Nasi Goreng Kampung (Malaysian Village Fried Rice)
In short: Cold rice stir-fried with a pounded chili and shrimp paste base, crispy anchovies, egg and water spinach, a humble Malaysian village-style plate. It takes about 30 min in total and makes 2 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 30 min
- Servings
- 2
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 600 kcal
Nasi goreng kampung means village fried rice, and it is a simple, savory plate built from pantry items: dried anchovies, shallots, chilies, shrimp paste and a handful of greens. There is no ketchup, so the flavor is smoky, salty and a little spicy. Cold, day-old rice fries best, because the grains stay separate. Malaysians eat it for breakfast, supper or any hour, with sliced cucumber and lime on the side.
Instructions
- Pound or blend the shallots, garlic, chilies and belacan into a rough paste. Break up any lumps in the cold rice with your hands.
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in a wok over medium heat. Fry the anchovies for 1 to 2 minutes, until crisp and golden, then lift them out onto paper towels.
- In the same wok, add 1 tbsp oil and fry the paste for 3 to 4 minutes over medium heat, until fragrant and the oil separates.
- Push the paste to the side, pour in the eggs and scramble for 20 seconds, until nearly set. Add the rice and break up any clumps, then toss over high heat for 3 minutes, until hot and dry.
- Add the sweet soy sauce, light soy sauce, salt and pepper and toss well. Add the water spinach and toss for 1 minute, until just wilted.
- Mix in half the anchovies, scatter the rest on top, and serve with cucumber and lime.
Tips
- Cold, day-old rice fries best. If you cooked it fresh, spread it on a tray and leave it in the fridge for 30 minutes first so it dries out.
- Spinach, choy sum or finely cut long beans can replace the water spinach. Keep the greens in the wok for only a minute so they stay bright.
Questions and answers
What makes nasi goreng kampung different?
Kampung means village. This style uses a simple pounded chili and shrimp paste base with anchovies and greens, with no ketchup, so it tastes smoky and savory rather than sweet.
Can I make nasi goreng kampung without belacan?
Yes. Use 1 teaspoon of fish sauce with a little extra chili, though the flavor will be lighter and less deep. Add the fish sauce with the soy sauces.
How do I stop fried rice from getting soggy?
Use cold rice, a very hot wok, and avoid adding extra liquid. Drying cooked rice in the fridge for 30 minutes before frying makes a big difference.
How long does it take to make Nasi Goreng Kampung (Malaysian Village Fried Rice)?
About 30 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Nasi Goreng Kampung (Malaysian Village Fried Rice)?
About 600 kcal per serving, with 22 g of protein, 69 g of carbohydrates and 26 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 600 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 69 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 1600 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
