Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice) Recipe
Nasi Goreng is a flavorful Indonesian fried rice dish featuring marinated chicken, aromatic spices, and a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, topped with a fried egg and complemented by fresh garnishes for an authentic and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Indonesian
Ingredients
For the Rice
- 4 cups cooked white rice (day-old)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
For the Protein
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
For the Aromatic Paste
- 2 medium shallots
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 medium red chili
- 1 tablespoon Indonesian shrimp paste (terasi)
For Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
For Toppings
- 2 eggs (fried)
- To taste garnishes: green onion, tomatoes, cucumber, fried shallots, lime wedges, shrimp chips, sambal oelek
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the boneless skinless chicken thighs with 2 tablespoons of kecap manis. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Aromatic Paste: Using a mortar and pestle or food processor, grind the shallots, garlic cloves, red chili, and Indonesian shrimp paste until a smooth paste forms.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok over medium heat. Add the aromatic paste and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Then add the marinated chicken and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until nearly done.
- Add Rice and Seasoning: Add the day-old cooked white rice to the wok along with 1 tablespoon of kecap manis and 3 tablespoons of soy sauce. Toss all ingredients until well mixed and heated through, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Plate and Garnish: Serve the nasi goreng on plates and top each serving with a fried egg. Garnish with sliced tomatoes, cucumber, fried shallots, green onions, lime wedges, shrimp chips, and sambal oelek according to your taste.
Notes
- Day-old rice works best as it is drier and prevents clumping when frying; freshly cooked rice must be cooled completely before use.
- Adjust the spiciness by choosing the type and amount of chili; bird’s eye chilies add more heat.
- You can substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for variation or to make it vegetarian-friendly.
- Use fish sauce if Indonesian shrimp paste is not available for a similar umami flavor.
- Omit the fried egg for a lighter meal or replace with a poached egg if preferred.
- Customize garnishes to your liking; lime wedges add a fresh tangy contrast.
