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Flavorful Indonesian Nasi Goreng Fried Rice with Shrimp

Indonesian Nasi Goreng fried rice with shrimp - featured image

A quick and easy Indonesian fried rice recipe featuring shrimp, caramelized sweet soy sauce, garlic, and shallots for a flavorful and comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups day-old jasmine rice (about 600g)
  • 8 ounces shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons kecap manis (Indonesian sweet soy sauce)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium shallots, thinly sliced
  • 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or sunflower)
  • 2 stalks green onions, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Toasted shallots for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients (10 minutes): Peel and devein the shrimp if not done already. Mince garlic, thinly slice shallots and chili. Chop green onions. Beat the eggs lightly in a bowl.
  2. Heat the Wok (2 minutes): Place your wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and swirl to coat.
  3. Sauté Aromatics (3 minutes): Add the minced garlic, sliced shallots (reserve a few for garnish), and chili to the hot oil. Stir constantly until fragrant and golden but not burnt.
  4. Cook Shrimp (3-4 minutes): Toss in the shrimp, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  5. Cook Eggs (2 minutes): Add a bit more oil if needed. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble gently, breaking into soft curds. Once set but still moist, push eggs to the side of the pan.
  6. Fry the Rice (5-6 minutes): Add remaining oil and then the cold rice, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Stir-fry vigorously to coat every grain with oil and aromatics until slightly toasted and separate.
  7. Add Seasonings (2 minutes): Pour in the kecap manis and fish sauce. Stir well to distribute the sweet, savory glaze evenly throughout the rice. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Combine Shrimp and Green Onions (1 minute): Return the cooked shrimp to the pan along with chopped green onions. Toss everything together gently to warm through.
  9. Final Touch (optional): Sprinkle toasted shallots on top for crunch and serve immediately.

Notes

Use day-old jasmine rice for best texture. Keep heat high to caramelize the kecap manis and avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Remove shrimp as soon as they turn pink to avoid toughness. Add green onions at the end to prevent burning. If rice sticks, add a splash of water while stir-frying.

Nutrition

Keywords: Nasi Goreng, Indonesian fried rice, shrimp fried rice, kecap manis, easy fried rice, quick dinner, Asian cuisine