Nasi Katok Skillet (Spiced Crispy Chicken, Fragrant Rice & Sweet-Spicy Sambal) – Authentic Brunei Recipe

Brunei’s undisputed 24-hour national obsession: crispy spiced chicken paired with sweet, tangy caramelized sambal.

Country of Origin
🇧🇳 Brunei (Southeast Asia, Asia)
Dietary Profile
omnivore
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Difficulty
Medium
Signature Staples
Crispy turmeric-spiced chicken cutlets, Steamed jasmine rice, Caramelized onion-chili sambal and cucumber, Turmeric, Coriander

Ingredients for Nasi Katok Skillet (Spiced Crispy Chicken, Fragrant Rice & Sweet-Spicy Sambal) (4 Servings)

  • 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) crispy turmeric-spiced chicken cutlets, prepped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1.5 cups steamed jasmine rice, washed and trimmed
  • 1 cup caramelized onion-chili sambal and cucumber
  • 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with turmeric
  • 1.5 tbsp traditional Brunei seasoning (coriander, garlic, tamarind-sugar sambal)
  • 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet over medium heat; sauté the onion, garlic, and turmeric until golden.
  2. Add coriander, garlic, tamarind-sugar sambal along with crispy turmeric-spiced chicken cutlets and steamed jasmine rice, searing for 4–5 minutes to build savory depth.
  3. Stir in the rinsed grains/rice so every grain is coated in the spiced oil, then pour in warm stock.
  4. Bring to a simmer, cover tightly with a lid, and cook on low heat for 18–20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and tender.
  5. Rest off the heat for 5 minutes, fluff gently with a fork, and garnish with caramelized onion-chili sambal and cucumber.

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