IN Sarawak, "Fried Dabai Rice" or "Nasi Goreng Dabai" is a beloved specialty dish. The use of preserved dabai fruits adds a unique and distinctive flavour to the dish. The comparison to olives in terms of appearance and taste provides a helpful reference for those who may not be familiar with dabai.
Dabai is a type of fruit native to Borneo, particularly popular in Malaysian cuisine. The fruit is known for its unique flavour and is often used in various dishes.
Preserving the dabai fruit allows people to enjoy its flavour even outside of its seasonal availability, addressing the challenges of perishability. The combination of garlic, shallots, eggs, soy sauce, and oyster sauce creates a harmonious blend of flavours in this local delight.
If anyone is interested in trying this dish, it's worth exploring local markets or specialty stores in Sarawak or regions where dabai fruit is more readily available. Additionally, for those outside of these areas, exploring ways to source preserved dabai fruit or finding suitable substitutes may be an option to experience the unique taste of Nasi Goreng Dabai.
Here's a simple recipe for you if you're looking to make Fried Dabai Rice:
Ingredients:
1.Cooked rice (preferably cold, as it fries better)
2.Dabai fruits (pitted and sliced)
3.Vegetables of your choice (e.g., carrots, peas, corn)
4.1 onion, finely chopped
5.2 cloves garlic, minced
6.2 eggs, beaten
7.Soy sauce
8.Oyster sauce
9.Salt and pepper to taste
10.Cooking oil
Instructions:
1.Heat a wok or large skillet over medium heat and add a couple of tablespoons of cooking oil.
2.Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and golden brown.
3.Add the sliced dabai fruits and other vegetables to the wok. Stir-fry until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
4.Push the vegetables to one side of the wok and pour the beaten eggs into the empty space. Scramble the eggs until cooked.
5.Mix the vegetables and eggs together, then add the cold, cooked rice to the wok. Break up any clumps of rice and combine them with the other ingredients.
6.Season the fried rice with soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
7.Continue to stir-fry the rice until it is well-cooked and heated through. Ensure that the dabai fruits are evenly distributed.
8.Once everything is well-mixed and heated, remove the wok from the heat.
9.Serve the Fried Dabai Rice hot, garnished with additional sliced dabai fruits if desired.
Feel free to customise the recipe to suit your taste preferences and add any other ingredients you like. Enjoy your delicious Fried Dabai Rice!