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:

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.

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.

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.

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!