, Kecap Manis (sweet soy sauce), and shrimp paste. This popular Indonesian dish is one of the simplest and best stir-fried recipes and is often served with a fried egg, fried onions, and fresh veggies as toppings, making it a filling one-pot meal for both lunch and dinner.
The recipe provided here includes easy step-by-step instructions for you to try and enjoy at home. Additionally, a detailed video is also provided to simplify the cooking process and make it easy to follow.
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What is Nasi Goreng?
Nasi Goreng is a popular Indonesian dish that combines the flavors of sweetness and spice in every bite. The name "Nasi Goreng" literally means fried rice in both Malay and Indonesian languages. The dish is made with cooked rice, meat, vegetables, sweet soy sauce, shrimp paste, and other aromatics. It is traditionally served with a fried egg with a runny yolk, fried onions, prawn crackers, pickled or fresh cucumber, and tomatoes as toppings.
Nasi Goreng is one of the simple fried rice recipes that is a common comfort food in households and streets of Indonesia. What sets Nasi Goreng apart from other fried rice dishes is the use of sweet soy sauce (Kecap Manis) and shrimp paste. It imparts a unique smoky, earthy, and umami flavor. Plus, the use of Thai chili adds a spicy kick that makes the dish unique from other Chinese fried rice. You can also find variations of Nasi Goreng from household to household and from shop to shop.
Overall, Nasi Goreng is one of the best one-pot meals that pack a flavor punch and is especially appealing to those who love spicy food. The toppings served over it make it a filling meal for a crowd and it's perfect for lunch, dinner, or even parties. Best part? It can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for quick, easy weeknight dinners. So why wait? Let's dive into the recipe!
Ingredients and Substitutions
To make Nasi Goreng, you will need a combination of basic Asian pantry staples and some specialty ingredients. These items can be easily found at most Asian grocery stores and online retailers. Substitutions are also provided if some ingredients are not readily available.
- Cold Cooked Rice: For the ultimate Nasi Goreng experience, using day-old leftover cold-cooked rice is key. The rice has less moisture, allowing it to fry up beautifully without turning mushy. If you don't have day-old rice, no worries! Cook your rice and spread it in a single layer to cool for 2-3 hours or refrigerate for at least 1 hour before using.
- Chicken Breast or Thighs: You can use boneless chicken breast or thighs for this recipe
- Kecap Manis (Sweet Soy Sauce): A key ingredient for that sweet and savory taste that makes Nasi Goreng so irresistible. If you can't find sweet soy sauce, you can mix equal parts soy sauce and brown sugar in a saucepan and heat until it turns into syrup and use it as a substitute
- Shrimp Paste: This ingredient adds a bold umami flavor to the dish, but if that's not handy, you can substitute it with fish sauce
- Thai Chili: For a spicy kick, I have used Thai chili, but if you are sensitive to heat, start with less amount
- Aromatics: Onions and garlic delivers a sweet and garlicky flavor
- Toppings: To finish off the dish, top it with a fried egg, fried onions, cucumber and tomato slices, and spring onions for the perfect balance of flavors and textures
For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.
How to Make Indonesian Nasi Goreng at Home?
The recipe I have shared here is for a popular Indonesian fried rice dish called Nasi Goreng. It is a simple rice dish loaded with fresh and rich flavors from sweet soy sauce, shrimp paste, and spicy Thai chilies. It makes for a complete meal when topped with fried eggs and fresh vegetables or any protein of your choice.
Below are the high-level instructions for this recipe, but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and a video, please see the recipe card below.
- Marinate Chicken - To create this flavorful Indonesian dish, Nasi Goreng, begin by marinating the chicken breast in sweet soy sauce (Kecap Manis). If you have time, allow the chicken to sit for a few minutes as you prepare the other ingredients
- Saute the Aromatics - In a wok over high heat, sauté shallots, Thai chilies, and garlic until fragrant. Then, add shrimp paste and stir well
- Cook the Chicken - Add the marinated chicken, spreading it evenly in the wok Cook for 2-3 minutes undisturbed to achieve a rustic, crisp texture. Stir the chicken for 3-5 minutes, or until fully cooked
- Stir fry the Rice - Add the cold cooked rice, sweet soy sauce, and salt, and stir well. Fry the rice for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish - Garnish with spring onions and remove from heat
- Serve - To serve, plate the Nasi Goreng with a fried egg with a runny yolk, fried onions, cucumber, tomato, and chili sauce
Tips
- Day-Old Rice - Using day-old cooked rice in fried rice recipes can enhance the texture and flavor. Old rice tends to have less moisture, which makes it ideal for stir-frying. However, if you prefer to use freshly cooked rice, it is recommended to cool it down for at least 2 hours at room temperature or in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour for best results. You can use white rice, jasmine rice, or basmati rice for making this dish. If you are looking for a healthy variation, then feel free to use brown rice for making this dish
- Sweet Soy Sauce - The authentic Indonesian flavor in fried rice is often achieved by using sweet soy sauce. This ingredient sets the dish apart from other types of fried rice
- Shrimp Paste - A shrimp paste is a popular ingredient in Indonesian cooking, known for its bold umami flavor. However, if it's not readily available, fish sauce can be used as a substitute
- Toppings - Toppings such as fried egg, onions, cucumber, and tomato make for a satisfying meal, but you can customize the toppings based on your preferences
- Temperature - It is essential to maintain a high temperature throughout the process of making fried rice. Typically, stir-frying at high heat results in crispy, crunchy, and perfectly fried rice
Storage Suggestions
This Nasi Goreng tastes great when served immediately as soon as it comes out of the wok. However, you can also store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spicy Indonesian fried rice dish, Nasi Goreng, with a fried egg with a runny yolk, fried onions, prawn or shrimp crackers, cucumber, and tomato slices. You can also serve it alongside some best Asian dishes such as hot and sour soup, egg foo young, General Tso's tofu, schezwan chicken, and fried shrimp for a satisfying meal.
Related Recipes
Looking for more delicious rice recipes? Check out our collection of fried rice recipes and one-pot meals for a variety of tasty options that will make your dinner time happy!
- Fried Rice
- Chicken Fried Rice
- Shrimp Fried Rice
- Egg Fried Rice
- Vegetable Fried Rice
- Schezwan Fried Rice
- Chicken and Rice (One-Pot)
- Baked Chicken and Rice
- Hainanese Chicken Rice
- Chicken Biryani
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Nasi Goreng Recipe Video
I have also shared a detailed video of this Nasi Goreng recipe below that I hope will help you make delicious Indonesian fried rice at home. You can also find this recipe in story format.
📖 Recipe
Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)
Ingredients
- 10 oz Chicken Breast, or thighs
- 4 cups Cooked Rice, day old cold rice preferred
- ¼ cup Shallots, chopped
- 2 tbsp Garlic, chopped
- 3 Thai Chili, chopped, reduce according to your heat level
- ½ tsp Shrimp Paste, or, ½ -1 tsp of fish sauce
- 2 tbsp Oil
- 6 tbsp Sweet Soy Sauce, 3 tbsp for mariantion + 3 tbsp for fried rice
- Spring Onions, to garnish
- Fried Egg, for topping
- Fried Onion, for topping
- Cucumber Slices, for topping
- Tomato Slices, for topping
- Chili Sauce, as side sauce
Instructions
To make Indonesian Nasi Goreng
- To prepare this spicy Indonesian dish, Nasi Goreng, begin by marinating the chicken breast pieces in sweet soy sauce (also known as Kecap Manis). If time allows, let the chicken rest for a few minutes while you prepare the other ingredients
- Next, heat a wok over high heat and add shallots, Thai chilies, and garlic. Sauté until aromatic, then add the shrimp paste and stir well
- Add the marinated chicken and spread it evenly in the wok. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes undisturbed to create earthy and rustic crisp chicken pieces. Then, stir the chicken for another 3-5 minutes until it is cooked through
- Add the cold cooked rice, sweet soy sauce, and salt, and stir well. Fry the rice for 2-3 minutes
- Finally, garnish with spring and fried onions and remove from the heat
To Serve
- To serve, plate the Nasi Goreng with a fried egg with a runny yolk, fried onions, cucumber, tomato, and a side of chili sauce. You can serve it with hot and sour soup, schezwan chicken or shrimp, or fried shrimp for a more comforting lunch or dinner
Video
Notes
- Day-Old Rice - Using day-old cooked rice in fried rice recipes can enhance the texture and flavor. Old rice tends to have less moisture, which makes it ideal for stir-frying. However, if you prefer to use freshly cooked rice, it is recommended to cool it down for at least 2 hours at room temperature or in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour for best results
- Sweet Soy Sauce - The authentic Indonesian flavor in fried rice is often achieved by using sweet soy sauce. This ingredient sets the dish apart from other types of fried rice
- Shrimp Paste - A Shrimp paste is a popular ingredient in Indonesian cooking, known for its bold umami flavor. However, if it's not readily available, fish sauce can be used as a substitute
- Toppings - Toppings such as fried egg, onions, cucumber, and tomato make for a satisfying meal, but you can customize the toppings based on your preferences
- Temperature - It is important to maintain a high temperature throughout the process of making fried rice. Typically, stir-frying at high heat results in crispy, crunchy, and perfectly fried rice
Nutrition
FAQ
Nasi Goreng is a traditional Indonesian dish that brings together the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. The name "Nasi Goreng" translates to fried rice in Malay and Indonesian. This delectable dish is made with cooked rice, meat, vegetables, sweet soy sauce, shrimp paste, and other flavorful ingredients. Served with a fried egg with a runny yolk, fried onions, prawn crackers, pickled or fresh cucumber, and tomatoes as toppings, Nasi Goreng is a satisfying meal that is enjoyed by many.
Nasi Goreng stands out from other fried rice dishes due to the use of sweet soy sauce (Kecap Manis) and shrimp paste which imparts a unique smoky, earthy, and umami flavor. Additionally, the use of Thai chili adds a spicy kick that sets it apart from other traditional Chinese fried rice dishes
Serve this spicy Indonesian fried rice dish, Nasi Goreng, with a fried egg with a runny yolk, fried onions, prawn or shrimp crackers, cucumber, and tomato slices. To make it a complete meal, we pair it with other Asian dishes such as hot and sour soup, egg foo young, General Tso's chicken, schezwan chicken, and fried shrimp.
I hope you found the recipe enjoyable and I would appreciate hearing about your experience with it.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will do my best to respond promptly. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
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