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.