Indonesian Fried Rice (Nasi Goreng) with Bakso and Chicken
Indonesian Fried Rice (Nasi Goreng) with Bakso and Chicken is a easy Indonesian recipe that serves 2. 520 calories per serving.
Prep: 18 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 38 min
Cost: $6.80 total, $3.40 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked white rice (Use cold, leftover rice for best texture)
- 4 pieces Bakso (Indonesian meatballs) (Cut into small cubes)
- 100 grams Cooked chicken breast (Diced or shredded)
- 2 stalks Scallions (daun bawang) (Thinly sliced)
- 2 pieces Red chili (Thinly sliced; adjust to taste)
- 1.5 tablespoons Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- 1 tablespoon Soy sauce (kecap asin)
- 0.5 teaspoon Ladaku black pepper powder (Or any black pepper powder)
- 2 tablespoons Cooking oil (For frying)
- 2 tablespoons Fried shallot or garlic (optional garnish) (Optional)
- 3 tablespoons Nasi goreng spice paste (Homemade or store-bought; see tips for homemade)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Dice the bakso and chicken breast into small cubes. Thinly slice the scallions and red chili. If using homemade nasi goreng spice paste, prepare by blending shallots, garlic, and chili.
Time: PT10M
Heat Oil and Sauté Spice Paste
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the nasi goreng spice paste and sauté until fragrant and fully cooked (about 3-4 minutes).
Time: PT4M
Temperature: Medium-high heat
Add Soy Sauces and Caramelize
Add sweet soy sauce and regular soy sauce to the wok. Stir and let them touch the sides of the wok to caramelize slightly before mixing with the paste.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium-high heat
Add Vegetables, Bakso, and Chicken
Add the sliced chili, scallions, diced bakso, and chicken to the wok. Stir-fry until everything is well mixed and heated through (about 2 minutes).
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium-high heat
Season with Black Pepper
Sprinkle in Ladaku black pepper powder (or regular black pepper). Stir to combine.
Time: PT0.5M
Add Rice and Stir-Fry
Add the cold cooked rice to the wok. Stir and toss vigorously, ensuring the rice is coated evenly with the sauce and ingredients. Continue stir-frying until the rice is hot, separated, and aromatic (about 5-6 minutes).
Time: PT6M
Temperature: High heat
Serve
Transfer the nasi goreng to a serving plate. Garnish with fried shallots or garlic if desired. Serve hot.
Time: PT0.5M
Cleanup
Wash wok/skillet, spatula, knife, cutting board, and any bowls or utensils used.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 520
- Protein
- 22g
- Carbohydrates
- 75g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Not vegetarian, Dairy-free
Allergens: Soy, Wheat (from soy sauce), Egg (if bakso contains egg), Fish (if bakso contains fish)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Cooked white rice: Brown rice, Jasmine rice
- Instead of Bakso (Indonesian meatballs): Beef meatballs, Chicken meatballs
- Instead of Cooked chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken, Tofu (for vegetarian)
- Instead of Scallions (daun bawang): Chives, Leek (white part only)
- Instead of Red chili: Bird's eye chili, Bell pepper (for less heat)
- Instead of Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis): Soy sauce + brown sugar
- Instead of Soy sauce (kecap asin): Tamari, Coconut aminos
- Instead of Ladaku black pepper powder: Freshly ground black pepper
- Instead of Cooking oil: Canola oil, Sunflower oil
- Instead of Fried shallot or garlic (optional garnish): Omit, Toasted sesame seeds
- Instead of Nasi goreng spice paste: Sambal oelek + garlic + shallot
Equipment Needed
- Wok or large nonstick skillet
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons (optional)
- Serving plate (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sautéing the spice paste until fully cooked and fragrant (Step 2)
- Using cold, day-old rice to prevent mushy texture (Step 1)
- Stir-frying the rice thoroughly to coat and separate grains (Step 6)
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, add a fried egg on top.
- A dash of toasted sesame oil at the end adds aroma.
- Try adding shrimp or other proteins for variation.
Troubleshooting
Rice turns mushy or clumps together.
Always use cold, day-old rice. Break up clumps before adding to the wok.
Spice paste burns.
Stir constantly and use medium heat. Add a splash of oil if it looks dry.
Rice lacks flavor.
Ensure spice paste is fully cooked and fragrant. Adjust soy sauces and pepper to taste.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 1 month. Reheat in a pan for best texture.
Room temperature: Best not kept at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook rice a day ahead and refrigerate for best results.
- Chop all vegetables and proteins before starting to cook.
Last updated: August 21, 2026






