Dinner

Indonesian Fried Rice with Mackerel Recipe

Name: Indonesian Fried Rice with Mackerel Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Indonesian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 eggs, lightly beaten; 1 tbsp red curry paste; pinch caster sugar; 800g cooked basmati rice (about 250g-300g uncooked); small bunch spring onions, sliced; 140g frozen peas; 2 tbsp soy sauce, plus extra to serve; 4 smoked mackerel fillets, flaked; ½ cucumber, cut into half moons

ByBen Miller November 27, 2025November 27, 2025

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Introduction

Indonesian fried rice with mackerel is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines fragrant spices with smoky fish. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch.

A white bowl with blue pattern on the outside is filled with fried rice that has a light brown color and mixed green peas and chopped green onions scattered throughout. On top of the rice are several pieces of cooked chicken with a light beige color and a few slices of fresh cucumber with a bright green rind and pale green inside, arranged neatly in the center. A pair of white chopsticks with blue patterns rests on the edge of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tbsp red curry paste
Pinch caster sugar
800g cooked basmati rice (about 250g-300g uncooked)
Small bunch spring onions, sliced
140g frozen peas
2 tbsp soy sauce, plus extra to serve
4 smoked mackerel fillets, flaked
½ cucumber, cut into half moons

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and swirl to spread evenly across the base. Cook for 1 minute, then carefully flip to cook the other side until set. Remove the omelette and roughly chop it into ribbons.
Step 2: Add the red curry paste and caster sugar to the pan and fry for 1 minute to release the aromas. Add the cooked basmati rice and stir to coat it evenly with the paste. Then stir in the sliced spring onions and frozen peas, and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until everything is piping hot.
Step 3: Pour in the soy sauce and gently fold in the omelette ribbons and flaked smoked mackerel, mixing carefully to combine all the flavors without breaking up the fish too much.
Step 4: Divide the fried rice among four bowls. Garnish with the cucumber half moons and serve with extra soy sauce on the side for added seasoning if desired.

Tips & Variations

Peppered mackerel fillets work wonderfully if you want a spicier smoky flavor. For a non-fish alternative, try shredded cooked chicken breasts to keep it hearty and protein-packed.

Storage

Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat thoroughly in a pan or microwave until steaming hot before serving. For best results, add a splash of water when reheating to keep the rice moist.