Nasi Katok

Nasi Katok is a beloved Bruneian dish consisting of fragrant steamed rice, crispy fried chicken, and a spicy sambal sauce. Its simplicity and bold flavors have made it a staple meal enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this dish is easy to prepare and embodies the culinary traditions of Brunei.

Ingredients

For the Rice

• 2 cups (1 kg) jasmine rice
• 4 cups (1 liter) water
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt

For the Chicken

• 1 lb (500 g) chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
• 1 cup (250 ml) cooking oil

For the Sambal Sauce

• 4 large red chilies (50 g), finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic (10 g), minced
• 1 small onion (50 g), finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) tamarind juice
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) cooking oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 g) sugar
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Rice

   Rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear. Add the rice, water, and salt to a rice cooker or pot. Cook until the rice is soft and fluffy.

2. Prepare the Chicken

   Rub the chicken with turmeric powder, garlic powder, and salt. Let it marinate for 20 minutes. Heat cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Drain on paper towels.

3. Make the Sambal Sauce

   Heat cooking oil in a pan and sauté the chilies, garlic, and onion until fragrant. Add tamarind juice, sugar, and salt. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

4. Assemble the Dish

   Serve the steamed rice on a plate alongside the fried chicken. Add a generous serving of sambal sauce to complete the meal.

Serving

Nasi Katok is best enjoyed warm. Pair it with a cold beverage and some sliced cucumbers for a refreshing side. This meal serves 2-3 people and can be easily scaled for larger gatherings.

Nasi Katok is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in Brunei's cuisine. With its satisfying mix of textures and flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Perfect for a quick meal or a taste of Brunei’s culinary heritage, give Nasi Katok a try today!