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Nasi Lemak Recipe

Dive into Malaysia with a simple Nasi Lemak recipe! Fragrant Basmati, creamy coconut, and Pandan leaves make it a cultural feast for all meals.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
25 minutes
Course: Breakfast, dinner, lunch
Cuisine: Malaysian
Keyword: coconut rice, how to make nasi lemak, Nasi lemak, nasi lemak malaysia, nasi lemak recipe, nasi lemak vegetarian
Servings: 2
Calories: 450kcal
Author: ila

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rice I use Basmati
  • 1/2 cup Coconut milk
  • 2-3 pieces of ginger or add 1 teaspoon ginger paste
  • 1 1/2 cup water
  • 2 long Pandan leaves screwpine leaf Tie them into a Knot

Instructions

  • Rinse your rice: Start by giving the Basmati rice a good rinse under cold water until it runs clear. This step is crucial for removing excess starch, ensuring your rice is perfectly fluffy.
  • Infuse the flavors: In a pot, combine the rice, coconut milk, water, ginger (or ginger paste), and the knotted Pandan leaves. The Pandan leaves are the secret weapon here, offering a subtle flavor and aroma that’s unmistakably Southeast Asian.
  • Cook to perfection: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer covered until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed. The magic happens in this step, as the rice soaks up the rich flavors of coconut and Pandan, with ginger providing a gentle kick.
  • Serve with love: Fluff the rice with a fork, remove the Pandan leaves, and serve your Nasi Lemak warm. It’s traditionally accompanied by a variety of sides like sambal, fried anchovies (ikan bilis), peanuts, cucumber slices, and a boiled egg. However, feel free to get creative and add your personal touch.

Notes

  • Basmati rice is not a must, you can use any rice of your choice. 
  • Soak rice in water for 15 mins
  • It goes well with chicken curry, but I normally eat with any curry.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 76g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 21mg | Potassium: 235mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 3mg