Discover how to make Nasi Lemak, Malaysia's beloved national dish. This recipe features fragrant coconut rice paired with spicy sambal, crispy fried fish or chicken, crunchy peanuts, and a perfectly cooked egg. A complete guide to creating this delicious and authentic meal at home.
Ingredients:
For the Coconut Rice:
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 1-2 pandan leaves, knotted (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
For the Sambal:
- 10 dried red chilies, soaked in hot water until soft
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 small onion
- 1 tbsp tamarind paste
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Accompaniments:
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
- 4 boiled eggs
- 1 cup fried fish or chicken, cut into pieces
- Cucumber slices
Instructions:
Prepare the Coconut Rice:
- Rinse the jasmine rice until the water runs clear.
- In a rice cooker or pot, combine the rice, coconut milk, water, salt, sugar, and pandan leaves (if using).
- Cook according to your rice cooker's instructions or bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Make the Sambal:
- Blend the soaked chilies, garlic, and onion into a smooth paste.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chili paste and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and oil starts to separate.
- Stir in tamarind paste, sugar, and water. Simmer for about 10 minutes, adjusting salt to taste. Set aside.
Prepare the Accompaniments:
- Boil eggs until hard-cooked, about 10 minutes. Peel and set aside.
- Fry fish or chicken until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Toast peanuts if not pre-roasted.
Assemble and Serve:
- Place a scoop of coconut rice on a plate.
- Serve with a portion of sambal, fried fish or chicken, roasted peanuts, cucumber slices, and a boiled egg.
Enjoy your Nasi Lemak, a delicious and complete Malaysian meal that brings together vibrant flavors and textures!
Nutritional values
Coconut Rice
Jasmine Rice
- Calories: 205
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 0g
Benefits:
- Provides energy and essential carbohydrates.
- Good source of B vitamins and minerals.
Coconut Milk
- Calories: 445
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 48g
Benefits:
- Provides healthy fats, including medium-chain triglycerides.
- Adds creaminess and flavor to dishes.
Water
- Calories: 0
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fat: 0g
Benefits:
- Essential for cooking and hydrating.
Pandan Leaves (optional)
- Calories: 0
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fat: 0g
Benefits:
- Adds a unique fragrance and flavor.
- Used in traditional cooking for aroma.
Salt
- Calories: 0
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fat: 0g
Benefits:
- Enhances flavor.
- Essential for electrolyte balance when used in moderation.
Sugar
- Calories: 48
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 0g
Benefits:
- Adds sweetness to balance flavors.
Sambal
Dried Red Chilies
- Calories: 20
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fat: 0g
Benefits:
- Contains capsaicin, which can boost metabolism and help with pain relief.
- Adds heat and flavor.
Garlic
- Calories: 4
- Protein: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fat: 0g
Benefits:
- Contains allicin, which has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
- Can help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.
Onion
- Calories: 44
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 0g
Benefits:
- Contains antioxidants like quercetin.
- Supports immune function and cardiovascular health.
Tamarind Paste
- Calories: 29
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fat: 0g
Benefits:
- Adds a tangy flavor to dishes.
- Contains vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and potassium.
Sugar
- Calories: 48
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 0g
Benefits:
- Adds sweetness to balance flavors.
Vegetable Oil
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fat: 14g
Benefits:
- Provides essential fatty acids.
- Adds flavor and aids in cooking.
Accompaniments
Roasted Peanuts
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 18g
Benefits:
- High in protein and healthy fats.
- Contains vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E and magnesium.
Boiled Eggs
- Calories: 70
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fat: 5g
Benefits:
- High in protein and essential nutrients.
- Good source of vitamins B12 and D.
Fried Fish or Chicken
- Calories: 250-300 (varies by type)
- Protein: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 0-10g (varies by coating and preparation)
- Fat: 15-20g
Benefits:
- Provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients.
- Can be a good source of healthy fats if prepared with care.
Cucumber Slices
- Calories: 16
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fat: 0g
Benefits:
- Hydrating and low in calories.
- Provides vitamins and minerals such as vitamin K and potassium.
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