Nasi Goreng Ikan Bilis (Fried Rice with Anchovies)

What can you do with leftover rice? Make Nasi Goreng/fried rice of course!! And what do I like in my fried rice...... Ikan Bilis!!


Malaysia is know for it's abundant supply of fresh and delicious seafood. It's a country surrounded by fertile seas giving it numerous varieties of fish, crustaceans and shellfish... and that is why anyone who lives here or visits Malaysia instantly becomes a lover of great seafood...


I don't really like the "traditional" fried rice, I like a bit of crunch in mine and the tastest ingredient for that would be Ikan Bilis or otherwise known as dried anchovies. It's a typical accompaniment to some of the best dishes in Malaysia... like nasi lemak and sambal. I buy my ikan bilis from Tawau, which is on the south-east coast of Sabah and the best place for fresh seafood! With Ikan Bilis you can just fried it up crispy and you can pop them into your mouth as a snack or sprinkle them over rice will do.

Nasi Goreng Ikan Bilis (Fried Rice with Anchovies)


2 cups of Ikan bilis
2 cups of cooked rice
4 eggs
3 small bunches of mustard greens, sliced thinly
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
5 tbsp of soy garlic sauce
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp sesame seed oil


1. Wash and clean the ikan bilis. Place in on plate and microwave for 1 min. In a wok, heat up the oils and fry the ikan bilis until crispy. Constantly stir the fish so that it won't burn. It should be golden and crispy. Drain the fish and set aside.
2. In a wok, heat some oil and scramble the eggs. Gently separate the scrambled eggs into smaller pieces using the cooking spatula. Add the mustard greens and garlic to the eggs and stir. Careful not too overcook the vegetable it should still be crisp. 
3. Add the cooked rice and stir it in to combine with the eggs and mustard greens. Add the fried ikan bilis and mix in. Pour about 5 tbsp of the soy garlic sauce to taste and serve.


I would normally keep a jar of the seasoned Soy Garlic Sauce in the fridge to  sprinkle over dishes or just to add in when I'm cooking. It's a great dipping sauce as well as a flavourful seasoned soy sauce.

Soy Garlic Sauce

150 ml light soy sauce

50 ml water

1 tsp sugar

2 tbsp minced garlic

1. Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and bring it to the boil. Lower the heat and cook until the garlic is soften, about another 3 - 5 mins. Remove from heat and serve.