How to Make the Perfect Nasi Goreng
Indonesian · Easy · 25 min · 2 servings
Nasi goreng is Indonesia most iconic fried rice dish, packed with bold savory flavors from kecap manis and aromatic spices. It is a versatile one-pan meal that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Why this recipe works
This Nasi Goreng recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 520 calories with 18g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, day-old
- 3 tablespoons kecap manis sweet soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 whole eggs
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons crispy fried shallots
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics
Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant and lightly golden. Do not let the garlic burn or it will turn bitter.
Step 2: Fry the Rice
Add the day-old jasmine rice to the wok, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry over high heat for 3 to 4 minutes, pressing the rice against the pan to allow it to develop a slight char and smoky flavor.
Step 3: Season and Finish
Pour kecap manis over the rice and toss everything together until the rice is evenly coated in a deep mahogany color. Continue stir-frying for another 2 minutes until heated through and fragrant.
Step 4: Top and Serve
Push the rice to one side of the wok and fry the eggs sunny-side up in the remaining space. Plate the fried rice, top each serving with a fried egg, and garnish generously with crispy fried shallots. Serve immediately.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- kecap manis → regular soy sauce mixed with brown sugar in a 1 to 2 ratio
- jasmine rice → long-grain white rice or basmati rice
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using freshly cooked rice which is too moist and makes the dish mushy instead of fried and separated
- Cooking over low heat which steams the rice instead of giving it the signature smoky wok flavor
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 520 calories, 18g protein, 72g carbs, 18g fat, 3g fiber.
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