Nasi Lemak
Nasi Lemak is a fragrant coconut rice dish served with a variety of accompaniments. This beloved Malaysian meal is perfect for breakfast or any time of day!
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
20 minutes
Level
Easy
Serves
2
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
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Instructions
- 1
Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
- 2
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, knotted pandan leaf, and salt. Stir gently.
- 3
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy and the liquid has been absorbed.
- 4
While the rice cooks, prepare the accompaniments. Slice the hard-boiled eggs in half, slice the cucumber, and place them on a serving plate.
- 5
In a small bowl, arrange the roasted peanuts and fried anchovies next to the egg and cucumber.
- 6
Once the rice is ready, fluff it with a fork and serve it warm on a plate. Garnish with a generous spoonful of sambal on the side.
- 7
Season with additional salt or pepper to taste if needed.
Tips
Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch for fluffy results.
You can find sambal at Asian grocery stores or make your own if desired.
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Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store any leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave, adding a splash of water to restore moisture.
Substitutions
- Replace jasmine rice with basmati rice if needed for a different flavor profile.
- Use almond milk instead of coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
What to Serve With
- Serve with sweetened condensed milk for a sweet twist.
- Pair with additional spicy condiments for more heat.
Common Mistakes
- Overcooking the rice can make it mushy; keep an eye on the cooking time.
- Forgetting to rinse the rice can lead to clumpy texture.
Recipe FAQ
What is Nasi Lemak?
Nasi Lemak is a traditional Malaysian dish made with coconut rice, often served with hard-boiled eggs, sambal, peanuts, and anchovies.
Can I make Nasi Lemak vegetarian?
Yes! You can omit the fried anchovies and sambal can be made without fish sauce for a vegetarian version.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
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Rice cooker
Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.
Baking sheet
Useful for roasting, baking, broiling, and sheet-pan prep.
Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Skillet
Useful for browning, quick sautes, and weeknight one-pan cooking.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
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