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Indonesian

Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)

Nasi goreng is Indonesian fried rice with cold rice, kecap manis, shrimp paste, chicken, vegetables, and a fried egg on top.

Published and reviewed by Kitchgrow on 2 September 2026Updated

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Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)

30 mintotal

Prep 15 min · Cook 15 min

Serves
2
Difficulty
Easy
Spice
Medium
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Ingredients

Quantities are for 2 servings.

You'll need: Stovetop.

No inactive time is needed, but cold cooked rice is important; freshly cooked rice turns sticky instead of frying into separate glossy grains.

Method

  1. Heat part of the measured cooking oil in a wok or wide pan over medium-high heat. Fry the eggs until the edges are crisp and the yolks are set to your preference, then remove them to a plate.

  2. Add the remaining measured cooking oil to the same pan. Cook the shallots and garlic until fragrant and lightly golden.

  3. Add the chicken and cook until the pieces turn opaque and are cooked through with no pink center.

  4. Stir in the shrimp paste and red chilli sauce, pressing them into the aromatics until the paste smells savory and toasted.

  5. Add the carrot and cook briefly so it softens slightly but keeps a little bite.

  6. Add the cooked rice, sweet soy sauce, soy sauce, and salt. Toss over high heat until the rice is evenly coated, hot, and lightly smoky.

  7. Fold in the spring onion greens. Serve hot with the fried eggs and cucumber slices.

How to tell it's done

The rice should be hot, separate, glossy, and lightly caramelized from the sweet soy sauce.

Getting it right

Tip

Cold cooked rice gives the best separation; freshly cooked rice can turn sticky in the pan.

What to serve it with

Serve with cucumber slices, fried shallots, and extra chilli sauce on the side.

Common mistakes

The rice clumps or turns sticky in the wok.
Use cold separated rice, keep the pan hot, and toss quickly after adding kecap manis and soy sauce.

Substitutions

  • Use tofu instead of chicken for a meat-free version, but update the diet and allergen review because soy remains present.
  • If shrimp paste is unavailable, use a small amount of fish sauce; the flavor changes and the allergen review should include fish.
  • Use regular soy sauce with a little palm sugar only as a fallback for sweet soy sauce; it will be less glossy and less authentic.
  • Check sweet soy sauce and soy sauce labels because wheat content varies by brand.

Storing and reheating

Refrigerate nasi goreng for up to 2 days without the fried egg. Reheat in a hot pan with a small splash of oil; freezing is not recommended because the rice and vegetables lose texture.