Nasi Goreng is Indonesia’s iconic fried rice dish known for its smoky aroma, savory-sweet taste, and comforting texture. It’s often made with leftover rice, stir-fried in a seasoned soy-based sauce, and topped with a fried egg. This dish is a common street food across Indonesia and loved for its quick prep and bold flavor. This recipe serves 2 people.
Ingredients
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2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold, leftover rice works best)
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 red chili (optional), finely sliced
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100 g chicken breast or shrimp, cooked and chopped
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1 carrot, finely diced (optional)
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2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 fried eggs (for topping)
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Fried shallots (for garnish)
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Cucumber and tomato slices (to serve on the side)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Rice and Protein
Use rice that’s completely cooled to avoid stickiness. If using chicken or shrimp, make sure it’s cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces before frying.
2. Cook the Aromatics
Heat oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and chili. Stir-fry for a minute until fragrant.
3. Add Protein and Vegetables
Add chopped chicken, shrimp, or any protein of choice. Toss in the diced carrot if using. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
4. Stir in the Rice
Add the cold rice to the pan. Break up any clumps with a spatula. Stir well to mix with the other ingredients.
5. Season and Fry
Pour in the sweet soy sauce and regular soy sauce. Stir continuously so the rice gets evenly coated and starts to brown slightly. Add salt and pepper to taste. Let the rice sit untouched for a minute or two to develop that signature slightly crispy edge at the bottom.
6. Plate and Serve
Divide the rice onto two plates. Top each with a fried egg. Garnish with crispy fried shallots, and serve with slices of cucumber and tomato on the side.
Nasi Goreng is comforting, fast, and endlessly adaptable. Add more vegetables, swap proteins, or even toss in some sambal if you like it spicy. It’s a full meal in one pan, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
