Nasi goreng, which translates to “fried rice” in Indonesian, is one of the most beloved and widely recognized dishes in Indonesia. It’s a flavorful, savory meal typically made with leftover rice, a mix of vegetables, protein like chicken, shrimp, or egg, and a signature sweet soy sauce called kecap manis. Known for its deep umami flavor, smoky aroma, and irresistible caramelized finish, nasi goreng is both a comfort food and a national culinary symbol.
Unlike many other fried rice dishes, nasi goreng stands out for its unique seasoning. The use of kecap manis gives the rice a slightly sweet, molasses-like depth, which balances beautifully with garlic, shallots, chili, and sometimes shrimp paste or tamarind. This combination of spices and sauce coats the rice, creating a rich, bold flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
Nasi goreng is highly customizable. It can be made with whatever you have on hand, making it ideal for using up leftover rice and bits of vegetables or meat. A fried egg on top is a common and much-loved addition, with its runny yolk blending into the rice to add richness. Crispy shallots, sliced cucumber, and tomato are often served on the side for freshness and crunch.
In Indonesia, nasi goreng is more than just a meal — it’s a part of daily life. Eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it’s commonly found in street food stalls, family kitchens, and high-end restaurants alike. Each region and household has its own version, reflecting local tastes and ingredients.
Whether enjoyed on a busy weekday or as part of a festive spread, nasi goreng delivers bold flavor, comfort, and a taste of Indonesian culture in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice preferably cold, day-old rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 piece shallot finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon kecap manis Indonesian sweet soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili sauce adjust to taste
- 1 egg egg beaten
- 50 grams chicken breast cooked and shredded
- 2 tablespoons spring onions sliced
- 1 pinch salt to taste
- 1 pinch black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and chopped shallots to the skillet and sauté until fragrant.
- Push the garlic and shallots to the side, and pour the beaten egg into the skillet. Scramble until fully cooked.
- Add shredded chicken and cook for another 2 minutes, mixing with the eggs.
- Stir in the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
- Add kecap manis, chili sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients and heat through.
- Garnish with sliced spring onions before serving.
Nutrition
Why do you put a egg in rice? Seems weird… But hey, my kids loved it, so I guess that’s what matters.
This is a fantastic recipe! I can’t believe how easy it was to make and absolutely delicious. Will definitely make again!
I used leftover takeout rice, and it turned out great! The flavors are just amazing. Also, I added shrimp for more protein.
Nasi Goreng? More like Nasi Gone! My rice ended up a mushy mess, don’t know what I did wrong.
OMG SO GOOD! I can’t believe I never tried making Nasi Goreng before. Thanks for sharing! 🎉
Tastes like my trip to Bali, but I used leftover sushi rice, haha! Still good tho.
Garlic and shallot sauté smelled amazing, but I burned mine slightly by going too high. Lower heat next time, lesson learned.
I tried it but it was too spicy for my taste. Maybe cut down on the chili sauce next time.
I’m not sure about the proportions. 2 tbsp oil feels low for frying a whole cup of rice, so I had to splash a bit more. Also, I didn’t have shallots so I used onion—still okay.
This Nasi Goreng is incredible! I’ve never tasted something so flavorful! Totally bringing this to my potluck!
This was a delicious recipe! I had all the ingredients and it turned out perfect. So easy to follow!
That’s great to hear! I love how easy this recipe is. I’m definitely trying it this weekend!
This tastes authentic-ish. I was skeptical about 1 cup rice only, but it was enough for one hungry person. Egg came out nicely scrambled.
Meh… the sweet soy sauce made it kinda sticky and too sweet for my taste. Also my rice clumped even after breaking it. Maybe I cooked it wrong.
Honestly, this tastes restaurant-level. The egg makes it so silky. I could eat it every day.
I followed the steps but mine was a bit dry. Maybe I used too little oil or my rice wasn’t cold enough. Still tasty though, just not as glossy.
Ahh yeah, that sounds like the classic “not enough fat / not enough moisture” issue. If your rice wasn’t really cold (or day-old), it can turn out less glossy and more dry. I’d try adding a bit more oil and also letting the rice sit uncovered in the fridge so it dries slightly before frying.
Dry rice happens when you don’t stir fast enough. Also I think kecap manis is too sweet so maybe it dries it out? I usually add like 1-2 tbsp water or soy to loosen it. Mine came out fine that way.
Delicious!! I’m making it again for my friends this weekend!!
That’s awesome! Your friends are gonna love it! 😍
Are you sure it’s that good? I tried it once and it was kinda bland. 🤔
I tried making this for my family, but it didn’t taste right. Maybe I used too much soy sauce? Not sure I’ll try again.
It sounds like you might have overdone the soy sauce. Try using less next time! A little bit goes a long way. Don’t give up yet!
Soy sauce is strong, but maybe you just need to balance it with some other flavors. Did you use enough garlic? That’s important!
Eggs are supposed to be scrambled or not? I didn’t know 🤷♂️
Not gonna lie, I was skeptical about 1 cup rice, but it was plenty for the pan I used. Garlic/shallot step smells amazing.
This was the best Nasi Goreng I’ve ever made! So delicious! 😋
Honestly, I don’t get the hype. It’s just fried rice. My mom’s recipe is way better!
I gotta disagree! This Nasi Goreng has so much flavor with the kecap manis and spices. It’s way better than regular fried rice!
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The garlic/shallot aroma while sautéing was incredible. Next time I’ll add more chili because I like it hotter!
I don’t get why people like this rice dish so much. It’s just fried rice, come on!
Whatever, it’s just fried rice. I’ve made better with leftover takeout.
I think you’re missing out! Nasi Goreng has so much flavor. It’s not just fried rice; it’s an experience!
This is basically egg fried rice with chicken. Which is fine, but I was expecting more punch. I added extra chili and it helped a lot.
I think this is overrated. It’s just fried rice, right? I don’t get the hype. Seems too simple.
Chicken breast worked, but it felt kinda dry compared to using leftover thigh meat. Would recommend shredding something fattier or adding a tiny bit of oil at the end.
OMG this was sooo good! I can’t believe I can make Nasi Goreng at home, it’s like magic in a skillet!
I tried it too, and wow! It’s so easy and delicious! Just like you said, magic in a skillet! 👍
Really? I don’t know about that… it seems like a lot of step for fried rice. Isn’t this just fancy fried rice?
Simple and quick! I like that. Will make it again!
Nasi Goreng is the best! This recipe is pretty good, but I feel like it needs some vegetables. Peas or carrots maybe?