How to Make Shrimp Nasi Goreng | Easy Indonesian Fried Rice Recipe

Shrimp nasi goreng is a flavorful Indonesian fried rice dish made with rice, shrimp, eggs, vegetables, and a sweet-savory sauce. It is easy to prepare at home using simple ingredients, especially leftover rice. The combination of juicy shrimp, fragrant garlic, and rich kecap manis creates a satisfying one-pan meal that works well for lunch or dinner.

🍤 Recipe at a Glance

• Preparation and cooking time: Approximately 20 minutes

• Servings: 2

• Main ingredients: 2 bowls of cooked rice, 150g shrimp, and 2 eggs

• Key seasoning: Kecap manis, soy sauce, and garlic

• Flavor: Sweet, savory, and optionally spicy

🛒 Ingredients for Shrimp Nasi Goreng

For two servings, prepare the following ingredients:

For the sauce:

• 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons kecap manis (Indonesian sweet soy sauce)

• 1 tablespoon regular soy sauce

• 1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce

• A little sambal or chili powder, optional

• Black pepper to taste

Kecap manis is a thick, sweet Indonesian soy sauce that gives nasi goreng its distinctive color and sweetness. If you cannot find it, mix regular soy sauce with a little sugar or honey as a substitute. The flavor will be slightly different, but it still works well for a homemade version.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Shrimp Nasi Goreng

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

Pat the shrimp dry after peeling and deveining them. Finely chop the onion and carrot, and slice the green onion. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and remove excess moisture before cooking.

Step 2: Scramble the eggs

Heat a little cooking oil in a large frying pan or wok. Add the beaten eggs and gently scramble until just cooked. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the shrimp and vegetables

Add a little more oil to the same pan. Sauté the minced garlic and green onion until fragrant. Add the onion and carrot, then stir-fry briefly. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque throughout.

Step 4: Add the rice and sauce

Add the cooked rice and break up any large clumps with a spatula. Pour in the kecap manis, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Stir-fry over high heat until the rice is evenly coated and the ingredients are well combined.

For extra heat, add a little sambal or chili powder according to your preference.

Step 5: Add the eggs and finish

Return the scrambled eggs to the pan and gently mix them into the fried rice. Season with black pepper, taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Your shrimp nasi goreng is ready to serve!

💡 Tips for Better Homemade Nasi Goreng

• Use chilled rice: Rice that has been cooked and refrigerated has less surface moisture, making it easier to achieve a fluffy fried rice texture.

• Dry the shrimp: Excess moisture can make the rice soggy instead of allowing it to fry properly.

• Add the sauce gradually: Kecap manis and oyster sauce vary in sweetness and saltiness between brands, so start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.

• Cook over high heat: Prepare all ingredients before starting, then stir-fry quickly to preserve their texture.

🥒 What to Serve with Shrimp Nasi Goreng

Fresh cucumber and tomato slices make refreshing side dishes that balance the rich, savory flavor of the fried rice. For a more Indonesian-inspired presentation, serve it with a sunny-side-up fried egg, prawn crackers, or acar, a type of pickled vegetable side dish.

You can also adjust the spice level easily. Leave out the sambal for a mild version, or add more chili sauce if you enjoy a little heat.

🍽️ With leftover rice, shrimp, and a few everyday ingredients, you can make a delicious meal in one pan. Try this easy shrimp nasi goreng recipe and enjoy the sweet, savory flavors of Indonesian-style fried rice at home.