There’s something magical about Indonesian Nasi Goreng—the way it transforms humble white rice into a deeply savory, smoky, and spicy masterpiece. This isn't just any fried rice meal. It's bold, it's aromatic, and it's brimming with character. You’ll find versions of this beloved street food all over Indonesia, often served with a sunny-side-up egg and some crisp prawn crackers on the side. If you love dishes like teriyaki fried rice or a classic chicken stir fry with rice, this spicy twist might just become your new obsession. And let me tell you, once you master this, you'll have a strong contender for the best fried rice recipe ever in your back pocket.
Indonesian Nasi Goreng (Spicy Fried Rice)
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indonesian
Wok or large skillet A wok is traditional for that smoky “wok hei” flavor, but a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet will do the trick.
Spatula A sturdy wooden or silicone spatula works best for stir-frying.
Knife and chopping board For prepping all those aromatics and garnishes.
Rice cooker (optional) For easy rice cooking in advance, but leftover rice from a previous meal works just as well.
- 3 cups cooked white rice day-old rice works best
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 red chilies thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon shrimp paste optional but authentic
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken leftover roast chicken works beautifully
- 2 tablespoons kecap manis Indonesian sweet soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnishes and Sides
- Fried shallots
- Cucumber slices
- Tomato wedges
- Sunny-side-up eggs optional, but highly recommended
- Prawn crackers
- Lime wedges
Step 1: Prep the Rice
If you’re making fried rice from white rice, the secret is to use rice that’s been chilled overnight. This helps dry it out slightly, so it fries up beautifully without becoming mushy. Leftovers are perfect for this.
Step 2: Make the Flavor Base
Heat the oil in your wok over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, onion, and chilies, sautéing until fragrant. If you're using shrimp paste, toss it in now—it’ll add that deeply umami, funky edge that makes this dish so distinct.
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs
Push the aromatics to the side of the wok and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble them quickly and mix everything together.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Chicken
Add the shredded chicken and stir-fry for a couple of minutes until it’s heated through. This is where leftover roast chicken really shines, but any cooked chicken works well.
Step 5: Add the Rice and Sauces
Toss in the cold rice, breaking up any clumps. Drizzle in the kecap manis and soy sauce, then stir-fry until everything is well combined and the rice is evenly coated and slightly caramelized.
Step 6: Taste and Season
Taste your Nasi Goreng and season with salt and pepper as needed. You can also add a splash more soy sauce or kecap manis if you want a darker, richer flavor.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Plate it up hot with a fried egg on top. Scatter over some fried shallots for crunch, and serve with cucumber, tomato, prawn crackers, and lime wedges on the side.
Perfect Pairings
Nasi Goreng is a star on its own but can be turned into an impressive meal spread when paired with:
- A side of sambal oelek or chili garlic sauce for those who crave even more heat.
- Peanut satay skewers for that classic Indonesian flavor contrast.
- A refreshing cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame oil to balance the spice.
- Fried tofu or tempeh for a protein boost, especially if you're aiming for a fried rice recipe vegetarian-friendly.
- Iced jasmine tea or a cold beer to wash it all down.
FAQs
1. What type of rice works best for Nasi Goreng?
Day-old white rice is ideal. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too soft and moist. If you're making fried rice from white rice the same day, spread it out on a baking sheet and refrigerate it for at least an hour.
2. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the chicken and shrimp paste. Add vegetables like carrots, peas, green beans, and bell peppers. This makes it a great option if you’re looking for easy rice recipes or specifically a veg fried rice recipe.
3. What kind of chicken is best?
Cooked, shredded chicken breast or thigh meat both work. Thighs offer a bit more flavor and moisture. Got leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken? Even better!
4. Is this the same as Chinese fried rice?
Not quite! While it shares similarities, Indonesian Nasi Goreng stands out with its use of kecap manis and chili, giving it a sweet, savory, and spicy punch that’s different from a chinese fried rice recipe authentic to Cantonese or Mandarin cuisines.
5. How spicy is it?
You control the spice level. Two chilies make it pleasantly spicy. Want more heat? Add extra or include some sambal.
6. Can I use other proteins?
Definitely. Swap chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu. It's also a great way to repurpose leftovers—a hallmark of many easy stir fry rice recipe ideas.
7. Do I need special ingredients?
Kecap manis is the key ingredient. It’s a thick, sweet soy sauce and can be found in most Asian grocery stores or online. Everything else is fairly standard, making this a great candidate for easy rice dishes you can whip up at home.
