Irresistible Nasi Goreng Tray Bake for Busy Weeknight Dinners

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Antoni Recipes Team

There s a certain joy that fills the kitchen when the distinct aroma of Nasi Goreng fills the air. This beloved Indonesian dish transforms from a simple bowl of fried rice to a culinary embrace, bringing family and friends together around the table. I discovered this delightful Nasi Goreng Tray Bake during one of my busy weeknights, yearning for something warm and comforting without fussing over multiple pots and pans.

Imagine a beautiful one-pan meal packed with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and the satisfying crunch of baked eggs on top. Each bite bursts with a medley of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors that dance on your palate. Whether you re looking for a quick dinner solution or a new family favorite, this recipe ticks all the boxes easy to whip up, endlessly adaptable, and reminiscent of exotic home-cooked meals.

So, roll up your sleeves and let s create a delicious Nasi Goreng Tray Bake that s bound to become a staple in your home!

Why is Nasi Goreng Tray Bake so special?

Simplicity: This Nasi Goreng Tray Bake requires minimal prep time and just one pan, making it perfect for a stress-free dinner.
Flavor Explosion: Each bite offers a delightful mix of savory, sweet, and spicy notes that tantalize your taste buds.
Family-Friendly: It s packed with wholesome ingredients that appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.
Versatile: Feel free to swap in your favorite proteins or veggies for a personalized touch that fits your family s preferences.
Make-Ahead Marvel: This dish can be prepped in advance, saving you precious time on busy weeknights when you need dinner ready fast.

Nasi Goreng Tray Bake Ingredients

For the Main Dish

• Chicken Thighs The essential protein that brings flavor and tenderness; swap with chicken breasts or tofu for a lighter meal.
• Long Grain Rice The hearty base that absorbs all those delicious flavors; jasmine or basmati rice can be great alternatives.
• Onions Adding that touch of sweetness and depth; shallots work beautifully if you prefer a milder taste.
• Garlic Elevates the overall aroma and taste; fresh garlic is ideal, but don t hesitate to use garlic powder if you re in a pinch.
• Kecap Manis The sweet soy sauce that makes this dish special; mix soy sauce with brown sugar if you need a substitute.
• Reduced Soy Sauce Brings umami goodness and saltiness; tamari is a fantastic gluten-free alternative.
• Sambal Oelek Delivers heat and tang; if you like, sriracha can be a nice swap while maintaining similar flavors.
• Sweet Chilli Sauce Adds just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of spice; adjust based on your taste preferences.
• Chicken Stock Provides the liquid that fuses the ingredients together; feel free to use vegetable stock for a veggie version.
• Prawns An optional addition for seafood lovers; omit for a vegetarian variant or switch with firm tofu.
• Eggs The rich topping that binds everything; for the best results, make sure your eggs are fresh.
• Vegetables (Cucumber, Tomatoes, Coriander) Fresh garnishes that contribute crunch and brightness; any salad greens or herbs can work beautifully here.

Feel free to mix and match the ingredients to create your perfect Nasi Goreng Tray Bake!

How to Make Nasi Goreng Tray Bake

1. Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 180 °C (350 °F). This ensures your Nasi Goreng Tray Bake cooks evenly and beautifully.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat a splash of oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook until they are golden brown, approximately 10 minutes.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Stir in the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking for about 3 minutes until they soften and release delicious aromas.
4. Combine Flavors: Add the kecap manis, reduced soy sauce, sweet chilli sauce, sambal oelek, and long grain rice. Mix everything well until the rice is fully coated and combined with those flavorful sauces.
5. Add Stock: Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Transfer to Dish: Carefully transfer the mixture into a roasting dish, covering it with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to achieve that perfect fluffy texture.
7. Incorporate Prawns and Eggs: After 20 minutes, gently fold in the prawns (if using). Create small indentations in the rice and crack an egg into each slot, letting the eggs nestle in the savory mixture.
8. Final Bake: Cover with foil again and return to the oven. Bake for another 10 minutes, or until the egg whites are just set but the yolks remain lovely and runny.
9. Garnish and Serve: Let it rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with fresh cucumber, diced tomatoes, chopped peanuts, and coriander. This adds a refreshing crunch to your dish!

Optional: Serve with lime wedges for a zesty pop of flavor.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Nasi Goreng Tray Bake Variations

Get ready to elevate your Nasi Goreng Tray Bake experience by mixing things up with these delightful twists!

• Veggie Boost: Add 1 cup of mixed vegetables like bell peppers and carrots for extra nutrition and color.
• Spicy Kick: Increase the sambal oelek to suit your heat preference, or add chopped fresh chilies for a fiery touch.
• Coconut Creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk for a richer, creamier texture that pairs beautifully with the flavors.
• Nutty Surprise: Top with toasted peanuts or cashews after baking for added crunch and a nutty flavor.
• Vegan Delight: Swap chicken for chickpeas and use flax eggs instead for a plant-based version that s equally satisfying.
• Herb Infusion: Try adding chopped fresh basil or mint for an aromatic lift that brightens up the dish.
• Citrus Zest: Mix in the zest of a lime or lemon for a refreshing pop that adds brightness to each bite.
• Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle some grated cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking for a deliciously creamy crust.

Storage Tips for Nasi Goreng Tray Bake

Fridge: Store leftover Nasi Goreng Tray Bake in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180 °C (350 °F) until warmed through.

Freezer: For longer storage, this dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and consider adding a splash of chicken stock to maintain moisture during reheating.

Make-Ahead: You can prepare this dish a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator to save time on busy weeknights.

What to Serve with Nasi Goreng Tray Bake?

There s nothing like a delightful meal complemented by vibrant sides and drinks to elevate your dining experience.

• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing mix of thinly sliced cucumber with a splash of vinegar balances the rich flavors of the tray bake.
• Tom Yum Soup: This fragrant Thai soup offers a spicy and sour flavor that beautifully contrasts the savory notes of Nasi Goreng.
• Green Beans with Garlic: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed in garlic add a delightful crunch and vibrant color to your meal.
• Roti Canai: Flaky and buttery roti pairs wonderfully with the tray bake, perfect for scooping up any leftover rice.
• Mango Chutney: The sweetness of mango chutney complements the savory ingredients, adding a burst of tropical flavor.
• Chili Garlic Sauce: For spice lovers, a side of chili garlic sauce brings a fiery kick that enhances the dish s flavor profile.
• Coconut Rice: Creamy coconut rice provides an exotic twist, soaking up the delicious juices and adding richness.
• Sparkling Water with Lime: A zesty sparkling water with a hint of lime refreshes the palate and adds a sophisticated touch.
• Lychee Dessert Cups: Sweet lychees in syrup serve as a perfect light dessert, offering a floral finish to your meal.

Make Ahead Options

Preparing the Nasi Goreng Tray Bake in advance is a fantastic way to save time and enjoy a delicious meal on busy weeknights! You can assemble the entire dish, including the chicken, rice, and sauces, up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover the assembled dish tightly with foil and refrigerate to maintain its freshness. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the preheated oven. For best results, crack the eggs into the rice just before baking to ensure they remain perfectly cooked and runny. With these make-ahead options, you ll have a vibrant, flavorful feast at your fingertips, ready to impress the family with minimal effort!

Expert Tips for Nasi Goreng Tray Bake

• Stir Well: Ensure you mix the rice and sauces thoroughly before baking for even flavor distribution; this helps every bite to be delicious!
• Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through (internal temp should reach 75 °C/165 °F) to avoid any health issues.
• Perfect Eggs: Allow eggs to sit at room temperature before cracking them into the rice to promote even baking and a tender texture.
• Don t Overcook Prawns: They cook quickly add them toward the end and bake just until they re opaque to avoid a rubbery texture.
• Experiment Freely: Feel free to use different proteins or vegetables based on what s in your fridge; this Nasi Goreng Tray Bake is wonderfully adaptable!

Nasi Goreng Tray Bake Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right rice for Nasi Goreng?
Absolutely! Long grain rice is the star here, as it absorbs flavors beautifully. Jasmine or basmati rice offers a lovely fragrance and texture. Just make sure to rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch before cooking to prevent it from becoming sticky!

What s the best way to store leftover Nasi Goreng Tray Bake?
After allowing it to cool, I recommend transferring the leftovers to an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the oven at 180 °C (350 °F) until it s warmed through and the flavors have revived!

Can I freeze Nasi Goreng Tray Bake?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze this dish! Allow it to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container, ensuring it s sealed well. It will keep nicely for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw them overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven, adding a splash of chicken stock to keep it moist.

What if I overcooked the eggs or prawns?
Don t worry! For perfectly cooked eggs, aim for them to be just set in the center if they overcook, they can become rubbery. As for prawns, they should only take a few minutes before they re opaque; avoid baking them too long by adding them later in the process, as I suggested!

Is Nasi Goreng Tray Bake suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by swapping chicken for firm tofu or tempeh, and omitting the prawns. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, and load it with plenty of vibrant veggies for a deliciously satisfying meal that s nutritious and hearty.

Can my pets eat leftovers from this dish?
I recommend being cautious. While cooked chicken and veggies are generally safe for pets, the sauces used (especially soy sauce and sambal oelek) may be harmful. It s best to give them plain, unseasoned chicken and veggies instead if you want to share!