Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)
In short: Cold day-old rice fried with a shallot, garlic and chili paste, sweet soy sauce and shrimp paste, topped with a fried egg and crisp shallots. It takes about 30 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 30 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 430 kcal
Nasi goreng is the fried rice Indonesians eat for breakfast, late suppers and quick lunches, and it is sold from carts on nearly every street. This version flavors the rice with a paste of shallot, garlic, chili and toasted shrimp paste, then sweetens and darkens it with kecap manis (thick sweet soy sauce). Day-old rice matters, because cold, dry grains fry loose instead of turning mushy. Finish with a fried egg, cucumber and crisp fried shallots.
Instructions
- Pound the shallots, garlic, chilies, shrimp paste and salt in a mortar, or blitz them in a small blender, into a rough paste.
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large wok over medium-high heat. Fry the paste for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring, until it smells fragrant and darkens slightly.
- Add the chicken and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, until it is white all through and reaches 74°C (165°F).
- Tip in the rice and break up any clumps with the back of a spatula. Toss and press the rice against the hot wok for 3 minutes, until it is steaming hot.
- Pour in the kecap manis and soy sauce and keep tossing for 2 more minutes, until every grain is evenly brown and a few start to crisp. Fold in the spring onions and taste for salt.
- Heat the remaining oil in a small frying pan. Fry the eggs over medium heat until the whites are set and the edges are lacy, about 2 minutes.
- Divide the rice among plates, top each with a fried egg and serve with cucumber, tomato, fried shallots and crackers.
Tips
- No day-old rice? Spread freshly cooked rice on a tray and leave it uncovered in the fridge for 30 minutes so the surface dries out before frying.
- Swap the chicken for peeled shrimp, or use diced tempeh and skip the shrimp paste for a vegetarian version. A spoonful of sambal can replace the fresh chilies.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between nasi goreng and Chinese fried rice?
Nasi goreng is seasoned with a fresh chili and shallot paste, shrimp paste and kecap manis, so it is darker, sweeter and spicier. It is also usually served with a fried egg on top.
Can I make nasi goreng ahead of time?
Yes. Cool the rice quickly, refrigerate it in a sealed container for up to 2 days and reheat in a hot wok or pan with a splash of water. Fry the eggs fresh.
How spicy is nasi goreng?
It is as mild or hot as you like. Two chilies give a gentle warmth, four make it properly spicy. Most Indonesians also add extra sambal at the table.
How long does it take to make Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)?
About 30 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)?
About 430 kcal per serving, with 18 g of protein, 51 g of carbohydrates and 17 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 430 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 51 g |
| Fat | 17 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 1100 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
