Recipes

Special Fried Rice Recipe

Name: Special Fried Rice Recipe
Prep time: 25 Minutes
Yield: 2 Servings
Ingredients: 2 plates of white rice (cold or leftover from the previous night); 3 tbsp Nabati Cermelang cooking oil; 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 3 shallots, thinly sliced; 1 red chili, sliced diagonally (optional, adjust to taste); 1 egg, lightly beaten; 100 gr chicken meat, diced; 50 gr shrimp, peeled; 5 beef meatballs, sliced; 2 tbsp sweet soy sauce (kecap manis); 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/2 tsp white pepper powder; 1 stalk spring onion, thinly sliced; Garnish: Fried shallots, slices of cucumber, tomato, and crackers (kerupuk).

Special Fried Rice, or Nasi Goreng Spesial, is one of the most iconic and beloved dishes throughout Indonesia. It is called "special" because of its comprehensive filling, which often goes beyond the standard version with additions like chicken, shrimp, and meatballs.

Published November 13, 2025

Quick 25 Minutes

Serves 2 Servings

Difficulty Easy

Scroll for full method, ingredients, and chef’s notes.

Ingredients

What you need

Gather everything first for a smoother cooking flow.

2 plates of white rice (cold or leftover from the previous night)
3 tbsp Nabati Cermelang cooking oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 shallots, thinly sliced
1 red chili, sliced diagonally (optional, adjust to taste)
1 egg, lightly beaten
100 gr chicken meat, diced
50 gr shrimp, peeled
5 beef meatballs, sliced
2 tbsp sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/2 tsp white pepper powder
1 stalk spring onion, thinly sliced
Garnish: Fried shallots, slices of cucumber, tomato, and crackers (kerupuk).

Method

Step-by-step

1
Heat 2 tbsp of Nabati Cermelang cooking oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Ensure the wok is very hot before adding the oil.
2
Add the beaten egg, scramble it. Remove from the wok and set aside.
3
Add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil to the same wok. Sauté the garlic and shallots until fragrant and slightly browned. Add the sliced chili if using.
4
Add the chicken, shrimp, and meatballs. Cook until the chicken and shrimp change color and are cooked through.
5
Add the white rice. Stir quickly, making sure to break up any clumps of rice with the spatula.
6
Pour in the sweet soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, and white pepper. Stir-fry vigorously on high heat to achieve the signature smoky aroma.
7
Return the scrambled egg to the wok along with the sliced spring onions. Stir briefly until all ingredients are well combined.
8
Taste and correct the seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
9
Sprinkle with fried shallots and serve with garnishes

Chef’s Notes

Tips & extra guidance

Special Fried Rice, or Nasi Goreng Spesial, is one of the most iconic and beloved dishes throughout Indonesia. It is called "special" because of its comprehensive filling, which often goes beyond the standard version with additions like chicken, shrimp, and meatballs. This dish is a symbol of comfort, often made from leftover rice transformed into a luxurious and satisfying meal. Its deliciousness lies in the balance of sweet, savory, and a gentle spicy kick that whets the appetite.

The key to achieving the perfect Special Fried Rice lies in two things: rice that is 'pera' (not mushy) and optimal wok heat. This is where the role of high-quality cooking oil like Nabati Cermelang becomes crucial. A good oil will have a high smoke point, allowing it to heat the wok to its maximum temperature without burning quickly. This intense heat is what creates the wok hei or the characteristic smoky aroma, distinguishing restaurant-style fried rice from homemade versions.

Using Nabati Cermelang oil not only helps create a non-sticky, well-separated rice texture but also ensures the base spices like shallots and garlic are cooked perfectly. Evenly sautéed spices release their best aroma, which then infuses into every grain of rice and filling. Whether served for a quick breakfast, a practical lunch, or a warming dinner, this Special Fried Rice Recipe is proof of how simple ingredients can be turned into an extraordinary dish with the right technique.