A Staple Malaysian Food: Easy & Delicious Belacan Fried Chicken Wings

Belacan, an intriguing Southeast Asian condiment cherished in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Southern Thailand, carries with it a legacy as rich as its pungent aroma and robust umami taste.

Tracing its roots back through centuries, the history of belacan intertwines with ancient practices of fermenting seafood, particularly shrimp, as a means of preservation in the region's tropical climates. The result? A flavor-packed umami bomb that became a culinary cornerstone across Southeast Asia, especially in Malaysian food.

Crafting belacan is no simple feat. Fresh shrimp undergo a transformative journey, mingling with salt and undergoing weeks of fermentation. After the fermentation process, sun-drying follows, transforming the mixture into a solid, cake-like substance. From there, it's either incorporated as is or ground into a paste before weaving its magic into various dishes of Malaysian cuisine.

In Malaysia, people usually toast or sauté belacan to bring out its potent flavor and make it less intense. Even though it has a strong punchy smell, belacan adds a lot of depth and flavor to dishes and is highly respected in Southeast Asian cooking, especially in Malaysian food culture.

Belacan Fried Chicken Wings: A Beloved Malaysian Food

So we’re here to share you a simple recipe. A very popular dish loved by Malaysians. Belacan Fried Chicken; a dish that pays homage to the vibrant tapestry of Malaysian cuisine. This dish perfectly captures the essence of Malaysian food culture with its flavorful spices and juicy chicken. It's a true delight for the taste buds, showcasing the rich diversity of Malaysian cuisine.

Recipe: Belacan Fried Chicken Wings

Servings: 2 people
Calories per serving: 507 kcal

Ingredients:

• 4 pcs chicken wings
• 10g Hockey belacan powder
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp rice flour
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp curry powder
• ½ tsp pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp cooking wine
• Proper amount of cooking oil

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine belacan powder, garlic powder, sugar, oyster sauce, curry powder, pepper, cooking wine, rice flour, and all-purpose flour.
2. Add chicken wings to the mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
3. Marinate the wings in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, for enhanced flavor.
4. When ready to cook, remove the wings from the refrigerator and stir well.
5. Deep-fry the chicken wings in hot oil until they are golden brown and cooked through.
6. Place the fried wings on a rack to drain excess oil.
7. Serve and enjoy this delectable dish! It’s that simple!

So, there you have it! Malaysian food is all about bringing bold flavors to the table, and belacan is a big part of that. From its beginnings to its place as a star ingredient, it adds something special to dishes across the country. So, next time you're cooking, don't be afraid to give belacan a try. It might just become your new favorite flavor booster in Malaysian cuisine!

Hockey Belacan Powder