Nasi Goreng is the popular Indonesian fried rice which is traditionally served with a fried egg. I love the unique dark brown, caramelised colour of the rice! It’s a simple recipe, you won’t need to hunt down any unusual ingredients, and it’s one of my favourite Indonesian foods – and I’m betting you will love it too. 🙂
Nasi Goreng
Anyone who has been to Bali would be familiar with Nasi Goreng and probably had it almost every day because it’s everywhere and darn delicious!
So for those who have tried and love Nasi Goreng, you will be surprised how easy this is to make in your very own home.
And for those who haven’t tried it, I hope you do!
What is Nasi Goreng?
The literal translation of Nasi Goreng is “fried rice” in Indonesian and Malaysian – and that’s exactly what it is! It’s mainly rice with just a little bit of meat and just onion for the vegetables. The thing that distinguishes it from other Fried Rice dishes is the sauce which is made with kecap manis, a sweet soy sauce that stains the rice dark brown and caramelises the rice when it cooks.
Typically it’s served with a sunny side up egg (love how the yolk runs into the rice!) and a side of fresh cucumber and tomato (no dressing) to make a meal of it.
Shrimp Paste is optional!
As with almost every traditional dish, there are many versions of Nasi Goreng. Some are more complicated than others, calling for the use of dried shrimp (belacan) which, astonishingly, is now sold in large supermarkets in Australia as well as Asian stores.
I make it with, and I make it without. It’s tasty even without dried shrimp – and in fact, when I originally shared this Nasi Goreng recipe in 2016, I chose the version without shrimp paste because of that reason.
But it is tastier and more authentic with dried shrimp.
So I’ve compromised and taken the easy route by using shrimp paste rather than dried shrimp which requires more effort in the preparation process (crumble and toast before using).
Kecap Manis (sweet soy sauce)
A distinguishing feature of Nasi Goreng is the dark brown colour of the rice from the kecap manis / ketjap manis which is an Indonesian sweet soy sauce. It’s thicker and sweeter than normal soy sauce, with a consistency like syrup.
Don’t go running for the hills thinking it’s a hard-to-find-ingredient! Here in Australia, kecap manis is available in major supermarkets (see here for Woolworths).
And if you can’t find it at your supermarket, don’t worry! It is SO easy to make – just reduce soy sauce and brown sugar. Seriously. I’ve included directions in the recipe for you.
Cold, day old rice is not optional!
While shrimp paste is optional, the COLD cooked rice called for is not!
It’s simply not possible to make any fried rice with hot, freshly cooked rice – it gets kind of stickier when stir fried in sauce.
On the other hand, day old cold rice is drier and harder, so the rice can be stir fried in the sauce in a way that makes it become caramelised which gives Nasi Goreng the signature colour and flavour.
Speedy option: Cook the rice, spread out on tray then FREEZE for 1 – 2 hours, or refrigerate for 3 – 4 hours. It’s not just about cooling the rice, it’s also about making the surface of the rice dry out.
Super quick 20 minute recipe
The making part is very straightforward, no different to typical fried rice recipes. Garlic, chilli and onion first, then chicken, then rice, kecap manis and shrimp paste, if using.
Cook for a couple of minutes until the rice grains start to caramelise. Trust me – you will know when it’s ready, it smells amazing!
How to serve Nasi Goreng
Nasi Goreng is traditionally served with a fried egg and a side of fresh vegetables (commonly plain juicy wedges of tomato and cucumber).
Both these side options are very typical in various parts of Asia to add protein and vegetables to a plate to turn something carb-heavy into a meal.
Nasi Goreng is also a terrific Asian side dish option, something a little different that packs a bit of a flavour punch! Try it on the side of:
Asian Chilli Garlic Shrimp/Prawns – big punchy flavours, tastes like Thai Chilli jam!
Or have a browse of my Asian recipes collection for more ideas!
I do hope you try this. Super tasty, it’s probably one of the most flavour packed Asian fried rice dishes! – Nagi x
Watch how to make it
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Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 tbsp oil
- 5 oz / 150g chicken breast , thinly sliced (or other protein)
- 1 tbsp kecap manis (sweet soy sauce, Note 1)
Rice
- 1.5 tbsp oil
- 2 garlic cloves , finely chopped
- 1 tsp red chilli , finely chopped (Note 2)
- 1 onion , small, diced
- 3 cups cooked white rice , day old, cold (Note 3)
- 2 tbsp kecap manis (sweet soy sauce, Note 1)
- 2 tsp shrimp paste , optional (Note 4)
Garnishes / side servings (optional)
- 4 eggs , fried to taste
- 1 green onion , sliced
- Tomatos and cucumbers, cut into wedges/chunks
- Fried shallots , store bought (optional) (Note 3)
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
- Add chilli and garlic, stir for 10 seconds.
- Add onion, cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken, cook until it mostly turns white, then add 1 tbsp kecap manis and cook for a further 1 minute or until chicken is mostly cooked through and a bit caramelised.
- Add rice, 2 tbsp kecap manis and shrimp paste, if using. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes until sauce reduces down and rice grains start to caramelise (key for flavour!).
- Serve, garnished with garnishes of choice (green onions, red chilli, fried shallots).
Serving
- Serve as a side for Asian main dishes or as part of a large spread, Asian or not! 🙂 See in post for suggestions.
- Make it a meal – traditional Indonesian style!: Serve with a fried egg sunny side up (runny yolk!), tomato wedges and slices of cucumber on the side.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
Nasi Goreng recipe originally shared March 2016. Updated June 2019 with new photos, new writing, brand new video, slight recipe improvement and most importantly, Life of Dozer added!
Life of Dozer
Annual check up – passed with flying colours! And he behaved pretty well too…. until he saw the needle….
…. but the teeny tiny little prick was soon forgotten as he launched himself onto the reception desk for treats. 🙄 The wonderful team at Mona Vale Vetinary Hospital spoil him!! (And you know I totally love it)
Hello ! I’m French and i really like your website !
This recipe is awesome. Thanks.
Thanks so much Sabrina!
Would love for you to share a Mie Goreng recipe!
Oooh! That just went straight to the top of my list 🙂
Awesome recipe, I loved it
Thanks for Nagi! I loveeee the traditional Indo Nasi Goreng. Any suggestions for additional vegetables to add?
Pretty damn good, my go to recipe! Thank you, it’s pretty much perfect, my wifes favourite meal!
no salt or soy sauce involved? i found it too sweet.
I agree. Added another portion of rice and still way too sweet.
Hi Albert, sorry you found it too sweet – the shrimp paste and sweet soy should be enough to make up the salt component in this dish – can I ask what brand of kecap manis you used? N x
Thank you for your awesome recipes. I made this today and it was DELICIOUS!!! I’ve also tried your turkey breast roast and roast pork recipe for our Christmas lunch & it was sooooo bloody good, the turkey was tasty and tender and the pork cracking was so crispy. Keep sharing your awesome recipes.
Thanks so much for the great feedback Stel, I really appreciate it – N x
If using chili paste instead of chilis, how much do you recommend using?
Hi Nagi, just an update Woolworths Mona Vale don’t stock Ayam Sambal Shrimp anymore. They did have Ayam Nasi goreng or shrimp paste in a block. I’m a bit nervous to try this shrimp paste but we will see how it goes.
Actually Coles didn’t stock it either … so must be something I need to get from an Asian grocery if I want the Ayam brand?
Lovely recipe. My first time using Kecap Manis and I shall definitely be using it again. I couldn’t find any shrimp paste nearby me but I shall make it my mission to use some next time
Try on line.
Wahoo, that’s great Zindzi!!
Wow amazing recipes for an easy cooking.
And I’m all for EASY! – N x
I made this recipe today (only switched the chicken for tofu to make it vegetarian) and it was absolutely delicious, definitely becoming my staple meal.
Now if you excuse me I have to check out the rest of your website :).
Thanks a lot!
That’s great to hear Michaela ❤️
Absolutely a new favorite! I made extra sauce and marinated some salmon with it!
Yum! Sounds amazing Tatum!
I’ll be using Belacan. How much of it should I use with the rest of your recipe? Thanks
Nagi., Love your recipes. I have tried several ones with success. THANK YOU. I tried this one today but was not sure regarding the amount of kecap manis. Under the chicken subheading, it says it 1 tb along with 1 tb oil – are these to be combined with the chicken first before cooking or when cooking (and did you mean 1/2 tb of kecap manis in step 4)? (I ended up using the total amount of kecap manis called for in the recipe – and the end result was a bit sweet). Thanks for clarifying.
I stumbled across this website after googling a recipe for nasi goreng and OMFG!!! This recipe did not disappoint. It was so easy and un-f’ing-believably tasty! I can not wait to see what your other recipes are like.
I’m so happy you loved it Shannon! Can’t wait to hear what you think of my other recipes ❤️
I love this so much.
Awesome!!
This was so good! I first tried Nasi Goreng on a cruise and loved it so I’ve been meaning to try to recreate it at home. I finally got around to it and wow I’m glad I did. It was a hit! I make a lot of different chicken and rice dishes and I’m so glad I have this one to add to my collection. It’s so easy and really tastes great! It’s a beautiful looking dish, too.
I only discovered your site a few weeks ago and I’ve cooked quite a few of your dishes now! This was brilliant!
Wahoo, that’s great to hear Bec!
As usual, excellent
Thanks so much Angela!
Can I use roasted belachan paste instead of the shrimp paste you recommend?
So I had this for dinner last night, along with the Crispy Grilled Garlic Shrimp. Mmmmm. Guess what I’m having again tonight!
Perfect Combo Krisby!!