Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey to Malaysia? Then get ready to tantalize your taste buds with Nasi Lemak, a national treasure known for its fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and a vibrant array of accompaniments. This easy recipe breaks down this delicious dish, perfect for a quick dinner or a special occasion. It's one of those healthy meals that tastes incredibly indulgent! Let's dive into the amazing world of homemade cooking with this best recipe.
Ingredients:
For the Coconut Rice:
- 2 cups of Jasmine rice, rinsed
- 1 cup of thick coconut milk
- 1 cup of water
- 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
- 2 pandan leaves, knotted
- 1 inch ginger, bruised
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Sambal:
- 8-10 red chilies, deseeded and roughly chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 4 shallots, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon shrimp paste (belacan), optional but adds authentic flavor
- 1 tablespoon of cooking oil
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of lime juice
Accompaniments:
- 1 Cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of roasted peanuts
- Fried anchovies (ikan bilis)
- Hard-boiled egg, cut into halves
- A piece of fried chicken (optional)
Instructions:
Cooking the Coconut Rice:
- Combine rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, lemongrass, pandan leaves, ginger, and salt in a pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
- Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and set aside. Remove the lemongrass, pandan leaves, and ginger.
Making the Sambal:
- Heat cooking oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add shallots and garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- Add chilies and shrimp paste (if using) and sauté for another 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sambal is thick and fragrant. Adjust cooking time depending on desired consistency.
- Stir in sugar and lime juice; mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Assembling Your Nasi Lemak:
- Spoon cooked coconut rice onto a plate.
- Top with sambal, cucumber slices, roasted peanuts, fried anchovies, and a hard-boiled egg half.
- Serve immediately with fried chicken (optional).
Tips for the Best Nasi Lemak:
- For extra fragrant rice, toast the rice lightly in a dry pan before adding the coconut milk and water.
- Adjust the amount of chilies in the sambal to suit your spice preference. You can start with fewer chilies and add more if needed.
- Don’t overcook the sambal, or it may become bitter.
- Leftover sambal can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables to the sambal, such as tomatoes or long beans.
- Use different types of protein, such as beef rendang, prawns, or fish.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the anchovies and fried chicken and add some sautéed vegetables.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Around 450-600 (depending on additions) Fat: Around 20-30g Protein: Around 10-15g Carbohydrates: Around 60-80g
This delicious and satisfying Nasi Lemak is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas that are also incredibly flavorful and healthy. Enjoy this simple yet rewarding culinary experience! Remember to share your creations and tag us – we'd love to see your delicious Nasi Lemak!