Authentic Malaysian Nasi Lemak Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of jasmine rice
  • 1 pandan leaf, knotted
  • 1 lemongrass stalk, bruised
  • 1 can (400ml) of coconut milk
  • Salt to taste
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs, halved
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1 cup of roasted peanuts
  • 1 cup of ikan bilis (dried anchovies)
  • 2 cups of vegetable oil for frying
  • For the Sambal Ikan Bilis (Chilli Paste):
  • 1 red onion
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • 15 dried chillies (soaked in warm water)
  • 1 teaspoon of belacan (prawn paste)
  • 1 teaspoon of tamarind paste
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of sugar

Steps and instructions

  1. Wash the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Put the rice in a pot, add the knotted pandan leaf, bruised lemongrass stalk, coconut milk, and salt. Stir well.
  3. Cook the rice over medium heat. Once it starts to boil, lower the heat and simmer until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
  4. While the rice is cooking, prepare the sambal. Blend the onion, garlic, soaked dried chillies, belacan, and a little bit of water in a blender until smooth.
  5. Heat up some oil in a pan, and then fry the blended paste over medium heat until fragrant.
  6. Add the tamarind paste, salt, sugar, and the rest of the water. Stir well and simmer on low heat until the paste thickens.
  7. In a separate pan, fry the ikan bilis in hot oil until they turn light brown and crispy. Leave some for the sambal and set the rest aside for garnishing.
  8. Add the fried ikan bilis into the sambal paste and mix well.
  9. When the rice is ready, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.
  10. Serve the Nasi Lemak on a plate with the cucumber slices, hard-boiled eggs, and roasted peanuts. Add a generous spoonful of the sambal ikan bilis on the side.

Tools for making

  • Pot - For cooking the rice.
  • Blender - To blend the ingredients for the sambal paste.
  • Pan - To fry the ikan bilis and sambal paste.
  • Spoon - For stirring and serving.
  • Fork - To fluff the cooked rice.

Recipe variations

  • Use brown rice instead of jasmine rice for a healthier option.
  • Add a few drops of pandan essence or pandan paste to the rice for a stronger pandan flavor.
  • Replace the ikan bilis with fried tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian or vegan version.
  • Add sliced fried chicken or beef rendang as a protein option.
  • Include sliced onions and sliced boiled potatoes in the sambal for added texture and flavor.
  • Top the Nasi Lemak with a fried egg or a sunny-side-up instead of hard-boiled eggs.
  • Add a dollop of coconut cream on top of the rice for a richer taste.
  • Replace the roasted peanuts with cashews or almonds.
  • Serve the Nasi Lemak with a side of acar (pickled vegetables) for a tangy contrast.
  • Make a spicy sambal with extra chili for those who prefer a spicier kick.

Recipe overview

Nasi Lemak is a traditional Malaysian dish known for its fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf, giving it a rich flavor and creamy texture. This recipe will guide you step-by-step in making this beloved dish at home. Alongside the coconut rice, the dish features crispy ikan bilis (dried anchovies), roasted peanuts, fresh cucumber, and hard-boiled eggs. The star of the dish is the sambal ikan bilis – a spicy chilli paste which adds a kick to this flavorful meal. From preparing the coconut rice to making the sambal, this recipe ensures an authentic Nasi Lemak experience. Whether you're making it for a regular meal or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy the process and the delicious result!

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to cook the Nasi Lemak? The cooking time for the Nasi Lemak is approximately 30-40 minutes.
  2. Can I use regular rice instead of jasmine rice? Yes, you can use regular rice if jasmine rice is not available. However, keep in mind that jasmine rice adds a fragrant aroma to the dish.
  3. Can I substitute the ikan bilis (dried anchovies) with something else? If you prefer, you can substitute ikan bilis with fried peanuts or omit them altogether.
  4. Is there a vegetarian/vegan version of Nasi Lemak? Yes, you can prepare a vegetarian/vegan version by omitting the eggs and using vegetable oil instead of frying the ikan bilis in oil.
  5. How spicy is the sambal? The spiciness of the sambal can be adjusted based on personal preference. You can increase or decrease the amount of dried chillies used.
  6. Can I make the sambal in advance? Yes, you can make the sambal in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  7. Is there a substitute for pandan leaf? If pandan leaf is not available, you can substitute it with pandan essence or omit it altogether. However, pandan leaf adds a distinct flavor to the rice.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Rice Cooker - A rice cooker can be used to cook the jasmine rice easily and efficiently.
  • Blender - A blender is useful for blending the ingredients for the sambal paste until smooth.
  • Pan - A pan is needed for frying the ikan bilis and sautéing the sambal paste.
  • Pot - A pot is necessary for cooking the rice with the pandan leaf, lemongrass, coconut milk, and salt.
  • Fork - A fork is used to fluff the cooked rice and separate the grains.
  • Serving Plate - A serving plate is required for presenting the Nasi Lemak with all the garnishes.
  • Spoon - A spoon is needed for stirring the rice and serving the sambal ikan bilis.
  • Knife - A knife is used for slicing the cucumber and halving the hard-boiled eggs.

Origin stories

Nasi Lemak, often regarded as Malaysia's national dish, has its roots deeply embedded in the Malay culinary tradition. The name itself translates as "fatty rice" due to the rich, creamy texture resulting from cooking the rice in coconut milk. Traditionally served in a banana leaf package, this dish was originally consumed by farmers as a hearty breakfast before a long day in the fields. The spicy sambal, nutritive anchovies, refreshing cucumber and boiled egg served alongside the coconut-infused rice provided a balanced and energetic start to the day. Over time, this humble meal has evolved and expanded, with numerous variations across Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and the southern parts of Thailand and Philippines. Despite its wide spread, the essence of Nasi Lemak remains the same - a comforting and delicious meal that celebrates the rich flavours and diverse culture of Southeast Asia.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.