Nasi Goreng Kampung - Malaysian/Indonesian Style Fried Rice

Step 1: Prepare Dried Chillies

Cut 7-8 dried chillies, discard the seeds, then wash them. Soak the deseeded chillies in hot water for 10-15 minutes to soften.

Step 2: Prepare Dried Shrimp

Wash 1 tablespoon of dried shrimp and soak them in water for 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare Chili Paste

Drain the water from the soaked dried chillies and add them to a mortar. Pound them coarsely. Drain the water from the soaked dried shrimp and add them to the mortar. Add some anchovies, 1 chopped red chilli, 5 chopped shallots, and 6 cloves of garlic. Pound all ingredients coarsely until a rough paste is formed. Set aside.

Step 4: Prepare Eggs

Crack 3 eggs into a bowl, add some salt and white pepper, then mix well. Set aside.

Step 5: Fry Anchovies

Pour sufficient oil into a wok. Add a handful of anchovies and fry until crispy and golden brown. Remove the fried anchovies and set them aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Cook Chicken and Spring Onion Stalks

In the same wok with the remaining oil, add the diced chicken and chopped spring onion stalks. Cook for about 1 minute until the chicken is partially cooked.

Step 7: Sauté Chili Paste

Add the prepared chili paste to the wok. Cook until the oil separates from the paste, indicating it's well-cooked and fragrant.

Step 8: Add Carrots and Seasonings

Add the diced carrots to the wok and cook for about 1 minute. Then, add 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce and 1-2 tablespoons of sweet soy sauce. Mix all ingredients well.

Step 9: Scramble Eggs

Pour a little more oil into the wok if needed. Add the beaten eggs and scramble them, mixing with the other ingredients in the wok.

Step 10: Combine with Rice

Add the 2 cups of cooled, refrigerated cooked rice to the wok. Mix well, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the chili paste and other ingredients. Add 1 teaspoon of seasoning (cukup rasa).

Step 11: Stir-fry and Finish

Turn the heat to high and stir-fry the rice until steam rises, indicating the rice is thoroughly heated and slightly toasted. Taste and add salt if needed. Finally, add the fried anchovies, chopped red chilli, and chopped spring onion greens. Turn off the heat and mix well.

Step 12: Serve

The Nasi Goreng Kampung is ready to be served, garnished with a fried egg, cucumber slices, and prawn crackers.

• Use day-old, refrigerated rice for the best texture in fried rice, as it's drier and less likely to clump.

• Adjust the quantity of dried chillies and fresh red chilli according to your preferred spice level.

• Pounding the chili paste ingredients in a mortar and pestle enhances their flavor and aroma compared to blending.

• Substitute chicken with prawns, beef, or tofu for different protein options.

• Add other vegetables like green beans, cabbage, or bell peppers for more variety and nutrients.

• Serve with a fried egg, fresh cucumber slices, and prawn crackers (keropok) for a complete meal.