Nasi Goreng is a savory and aromatic Indonesian fried rice dish packed with flavor from garlic, chili, and kecap manis (sweet soy sauce). Combined with diced chicken and topped with a fried egg and fresh vegetables, this dish offers a satisfying balance of textures and tastes. It’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and can be prepared quickly with simple ingredients.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
Nasi Goreng combines sweet, salty, and spicy notes in a single dish. The chicken adds protein, the fried egg provides richness, and fresh vegetables balance the flavors and textures. Easy to prepare in one pan, it’s a versatile dish suitable for busy weeknights or for introducing authentic Indonesian flavors to your table.
What Is Nasi Goreng?
Nasi Goreng, which means “fried rice” in Indonesian, is a traditional dish that has been a staple of Indonesian cuisine for centuries. Typically made with leftover rice, it incorporates proteins, vegetables, and sweet soy sauce, giving it a distinctive flavor profile. Nasi Goreng is commonly served with a fried egg on top and garnished with fresh vegetables or herbs. Its popularity has spread internationally, and it is celebrated for its versatility, ease of preparation, and bold, satisfying flavors.
Cooking Tips
- Cook the rice in advance or use day-old rice for better texture and to prevent it from becoming mushy while stir-frying.
- Sauté onions, garlic, and chili until fragrant to release their full aroma and enhance the flavor base.
- Marinate chicken briefly in a little soy sauce or kecap manis for extra depth of flavor.
- Add rice gradually to the pan and stir-fry over high heat to ensure even cooking and prevent clumping.
- Adjust the amount of chili according to your preferred spice level.
- Top with a freshly fried egg and serve immediately to maintain the contrast between the warm rice and creamy yolk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Other Proteins?
Yes, shrimp, beef, tofu, or tempeh can replace chicken for alternative flavors or a vegetarian version.
Can I Add Vegetables?
Yes, bell peppers, peas, carrots, or cabbage can be added for extra color, flavor, and nutrition.
Can I Make It Spicier?
Add extra fresh chili, chili paste, or sambal for a spicier version of Nasi Goreng.
Can I Make Mini Portions?
Yes, use small frying pans or serve in bowls for individual portions, perfect for meal prep or parties.
Can I Use Regular Soy Sauce Instead of Kecap Manis?
Yes, but the flavor will be less sweet. You can add a touch of brown sugar to approximate the sweet soy taste.
How to Store
Store leftover Nasi Goreng in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, to restore flavor and texture.
How to Freeze
Nasi Goreng can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a pan for best results. Avoid freezing with fresh vegetables or fried egg toppings; add them fresh after reheating.
Ingredients
How to Make Nasi Goreng
To prepare nasi goreng, start by rinsing the rice several times, then boil it in salted boiling water for 15 minutes, drain it and set it aside. Alternatively, cook it by absorption following the instructions on the package.
To prepare nasi goreng, start by rinsing the rice several times, then boil it in salted boiling water for 15 minutes, drain it and set it aside. Alternatively, cook it by absorption following the instructions on the package.
Pour a drizzle of seed oil into a large pan and sauté the chopped onion for a couple of minutes. Then add the garlic and chili pepper, also finely chopped.
Pour a drizzle of seed oil into a large pan and sauté the chopped onion for a couple of minutes. Then add the garlic and chili pepper, also finely chopped.
Stir, then add the diced chicken and brown it. Then, pour in 15 ml of kecap manis and mix everything together.
Stir, then add the diced chicken and brown it. Then, pour in 15 ml of kecap manis and mix everything together.
Transfer the cooked rice to the pan and add the rest of the Indonesian soy sauce.
Transfer the cooked rice to the pan and add the rest of the Indonesian soy sauce.
Mix and sauté the rice with the rest of the ingredients until you obtain a dish with a uniform color.
Mix and sauté the rice with the rest of the ingredients until you obtain a dish with a uniform color.
Divide the fried rice into a serving dish, then add the tomato cut into wedges and the cucumber cut into rounds.
Divide the fried rice into a serving dish, then add the tomato cut into wedges and the cucumber cut into rounds.
Finish with a few chili pepper rings and thinly sliced spring onion greens. Finally, top with a melted egg.
Finish with a few chili pepper rings and thinly sliced spring onion greens. Finally, top with a melted egg.
Nasi goreng is ready: bring it to the table and enjoy it right away, nice and hot!
Nasi goreng is ready: bring it to the table and enjoy it right away, nice and hot!
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