Step 1

Keep your leftover rice in the fridge if you plan ahead. They will be nicely dry and perfect to make fried rice

Step 2

If you don't have any leftover rice, you can also cook the rice on the same day and spread the rice out on a large baking pan to let it cool down faster. It may take a few hours to cool down completely and to dry them out a bit. Use a fan to help you cool it down if you can

Step 3

Preheat 3 Tbsp of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the dried anchovies and pan fry until they are golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oil to an absorbent paper towel

Step 4

To the same oil, add shrimp paste and stir fry until fragrant, about a minute or so. Add garlic, shallots, pepper slices, and sambal oelek (if using). Stir fry for another 3 minutes. Add the water spinach and stir fry for about 30 seconds. Add the rice and seasonings. Stir to combine

Step 5

Add the cooked chicken meat and stir to combine everything. Make sure the rice is coated evenly with seasonings and mixed well with other ingredients.

Step 6

Have a taste and adjust by adding more salt, pepper, salt, etc.

Step 7

Garnish with some crispy fried shallots (bawang goreng). Serve immediately