National Dish Singapore: Belachan Fried Rice (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Belachan Fried Rice, a punchy stir-fried rice dish that captures the bold, layered flavours of Singapore. At its heart is belachan, a fermented shrimp paste that lends the rice a deep, savoury aroma you will not find anywhere else. Quick to throw together yet full of character, it works just as well for a busy weeknight supper as for a relaxed weekend feast. Bring the buzz of a Singapore hawker centre straight to your own wok.
About Belachan Fried Rice
Belachan Fried Rice is a distinctive dish from Singaporean cuisine that brings together the flavours of spice and freshness in a single bowl. Cooked in homes and restaurants right across the island, it is especially prized for its use of belachan paste, a fermented shrimp paste that gives the rice a remarkable depth of flavour and a wonderfully savoury aroma. The dish is not only delicious but also refreshingly straightforward to make, which makes it a fine choice for everyday meals as much as for special occasions.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g jasmine rice
- 2 tablespoons belachan paste
- 100 g prawns, peeled
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 pepper, diced
- 2 spring onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Soy sauce, to taste
- A squeeze of lime juice
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for belachan fried rice, it is worth choosing fresh ingredients to get the very best flavour. Head to an Asian grocery to make sure you can track down the belachan paste and jasmine rice that are essential to this dish. Fresh vegetables such as carrots and peppers add not only flavour but also an appealing range of colour to the plate. Remember, too, to buy chilled produce like prawns from a trusted source so that everything stays as fresh as possible.
Preparing the dish
Preparing belachan fried rice begins with cooking the jasmine rice. Be sure to rinse the rice well to wash away excess starch and stop it clumping together. While the rice cooks, you can get on with preparing the vegetables and the prawns. Cut the vegetables into even dice so that everything cooks at the same rate. Depending on your preference, the vegetables can also be lightly blanched to keep their colour and crunch.
Step-by-step instructions
- Cook the jasmine rice according to the packet instructions and leave it to cool.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or a wok and sauté the diced onion until translucent.
- Add the diced carrot and pepper and stir-fry for around 2–3 minutes.
- Add the prawns to the pan and cook until they turn pink and are cooked through.
- Stir in the belachan paste and mix everything together well.
- Add the cooked jasmine rice and toss thoroughly to combine.
- Season the dish with soy sauce and lime juice to taste.
- Finally, stir through the spring onions and serve straight away.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free and lactose-free version of belachan fried rice, you can use gluten-free soy sauce, which is widely available in shops. This special soy sauce keeps all the savoury flavour without any gluten. It is also worth checking the ingredients when buying belachan paste, to make sure it contains no gluten. When choosing your herbs and spices, look out for ones that are free from gluten and lactose too, so the dish can be adapted completely.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
To make belachan fried rice suitable for vegans and vegetarians, you can swap the prawns for tofu or another plant-based source of protein. The tofu is best marinated beforehand and cut into small pieces so it takes on the flavours more readily. Take care to find a vegan alternative to belachan paste that is entirely plant-based. You can also enrich the dish with extra vegetables and perhaps some nuts or seeds to add further texture and flavour.
More tips and tricks
There are a few things worth bearing in mind when making belachan fried rice to get the best possible result. A very hot pan or wok ensures the vegetables stir-fry quickly and stay crisp. Another key point is to cook the rice in advance and chill it before frying, so it does not turn mushy. Experiment with different vegetables, or add some cooked egg, to ring the changes. Bonus tip: a drizzle of warmed sesame oil finishes the dish beautifully and adds an extra layer of flavour.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The recipe for belachan fried rice is flexible and lends itself brilliantly to personal preference. You are free to use different vegetables depending on the season or what you have to hand. The heat can be dialled up or down with a scattering of fresh chillies or a pinch of chilli powder. You could also make the dish more substantial by adding further proteins such as chicken or beef, to suit your own taste and needs. Fans of stir-fried noodles will find much to love in a plate of Mee Goreng too.
Ingredient substitutions
There are plenty of alternatives to try in belachan fried rice if you do not have certain ingredients on hand. Instead of jasmine rice you could use basmati rice or even quinoa. If you cannot find belachan paste, a combination of fish sauce, chilli paste and peanuts will get you a similar flavour. Remember that part of the art of cooking lies in being creative and varying ingredients to your own taste — much as you would with a fragrant Coconut Rice.
Drink pairing ideas
A range of drinks pairs beautifully with a tasty plate of belachan fried rice and rounds out its flavours nicely. An ice-cold Singapore Sling is an excellent choice and brings a tropical flourish to the table. A light beer or a rosé wine also work well, sitting in easy harmony with the spice of the rice. If you prefer something without alcohol, a mint lemonade or a cup of green tea is equally refreshing.
Serving and presentation ideas
The presentation of belachan fried rice plays a real part in tempting your guests. Serve the rice in a colourful bowl for a lovely contrast, and garnish it with fresh herbs such as coriander or mint. You might also scatter over some crunchy, toasted nuts or a little sesame to enrich both texture and flavour. A final squeeze of fresh lime juice on top not only adds freshness but also makes the dish look all the more inviting.
A bit of history
Belachan fried rice has its roots in the wonderfully varied cuisine of Singapore, which brings together Malay, Chinese and Indian influences. The use of belachan paste is deeply woven into Southeast Asian culture and has been passed down through generations in countless family recipes. This dish reflects the cultural diversity of Singapore and shows how ingredients and cooking techniques from different parts of the world can come together in harmony. Belachan fried rice is therefore not just a culinary treat but also a tribute to the rich history of the region and of Singaporean cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Belachan Fried Rice
Belachan fried rice offers a delicious way to discover the flavours of Singapore. With its harmonious blend of savoury belachan paste, fresh ingredients and a simple method, this dish has every chance of becoming a new favourite in your kitchen. Whether served as a main course or as a side, it promises an unforgettable eating experience. Let yourself be won over by the variety and intensity of the dish and enjoy a culinary journey right on your plate.
