Malaysian Fried Rice With Shrimp And Belacan Recipes

BELACAN SAUCE

Steps:

• Soak the de-seeded dried chili peppers in 1 cup of warm water for 15-20 minutes.
• While the dried peppers are soaking, de-stem and de-seed the Holland peppers, removing the membranes as well. You can leave the seeds in if you like your sauce very spicy. Cut each pepper into 3 pieces. If using, chop the Thai chilies.
• Take half of your shallots and finely chop them. With the other half, thinly slice them. (You can also chop them, but I think slices add another textural dimension to the final sauce.
• Drain the dried chili peppers, and set aside the soaking water. To the bowl of a food processor or blender, add the dried peppers, Holland peppers, Thai chilies (if using), half of the shallots (i.e. your chopped shallots, setting aside the slices for later), and garlic. Pulse until the mixture is smooth, or if you prefer, a coarse paste. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure the mixture is evenly processed.
• Heat a frying pan or wok over medium heat. Add the oil and chopped dried shrimp. Fry over medium to medium low heat for 3-5 minutes.
• Put the belacan in a mortar and pestle to break it up (you can also put it in a small bowl and break it up with a fork). Add it to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the belacan is melted into the sauce.
• Add the sliced shallots, and cook for 3-4 minutes, until translucent.
• Next, add the chili, garlic and shallot paste. Stir to combine, and add ½ cup of the reserved pepper soaking water. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the fish sauce and brown sugar. Continue to cook for another 15 minutes.
• Let the mixture cool, and transfer to a clean jar or other airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 weeks, or freeze (it should last up to 1 year frozen).

MALAYSIAN FRIED RICE WITH SHRIMP AND BELACAN RECIPE

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• Place the dried shrimp in a shallow bowl. Pour in just enough water to cover. Leave to soak for 20 to 30 minutes or until fully rehydrated.
• Drain and set aside.
• In a wok or frying pan, heat 1 tablespoonful of cooking oil. Stir-fry the diced string beans over high heat for a minute or two, just until a bit underdone. Scoop out and set aside.
• Crumble or chop the belacan as finely as you can.
• Pour the remaining 3 tablespoons of cooking oil into the pan. Fry the dried shrimp and the belacan together, stirring continuously.
• When the dried shrimp turn crispy and slightly brown, and the belacan smells fragrant, add the rice and partially cooked string beans. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes or until the rice is heated through.
• Push the fried rice to the sides of the pan to make a well in the center. Pour in the beaten egg. Stir the egg in a circular motion until set at the bottom but still very wet on top.
• Incorporate the egg into the rice by stirring in a spiral with the circle getting wider until the egg has been mixed into the rice.
• Turn off the heat. Taste the fried rice. Add salt, if needed. Stir a few more times before serving.

MALAYSIAN LADY FINGERS (OKRA)

Steps:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat; cook and stir the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the red chilies, shrimp, okra, and belacan, and cook and stir until the chilies begin to soften and the shrimp start to turn opaque and pink, about 2 minutes. Pour in light soy sauce and water, and cook and stir until the okra are tender and sticky, 2 to 4 more minutes.