Nasi Goreng with Tofu and Sambal

Other Fast With Oil Published June 13, 2026

Nasi goreng is Indonesia's national fried rice, and the fasting version loses nothing. Day-old rice is stir-fried hard over high heat with a paste of garlic, shallot, and chili, lacquered with sweet, dark kecap manis and savory soy, and studded with crisp cubes of fried tofu. The smoky char of a well-fired wok, the sweet-salty-spicy sauce, and the protein-packed tofu make this a fast, deeply satisfying weeknight meal — the kind you can throw together after a long evening service.

Written for oil days, where the wok work depends on a slick of hot oil. For strict no-oil days, dry-fry the rice in a good non-stick pan and steam the tofu first; the kecap manis and sambal still deliver the bold, sweet-hot signature of the dish.

FASTING LEVEL: Fast With Oil (adaptable for strict days — see notes)
SERVINGS: 4
TIME: 25 minutes

INGREDIENTS

- 4 cups cold cooked rice (day-old is best)
- 1 block (400g) firm tofu, cubed
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (omit for strict days)
- 6 shallots, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 red chilies, minced (or 2 tablespoons sambal oelek)
- 3 tablespoons kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or chopped greens
- 3 scallions, sliced
- Cucumber and tomato slices, to serve
- Fried shallots and lime wedges, to garnish

METHOD

1. If using oil: heat 2 tablespoons oil in a wok over high heat and fry the tofu cubes until golden and crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside. (For strict days: steam the tofu and set aside; use a non-stick pan throughout.)

2. Add the remaining oil (or a splash of water) and stir-fry the shallots, garlic, and chilies over high heat until fragrant and soft, about 2 minutes.

3. Add the cabbage and stir-fry 2 minutes until just wilted but still bright.

4. Add the cold rice, breaking up any clumps, and stir-fry over high heat for 3-4 minutes so it heats through and picks up some char.

5. Drizzle in the kecap manis and soy sauce, tossing until every grain is coated and glossy. Fold in the fried tofu and scallions.

6. Plate with cucumber and tomato slices, then top with fried shallots and a squeeze of lime.

NOTES

- For strict no-oil days, steam the tofu and dry-fry the rice; kecap manis keeps it rich and dark without oil.
- No kecap manis? Simmer 2 tablespoons soy sauce with 2 tablespoons brown sugar until syrupy.
- Add cooked green beans, peas, or corn to stretch it further.
- On fish days, a handful of small shrimp fried with the tofu turns this into nasi goreng spesial.