Indonesian Nasi Goreng Recipe | Authentic Indonesian Fried Rice
Nasi goreng is Indonesia's iconic national dish, loved for its bold, smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. Unlike ordinary fried rice, authentic Nasi Goreng is made with kecap manis (Indonesian sweet soy sauce), aromatic garlic, shallots, shrimp paste, and chili, creating its signature rich caramelized flavor and deep golden-brown color. Every bite is packed with fragrant spices, fluffy rice, tender vegetables, and your choice of chicken, shrimp, beef, or eggs.
Traditionally prepared using leftover cold rice, Nasi Goreng develops its distinctive texture by stir-frying over high heat in a wok, giving the rice a slightly smoky aroma known as wok hei. Garlic, shallots, chilies, and shrimp paste form the flavorful base, while kecap manis provides a perfect balance of sweetness and umami. Vegetables such as carrots, peas, and green onions add freshness and color, making the dish both nutritious and satisfying.
Nasi Goreng is commonly served with a fried egg on top and accompanied by cucumber slices, tomato wedges, crispy fried shallots, prawn crackers (kerupuk), and lime wedges. It's a popular breakfast, lunch, dinner, and street food throughout Indonesia, appreciated for its comforting taste and versatility.
Whether you're recreating authentic Indonesian cuisine or looking for an easy one-pan meal, Indonesian Nasi Goreng delivers vibrant flavors and restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes.
Cooking Method
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.
- Cook the diced chicken until browned and fully cooked.
- Push the chicken to one side and scramble the eggs until just set.
- Add the shallots, garlic, chilies, and shrimp paste.
- Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the carrots and peas, cooking for 3 minutes.
- Add the cold rice, breaking up any clumps.
- Pour in the kecap manis, soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and salt.
- Toss everything together over high heat for 4–5 minutes until evenly coated and lightly caramelized.
- Stir in the sliced green onions during the final minute.
- Fry an additional egg separately for serving.
- Plate the Nasi Goreng and top with the fried egg.
- Garnish with fried shallots, cucumber, tomato, lime wedges, and prawn crackers.
Share this Recipe
Link copied to clipboard!