Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)

Servings

4

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Cuisine

Indonesian

Category

Dinner

Nasi Goreng is Indonesia's famous fried rice: smoky, sweet, savoury, and a little bit addictive.
It's quick to make with day-old rice, seasoned with kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) for that signature caramel colour and flavour.
Always served with a fried egg on top, it's the kind of comfort food that works any time of day: breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)

Ingredients

  • 4 cups cold cooked jasmine rice (about 600 g)

  • 2 tablespoon neutral oil

  • 2 teaspoon soy sauce

  • 2 tablespoon kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)

  • Optional: shrimp paste (terasi) or dried shrimp

  • Fried eggs (sunny-side up)

  • Fresh cucumber and tomato slices

Directions

  1. Ensure your rice is cold and preferably day-old (or freeze for 1–2 hours, or chill for 3–4 hours) — this gives the best texture for frying.

  2. Heat oil in a wok or pan.

  3. Add rice, break up any clumps, and stir-fry briefly.

  4. Add soy sauce and kecap manis. Stir until rice turns rich caramel brown.

  5. (Optional) Mix in shrimp paste for extra umami.

  6. Serve hot with a fried egg on top.

  7. Add cucumber and tomato slices on the side for freshness.