Nasi Lemak

Nasi lemak is a traditional Malay dish that is made with coconut milk-infused rice, served with a variety of side dishes such as fried anchovies, peanuts, boiled egg, and sambal (a spicy chili paste). It is typically eaten for breakfast, but can also be enjoyed as a main meal at any time of the day. The dish is very popular in Malaysia and is considered a national dish.

Recipe
Preparation tips
Serving size
Nutrition value
Types

To make Nasi Lemak at home, you will need:

  • 2 cups jasmine rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 pandan leaves (optional)
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 tsp salt

For the sambal sauce:

  • 1 cup chili paste
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp vinegar
  • 2 tbsp water

Toppings:

  • Fried chicken
  • Boiled eggs
  • Crispy anchovies
  • Cucumber slices
  • Fried shallots (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the rice in cold water and drain.
  2. In a pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the rice, pandan leaves (if using), coconut milk, and salt. Stir to combine.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let the rice cook for about 20 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed.
  4. While the rice is cooking, prepare the sambal sauce by mixing together the chili paste, sugar, vinegar, and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the sauce starts to bubble. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. To assemble the Nasi Lemak, divide the cooked rice onto individual plates or bowls. Top with the fried chicken, boiled eggs, crispy anchovies, cucumber slices, and fried shallots (if using).
  6. Serve with the sambal sauce on the side. Enjoy!

Tips for preparation of Nasi Lemak

To make Nasi Lemak at home, you will need:

  • 2 cups jasmine rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 pandan leaves (optional)
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 tsp salt

For the sambal sauce:

  • 1 cup chili paste
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp vinegar
  • 2 tbsp water

Toppings:

  • Fried chicken
  • Boiled eggs
  • Crispy anchovies
  • Cucumber slices
  • Fried shallots (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the rice in cold water and drain.
  2. In a pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the rice, pandan leaves (if using), coconut milk, and salt. Stir to combine.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let the rice cook for about 20 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed.
  4. While the rice is cooking, prepare the sambal sauce by mixing together the chili paste, sugar, vinegar, and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the sauce starts to bubble. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. To assemble the Nasi Lemak, divide the cooked rice onto individual plates or bowls. Top with the fried chicken, boiled eggs, crispy anchovies, cucumber slices, and fried shallots (if using).
  6. Serve with the sambal sauce on the side. Enjoy!

Nasi Lemak serving size

A typical serving size might be 1-2 cups of rice and a selection of toppings.

Nasi Lemak nutrition value

Nasi Lemak can be high in calories, fat, and sodium due to the use of ingredients such as coconut milk, oil, and salty condiments. It may also provide some protein, carbohydrates, and fiber, as well as various vitamins and minerals. It’s important to note that nasi lemak should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

More Nasi Lemak types