Yes, you can make the iconic Indonesian fried rice, Nasi Goreng, using just your rice cooker. With a mix of bold spices, sweet soy sauce, aromatics, and customizable protein and veggies, this dish offers authentic flavor and convenience, no wok required.
This guide will show you how to prepare Nasi Goreng in a rice cooker using everyday ingredients while keeping its essence intact.
What Is Nasi Goreng?
Nasi Goreng means “fried rice” in Bahasa Indonesia. Unlike typical fried rice, it has a sweet, smoky depth from kecap manis (Indonesian sweet soy sauce) and often includes garlic, shallots, chili, shrimp paste, and egg. It’s considered a comfort food staple across Indonesia and Malaysia.
Why Make Nasi Goreng in a Rice Cooker?
A rice cooker lets the flavors meld into the rice while cooking everything in one pot.
- Requires minimal supervision and cleanup.
- Recreates the same depth of flavor with less oil.
- Easily scalable for batch cooking or meal prep.
Ingredients for Rice Cooker Nasi Goreng
Here’s a simplified list to create a deeply flavored Nasi Goreng at home.
- 2 cups jasmine or long-grain rice, rinsed and soaked
- 1¾ cups water
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 shallots or small onion, minced
- 1 tsp shrimp paste (optional) or 1 tsp soy sauce for vegetarian version
- 1 small carrot, diced
- ½ cup green peas
- 1 egg, whisked
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken, tofu, or shrimp
- 2 tbsp kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
- ½ tsp chili paste or sambal oelek (adjust for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fried shallots and cucumber slices, for garnish
How to Make Nasi Goreng in a Rice Cooker
Follow these steps for a foolproof Nasi Goreng that’s flavorful and easy.
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics (If Cooker Allows)
- If your rice cooker has a “cook” or sauté setting, heat oil and sauté garlic, shallots, and shrimp paste until fragrant.
- Add diced carrots and peas and cook briefly.
- For basic rice cookers, do this step separately in a pan.
Step 2: Add Rice and Liquids
- Add soaked and drained rice into the rice cooker bowl.
- Stir in sautéed vegetables, cooked protein, kecap manis, chili paste, and water.
- Add a pinch of salt and pepper, then gently mix.
Step 3: Cook and Steam
- Start the rice cooker on the white rice or regular cycle.
- Just before it finishes, crack in the whisked egg over the rice, close the lid, and let the steam cook the egg.
Step 4: Fluff and Finish
- Once cooked, fluff the rice and mix in the cooked egg evenly.
- Top with fried shallots and serve with cucumber slices or a fried egg on top for an authentic touch.
Flavor Tips and Enhancements
Elevate your Nasi Goreng with these optional additions:
- Add a splash of lime before serving for brightness.
- Top with prawn crackers or crushed peanuts for crunch.
- Use leftover rice for a firmer texture if desired.
Variations to Try
Nasi Goreng is highly versatile. These ideas can suit different diets:
- Vegetarian: Use soy sauce and skip shrimp paste. Add tofu or tempeh.
- High protein: Use chicken, shrimp, or a mix of both.
- Spicy version: Add more sambal or sliced red chilies.
- Low carb: Use cauliflower rice and reduce liquid accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Nasi Goreng is often served with multiple sides in Indonesia.
- Pair with a fried egg (sunny-side-up) on top.
- Serve with pickled vegetables or sambal on the side.
- Add grilled satay sticks or fried tofu for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
This rice dish is perfect for leftovers and holds up well.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days.
- Reheat with a few drops of water to maintain softness.
- Avoid reheating multiple times to preserve taste.
FAQs About Indonesian Nasi Goreng in a Rice Cooker
Here are some questions and answer about preparing Nasi Goreng using a rice cooker.
Can I use day-old rice for this recipe?
Yes, traditionally Nasi Goreng uses leftover rice. If using pre-cooked rice, reduce water to ½ cup and stir more frequently while cooking.
What is kecap manis and where can I find it?
Kecap manis is a thick, sweet Indonesian soy sauce available in most Asian supermarkets. If unavailable, mix regular soy sauce with brown sugar.
Can I make this without eggs?
Yes, eggs are optional. You can replace them with scrambled tofu or skip entirely.
Is Nasi Goreng very spicy?
It depends on the chili paste used. Start mild and adjust to your preference.
Can I freeze Nasi Goreng?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and reheat on a skillet or microwave.
Indonesian Nasi Goreng in a rice cooker is a powerful blend of comfort, spice, and convenience. With sweet and savory notes, a touch of heat, and layers of texture, it’s a global classic made accessible for everyday cooking, all from one humble appliance.