Malaysian fried rice(Nasi Goreng) Recipe with Belacan

Are you ready for a delicious journey in your kitchen? Malaysian Fried Rice, also known as Nasi Goreng, is a mouthwatering dish that will take your taste buds on a vacation to Malaysia. This dish is like a mixtape of amazing spices, fresh veggies, and the nutty charm of sesame oil. In this article, I’ll tell you the simple steps to make Malaysian Fried Rice with some ingredients I’ve used, and I’ll spill the beans on why it’s so awesome. So, let’s dig in!

Malaysian Fried Rice Recipe

Ingredients:

Before we jump into the cooking adventure, let’s do a quick rundown of the cool stuff you’ll need to make Malaysian Fried Rice:

• 1 cup of long-grained rice
• 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 3 Red chilis (remove the seeds)
• 1 tablespoon of Belacan or dried shrimp paste
• 1-inch piece of ginger
• 1/4 cup of fresh or frozen peas
• 1/4 cup of fresh or frozen corn kernels
• 2 tablespoons of grated fresh coconut (plus extra for later)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons of light soya sauce
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• A pinch of salt
• 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

Chopped and toasted cashews, spring onions, and chopped tomatoes

Cooking Time:

1. Start by cooking the rice according to the package instructions. This typically takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on the type of rice you use.
2. While the rice is cooking, prepare the vegetables and sauce. Chopping and mincing should take about 10 minutes.
3. The actual cooking of the fried rice takes about 10 minutes. It’s a fast stir-frying process to combine all the ingredients.
4. Total cooking time, from prep to serving, should be approximately 35-40 minutes.

Cuisine: Malaysian

Category: Side, Main

Servings: 4

Instructions:

Cooking the Rice:

Begin by cooking 1 cup of long-grained rice following the instructions on the package. Once it’s done, spread it on a plate to chill out.

Prepare the Spice Mix:

Grab a mortar and pestle, throw in those deseeded red chilis, garlic, and ginger, and start mashing until it becomes a red paste. Now, toss in that funky tablespoon of Belacan or dried shrimp paste and keep grinding until it smells amazing. This is where the flavor party begins! Belacan is the secret ingredient, I use in this recipe to add strong flavor and depth.

Stir-Fry the Aromatics:

Heat up 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a big pan or wok on medium-high heat. Add that finely chopped onion and give it a stir until it turns kind of see-through. Then, toss in the spice paste you just made and stir it around for a few minutes until it gets all bubbly and happy.

Add Vegetables:

Now, throw in those fresh or frozen peas and corn kernels. Stir them around for a bit until they become soft and friendly.

Rice and Flavors Unite:

Time to invite the cooked rice to the party! Put it in the pan and give everything a good stir. Drizzle 1 1/2 tablespoons of light soya sauce, 2 tablespoons of grated fresh coconut, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and a tiny pinch of salt. Keep stirring so everyone gets to know each other.

Final Touch:

Finally, squeeze in 2 teaspoons of lemon juice and sprinkle as much freshly ground pepper as you like. Stir it up, and your Malaysian Fried Rice is ready to shine.

Benefits of Malaysian Fried Rice Recipe:

1. Rich in Flavor: Malaysian Fried Rice is bursting with flavors, thanks to the combination of spices, ginger, and garlic. It offers a unique and savory taste that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
2. Balanced Nutrition: This dish includes a variety of vegetables like peas, corn, and onions, providing essential vitamins and minerals. The addition of coconut adds a delightful creaminess and a touch of healthy fats.
3. Customizable: You can adapt this recipe to your taste by adjusting the level of spiciness or adding your favorite ingredients like shrimp, chicken, or tofu for extra protein.
4. Quick and Easy: Malaysian Fried Rice is a quick and easy recipe, perfect for busy weeknight dinners. It can be prepared in under 30 minutes.

See also: Cuban Chicken Soup with Corn

What is Belacan?

Belacan also spelled as “Belachan” or “Belacan Shrimp Paste,” is a type of dried shrimp paste that is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore[1]. It is made by fermenting dried shrimp with salt and then sun-drying it into blocks for sale. Belacan has a strong, umami flavor that adds depth to dishes. It is often used in Malaysian fried rice recipes to add an earthy, salty flavor. Before adding Belacan to a dish, it is usually roasted to release its flavors and aroma. Belacan can be bought raw or toasted, but raw Belacan is recommended for better taste. Belacan can also be used to make a Malaysian-style sambal called Belacan sauce, which includes dried shrimp, fresh and dried chili, garlic, and shallots.

How to Use Belacan in Cooking?

In cooking, Belacan is typically toasted or dry-fried before being added to dishes. This process helps to mellow its strong flavor and brings out its unique umami characteristics, contributing to the overall depth of flavor in Southeast Asian cuisine.

This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a balanced meal with the goodness of vegetables and the richness of coconut. Enjoy your culinary adventure with this Malaysian delight!