pradeep's blog

🍚 Pradeep’s Nasi Lemak (Malaysian Coconut Rice with Sambal) This Malaysian national dish is all about balance—fragrant coconut rice, fiery sambal, crispy anchovies, and cool cucumber slices. Here’s how to bring this Southeast Asian comfort food to your table. 📝 Ingredients 🍚 For the Steamed Coconut Rice 5 cups long grain rice, washed 6 shallots 8 slices fresh ginger 1 tsp fenugreek seeds 2 tsp salt 2 cups coconut milk 5 pandan leaves (screwpine leaves), knotted 🌶️ For the Sambal (Spicy Chili Paste) 20 dried chilies, de-seeded (adjust for heat preference) 2 stalks lemongrass, tender white parts only 2 tbsp belacan (shrimp paste) 10 shallots 10 garlic cloves 2 large onions, thinly sliced into rings 2 tbsp tamarind pulp, diluted in ½ cup hot water 2 tsp salt 1 tsp sugar 🐟 For the Fried Anchovies (Ikan Bilis) 2 cups dried anchovies (ikan bilis) Vegetable oil, for frying 🛒 Note: Dried anchovies are available in some—though not all—Asian grocery stores in the U.S. Look fo...

🍗Pradeep’s Malaysian-Style Chicken Wings  These sticky, smoky, and deeply flavorful Malaysian-style chicken wings are perfect for backyard BBQs or party platters. With a few expert tweaks, they pack even more depth and authentic Malaysian flair. 🍗 Ingredients (Serves 4–6) 12 chicken wings 3 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) 2 tbsp dark soy sauce 1 tbsp sesame oil 2 tbsp oyster sauce 1 tbsp honey (for extra stickiness) 1 tbsp minced garlic 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated 2 shallots, minced 1 tsp ground black pepper 2 tsp cayenne pepper or Sambal Oelek (adjust to taste) 1 tbsp dried basil ½ tsp five spice powder (optional for extra depth) 1 tbsp vegetable oil Juice of ½ lime (for finishing) 🍽 Party-Size Ingredients (20–25 servings) 80–110 chicken wings (Costco party pack) ¾ cup soy sauce ¼ cup kecap manis ½ cup dark soy sauce ¼ cup sesame oil ½ cup oyster sauce ¼ cup honey ½ cup minced garlic ¼ cup fresh ginger, grated 8 shallots, minced 2 tbsp ground bla...