Authentic Nasi Goreng Recipe: Easy Indonesian Fried Rice!

Nasi Goreng is Indonesia’s beloved fried rice, packed with bold flavors, a touch of spice, and a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes. This dish is a street food staple across Southeast Asia, and for a good reason—it’s quick, satisfying, and incredibly versatile.

What makes this recipe special? The combination of aromatic garlic, caramelized sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), and the deep umami of shrimp paste (optional) creates an irresistible wok-fried rice experience. Whether you’re a fan of chicken, shrimp, tofu, or a classic fried egg topping, this dish is fully customizable to suit your taste.

Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover rice! With just a few key ingredients and a hot pan, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes.

🌱 Why It’s Healthy

• Protein-Packed: With chicken and eggs, this dish provides a good dose of high-quality protein, keeping you full and energized.
• Rich in Antioxidants: Garlic, onions, and chilies contain antioxidants that support immune health and fight inflammation.
• Balanced Carbs: Using jasmine rice ensures a good balance of carbohydrates for sustained energy, while adding mixed vegetables boosts fiber and micronutrients.
• Low in Added Sugar: The natural sweetness of kecap manis adds depth without excessive refined sugar.

🌾 What is Kecap Manis?

Kecap Manis is a thick, sweet soy sauce commonly used in Indonesian cuisine. It has a molasses-like consistency and a rich umami depth. Traditionally made with soy sauce and palm sugar, it brings a caramelized, slightly smoky sweetness to dishes.

Fun Facts About Kecap Manis

• “Kecap” is the origin of the English word “ketchup.”
• It’s a key ingredient in many Indonesian dishes, including satay and stir-fries.
• Can be substituted with a mix of soy sauce and brown sugar if unavailable.

🛍️ Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Essential Ingredients:

• Cooked jasmine rice – Best when using day-old rice for a firmer texture.
• Chicken breast – Lean protein that absorbs flavors well.
• Eggs – Adds richness and texture.
• Vegetable mix (carrots, peas, bell peppers, etc.) – Boosts nutrition and color.
• Soy sauce & kecap manis – The foundation of the dish’s umami depth.
• Garlic & onions – Essential aromatics for building flavor.
• Shrimp paste (optional) – Adds a deep, briny umami punch.

Substitutions:

• Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
• If you don’t have kecap manis, use soy sauce mixed with a teaspoon of brown sugar.
• Use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a hint of tropical flavor.

👨‍🍳 Chef’s Tips

• Use high heat: A sizzling hot pan ensures the rice gets a slightly crispy texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Stir-fry in batches if necessary to keep everything evenly cooked.
• Let the rice rest before stir-frying: Freshly cooked rice can be too moist, so cooling it down prevents mushiness.
• Customize your spice level: Add extra chilies or a spoonful of sambal for more heat.

📢 You May Also Like

If you loved this Authentic Nasi Goreng Recipe, check out these other delicious and easy-to-make recipes:

• Teriyaki Chicken Recipe: Easy & Delicious 30-Minute!
• Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry – Quick & Flavorful 15-Minute Recipe
• Japanese Omurice – Easy Fried Rice Omelet in 20 Minutes
• Kimchi Fried Rice – Spicy & Tangy One-Pan Meal
• Pad Thai with Shrimp – Fast & Delicious 20-Minute Noodles
• Garlic Butter Shrimp – Juicy & Savory 10-Minute Recipe

🍽️ Let’s Go There!

Ready to bring the taste of Indonesia into your kitchen? Grab your wok and let’s make the best homemade Nasi Goreng!

Crowd-Pleaser

5 from 1 vote

Authentic Nasi Goreng Recipe: Easy Indonesian Fried Rice!

Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 50 mins Difficulty: Intermediate Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 320 kcal Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

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Author: Frank Smith Cooking Method: Stir-Frying Cuisine: Indonesian Courses: Main Dishes Recipe Keys: Quick Meals

Description

Nasi Goreng is a delightful dish featuring aromatic rice stir-fried with vegetables, meat, and a blend of exotic spices.

Ingredients

Cook Mode Cooking Mode Disabled

Servings

Main Ingredients

• 3 cups Cooked rice (Best to use day-old rice for better texture.)
• 3 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
• 1 piece Chicken breast (Diced)
• 2 pieces Eggs
• 1 cup Mixed vegetables (Carrots, peas, bell peppers, etc.)
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sweet soy sauce (Kecap Manis)
• 1 teaspoon Shrimp paste (optional)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon Ground white pepper
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon Salt
• 2 stalks Green onions (Chopped for garnish)

Instructions

Preparation

1. Cooking Rice

   Cook 2 cups of jasmine rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, spread the rice on a baking sheet and let it cool completely.
   Using day-old rice works best for this recipe as it's drier and less likely to clump together.

2. Prep Ingredients

   Dice 1 small onion, 3 cloves of garlic, and slice 2 green chilies. Cut 2 chicken breasts into small pieces and beat 2 eggs in a bowl.
   Feel free to customize by adding other proteins or veggies like shrimp, tofu, or bell peppers.

Cooking Nasi Goreng

1. Sauté Aromatics

   Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, and green chilies. Sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
   Adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer chilies according to your preference.

2. Add Chicken

   Add the chicken breast pieces to the pan. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and starts to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
   For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh.

3. Egg and Rice

   Push the chicken and aromatics to the side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the cleared space and scramble until just set. Mix everything together.
   Scrambling the eggs separately adds a nice texture to the dish.

4. Frying Rice

   Add the cooled jasmine rice to the pan. Break up any clumps and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy.
   High heat is key to achieving that signature fried rice texture.

5. Seasoning

   Season the rice with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), 1 teaspoon of shrimp paste, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
   
   Adjust seasoning to taste and feel free to add more kecap manis for a sweeter flavor.

6. Finishing Touches

   Add a handful of chopped scallions and stir to combine. Serve hot with a side of prawn crackers and a fried egg on top.
   Garnish with crispy shallots or fried onions for an extra crunch.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 786kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 29.7g46%

Saturated Fat 3.7g19%

Trans Fat 0.2g

Cholesterol 262.6mg88%

Sodium 1631.4mg68%

Potassium 999mg29%

Total Carbohydrate 78.9g27%

Dietary Fiber 4.2g17%

Sugars 2.7g

Protein 47.4g95%

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Calcium 107 mg

Iron 5.7 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. ____ (*Keep in mind that these are approximate values and may vary slightly depending on the brands and exact proportions of ingredients used. For more precise measurements, it’s best to use a specific nutritional calculator or product labels for the ingredients you’re using.)

Note

• Use day-old cooked rice for the best texture.
• Customize with your favorite protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Add a fried egg on top for extra richness.
• Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less chili sauce.
• Garnish with crispy shallots and fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
• Serve with a side of prawn crackers for a traditional touch.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Keywords: Indonesian, fried rice, savory, aromatic, exotic spices

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