The Nasi Lemak craze is reaching epidemic levels in Malaysia. From ice creams to cakes, Nasi Lemak flavoured is the new and popular trend to follow. Even McDonald's Malaysia dropped the bomb with their Nasi Lemak Burger recently, resulting in Malaysians spamming social media with their love for the fast-food take on the iconic Nasi Lemak in the first few days of the launch.
So we thought what would be our take in this celebration of Nasi Lemak. What would be the fitting representation from our small coastal town of Sandakan. Hence comes our little endeavour into Nasi Lemak wonderland using our beloved fresh seafood:
Sandakan town is famous for not only its natural heritage but the fresh seafood it produces. Surrounded by the Sulu sea, diverse and abundant seafood has always been the bragging rights of all Sandakan residents. The wet market in the mornings never lack in fresh caught fish, crustaceans, squid, shellfish, you name it. For those who want to enjoy the bounties of the sea without the hassle, just take your pick of the local seafood joints all over Sandakan. So we decided to use the best ingredient Sandakan can offer; fresh caught wild prawns.
We select prawns which are caught by local fishermen, none of those farmed or net trawled nonsense. Straight from the 'Pasar' to the kitchen within minutes (yes small town has its perks). Steamed then deshelled, yup only the sweet fleshy part of the prawn in this snack.
To transform the prawns into bite-size snacks, they are dehydrated (in oppose to sun-dried) to maintain freshness and for hygienic purposes.
Now the magic happens, and like all magic acts we can't reveal everything!
The dried prawns are coated in our secret sambal (chili paste essential to Nasi Lemak) glaze. Infused with Santan (coconut milk), sprinkled with crushed peanut and mini ikan bilis (anchovies), we guaratee every crunch of this dried prawn snack is filled with the familiar, homely flavour of Nasi Lemak!
