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Nasi goreng
Pound shallot, garlic, chilli and the toasted shrimp paste to a coarse paste with a pinch of salt. A small blender works if you add a spoon of oil.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Nasi goreng take?
30 min all in — 15 min prep, 15 min cook. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 4 plates. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Easy.
How spicy is it?
Medium heat.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Shellfish, Soy, Wheat, Eggs. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Dairy-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
Weeknight budget — about $8–16 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Wok, Mortar and pestle, Frying pan.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at ½ tsp.
How much soy sauce?
1 tbsp of Soy sauce.
What can I use instead?
Kecap manis → 2 tbsp dark soy sauce plus 1 tbsp brown sugar. Close in colour and sweetness, thinner in body. Shrimp paste → 1 tbsp fish sauce. Less depth but keeps the savoury floor. Omit both for a vegetarian plate.
What should I watch for?
Kecap manis burns fast. Keep the rice moving.
Any tips from this recipe?
Rice straight from the cooker steams instead of fries. Spread fresh rice on a tray and chill it for an hour at minimum. Fried shallots from a tub are standard in Indonesia, not a cheat. Scatter them on at the end. A spoon of sambal on the side lets each eater set their own heat.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.