Plate of Nasi Goreng with vegetables and chicken, garnished with cucumber slices.

Nasi Goreng

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Fried rice is a versatile and delicious dish that you can customize to your taste. It’s easy to make and can use up leftover rice and ingredients you already have in your kitchen. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, fried rice is both satisfying and flavorful. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a variety of vegetables and proteins in one dish!

How to Make Fried Rice

Ingredients

  • 2 cups white long-grain rice, rinsed
  • 2 1/2 tbsp kecap manis
  • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
  • 1/4 cup peanut oil
  • 4 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 brown onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp sambal olek
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp shrimp paste
  • 1 carrot, peeled, finely chopped
  • 1 small chicken breast fillet, chopped
  • 300g green prawns, peeled, deveined, roughly chopped
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 small Chinese cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1/4 cup fried shallots
  • Thinly sliced red chillies, to serve

Directions

  1. Cook the rice according to the absorption method on the packet until it is just tender. Drain and transfer the rice to a baking tray. Fluff the rice with a fork and let it cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours until it is cold.
  2. Combine kecap manis, soy sauce, and sweet chilli sauce in a jug and set it aside.
  3. Heat a wok over high heat and add 1 teaspoon of oil to coat the bottom. Add one-quarter of the beaten egg to form a thin omelette. Cook for about 30 seconds until set, then slide it onto a board. Repeat this process to make four omelettes, rolling each one up and slicing them.
  4. Heat the remaining oil in the wok and stir-fry the brown onion, sambal olek, garlic, shrimp paste, and carrot for 1 minute.
  5. Add the chopped chicken and stir-fry until it is sealed. Then add the prawns and stir-fry until they become pink.
  6. Add the cold rice, soy mixture, green onions, and cabbage to the wok. Stir-fry everything until it is heated through.
  7. Toss in half of the sliced omelette. Serve the fried rice on plates, topped with the remaining omelette, fried shallots, and garnish with sliced chillies.

How to Serve Fried Rice

Fried rice can be served as a main dish or as a side dish. It looks great on a plate topped with the sliced omelette and a sprinkle of fried shallots. Don’t forget to add some extra sliced chillies for a kick of flavor!

How to Store Fried Rice

If you have leftovers, let the fried rice cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it up in a pan or the microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Fried Rice

  • Use day-old rice if possible. It has dried out a bit, which helps prevent clumping when frying.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or corn based on what you have.
  • Always stir-fry on high heat for the best texture and flavor.

Variation

You can easily switch proteins based on your preference. Substitute shrimp or chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option, or use beef or pork for different flavors.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of rice?
Yes, you can use jasmine or basmati rice, but long-grain rice works best for fried rice.

2. Is fried rice gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and ensuring all your ingredients are gluten-free.

3. Can I freeze fried rice?
Yes, you can freeze fried rice. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to a month.