Hey Lykkers, You ever have one of those days where you want something cozy, flavorful, and just a little different from your go-to meals?

That was me last week. And instead of ordering takeout (again), I tried something a little adventurous… and wow, no regrets. Let me introduce you to the magic of Nasi Goreng—Indonesia’s beloved fried rice.

Simple enough for a weeknight, but so packed with flavor it feels special. Trust me, once you make this once, it’ll become part of your regular dinner rotation.

What is Nasi Goreng?

Nasi Goreng literally means "fried rice" in Indonesian, but it’s so much more than that. Unlike your average fried rice, this one has a slightly sweet, smoky, spicy kick that makes it stand out. The secret ingredient?

A dark, syrupy soy sauce called kecap manis. It adds depth and sweetness that balances beautifully with garlic, chili, and shallots.

And here’s the best part—you can customize it based on what’s already in your fridge. Leftover rice? Perfect. A few stray veggies? Toss ’em in. One egg? That’s all you need to top it off.

Nasi Goreng Recipe (Serves 2)

Ingredients:

- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold, day-old rice works best)

- 2 tablespoons kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)

- 1 tablespoon regular soy sauce

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 shallots, finely chopped

- 1 red chili (or a pinch of chili flakes), finely chopped

- 1 egg

- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or sesame)

- Optional: chopped scallions, shrimp, chicken, or veggies (like carrots or peas)

- Fried shallots (for topping, optional)

- Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Sauté the garlic, shallots, and chili until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).

2. Add any extras (like diced chicken, shrimp, or veggies) and cook until done.

3. Toss in the cold rice. Stir well to break up any clumps and get everything evenly mixed.

4. Drizzle in the kecap manis and soy sauce. Stir-fry everything for a few more minutes until the rice is evenly coated and a little caramelized on the edges.

5. In a separate small pan, fry an egg sunny-side-up.

6. Serve the rice hot with the fried egg on top. Garnish with scallions or fried shallots if you have them.

Why You’ll Love It

Nasi Goreng is that perfect mix of comforting and exciting. It’s sweet, salty, just a little spicy, and super satisfying. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, quick to make, and totally flexible.

So next time you’re staring into the fridge wondering what to make, give this Indonesian classic a shot. Let me know how it goes—can’t wait to hear what you think, Lykkers!

Want another Indonesian dish to try next?