The Best Easy Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)

Nasi goreng Indonesian fried rice with herbs and chicken.

The Best Easy Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)

Nasi Goreng is a popular Indonesian fried rice dish, known for its savory, slightly sweet, and smoky flavors. It's a quick and satisfying meal that can be customized with various proteins and vegetables. Perfect for using up leftover rice, this recipe will bring authentic Indonesian flavors to your table.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 25

Servings: servings

Author: Deborah Rainford

Ingredients

300 g (2 cups) cooked jasmine or basmati rice , preferably chilled
200 g (½ lb) chicken breast, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 red chili, sliced (optional, adjust to taste)
1 medium carrot, julienned
100 g (1 ⅓ cups) cabbage, shredded
2 eggs, lightly beaten
3 tablespoon kecap manis, Indonesian sweet soy sauce
2 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon shrimp paste, optional
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cucumber slices and fried shallots for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients:

Gather and prepare all ingredients before starting. Ensure that the rice is cooked and preferably chilled to prevent clumping during frying.

Cook the Chicken:

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken slices and stir-fry until cooked through, about 4–5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics:

In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Sauté the minced garlic, chopped onion, and shrimp paste (if using) until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Add Vegetables:

Add the sliced chili, julienned carrot, and shredded cabbage to the pan. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Scramble the Eggs:

Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the empty side. Scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked, then mix them with the vegetables.

Combine with Rice and Chicken:

Add the cooked rice and chicken back into the pan. Pour in the kecap manis and soy sauce

Notes

Use Day-Old Rice: Chilled, day-old rice works best for fried rice as it prevents clumping and ensures a perfect texture.
Protein Variations: Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even beef for different variations of nasi goreng. You can also keep it vegetarian by omitting the meat.
Adjust the Heat: Customize the spiciness by adjusting the amount of chili, or omit it altogether for a milder version.
Shrimp Paste: For a more authentic Indonesian flavor, include the shrimp paste. However, it’s optional and can be omitted if unavailable or for a milder taste.
Kecap Manis Substitute: If you don’t have kecap manis, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 2 tablespoons of soy sauce with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar or molasses.

Nutrition

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