Save This vibrant tray bake transforms traditional Indonesian nasi goreng into an effortless one-pan meal. Uncooked rice, marinated chicken breast, and colorful vegetables bake together in a savory sauce of kecap manis, soy sauce, and aromatic spices. After 30 minutes covered, create wells for eggs to cook until just set. The result is perfectly tender rice infused with sweet and savory flavors, complemented by juicy chicken and runny yolks. Garnish with crispy shallots, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for authentic Indonesian flair.
Last Tuesday, I stood in my kitchen at 7 PM, exhausted and staring at a bag of rice. The traditional wok method for nasi goreng felt like too much effort, so I threw everything on a baking tray and hoped for the best. When I pulled it from the oven 40 minutes later, the rice had absorbed all those beautiful Indonesian spices while the chicken stayed impossibly juicy. Now it is the only way I make fried rice at home.
My sister came over for dinner that same night and watched suspiciously as I slid the tray into the oven. She is a purist about her nasi goreng, the kind who insists on street food stalls and blistering woks. But when she took her first bite, eyes widening at how the rice had soaked up every drop of that sauce, she asked for the recipe before even finishing her plate.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Cutting them into bite sized pieces helps them cook evenly and stay tender
- Long grain rice: Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear to prevent gummy texture
- Kecap manis: This thick sweet soy sauce is the soul of Indonesian cooking and worth seeking out
- Frozen peas: They hold up better than fresh ones in the oven and need zero prep work
- Eggs: Crack them directly onto the tray for that sunny side up finish that makes it feel special
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 200°C and grease a large baking tray that gives everything room to breathe
- Season the chicken:
- Toss the pieces with soy sauce, salt and pepper while the oven heats up
- Build your rice base:
- Spread the rinsed rice evenly then scatter all those colorful vegetables on top
- Make the sauce:
- Whisk kecap manis, soy sauce, sriracha and spices with 700ml boiling water until fragrant
- Assemble and cover:
- Pour the sauce over everything, add the chicken, cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes
- Add the eggs:
- Uncover, stir gently, make three wells and crack an egg into each before returning to the oven
- Finish with flair:
- Bake uncovered until eggs set then top with spring onions, crispy shallots and fresh herbs
Save My daughter usually picks out every vegetable from her rice dishes, but this tray bake changed everything. Something about how the carrots and peppers roast alongside the rice makes them sweet and irresistible instead of suspicious. Watching her ask for seconds made me realize that sometimes the simplest methods produce the most magical results.
Making It Your Own
I have swapped chicken for prawns during summer and used extra firm tofu when my vegetarian friend visits. The method stays the same but the protein changes, which is part of why this recipe lives in my regular rotation.
The Sauce Secret
Kecap manis can be tricky to find depending on where you live. I have learned that mixing equal parts regular soy sauce and dark brown sugar gets me surprisingly close to the real thing when I am in a pinch.
Serving Ideas
A fresh cucumber salad on the side cuts through the richness beautifully. I also love serving extra sriracha at the table for anyone who wants to turn up the heat.
- Keep extra lime wedges handy for that bright finish
- Roasted peanuts add incredible crunch if you have them
- This reheats perfectly for lunch the next day
Save There is something deeply satisfying about a one pan meal that delivers such complex flavors. This nasi goreng has become my answer to busy weeknights when I still want something that feels special.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use pre-cooked rice instead of uncooked?
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Yes, you can use pre-cooked rice. Reduce the boiling water in the sauce to approximately 300-400ml and decrease the initial covered baking time to 15-20 minutes. The rice will already be tender, so you mainly need to heat it through and absorb the flavors.
- → What can I substitute for kecap manis?
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Kecap manis is essential for authentic flavor, but you can create a substitute by mixing equal parts soy sauce and brown sugar. Simmer gently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly. Molasses can also add depth if needed.
- → How do I know when the eggs are done?
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The eggs are ready when the whites are set but the yolks remain slightly runny, typically after 8-10 minutes. For firmer yolks, extend the time by 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid overcooking the eggs.
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
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Absolutely. Replace chicken with firm tofu cubes or extra vegetables like mushrooms, bok choy, or baby corn. Ensure your soy sauce is vegetarian-friendly. You might want to add a protein source like edamame or chickpeas.
- → How should I store leftovers?
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Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until piping hot. Note that the eggs may become overcooked when reheated, so you might prefer to remove them before storing and fry fresh eggs when serving.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
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You can chop vegetables and marinate chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Keep everything refrigerated separately. Assemble the tray just before baking for the best texture and flavor results.
