October 22, 2024
      No Comments
      Global Food Blogger

MALAYSIA: NASI LEMAK RECIPE

Nasi Lemak

NASI LEMAK RECIPE

Nasi Lemak, a beloved Malaysian dish is often considered the national dish. It consists of fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk, served with a variety of accompaniments.

INGREDIENTS:

(For the Coconut Rice):

  • 2 cups jasmine rice

  • 1 cup coconut milk

  • 1 ½ cups water

  • 1 pandan leaf (optional), knotted

  • 1 tsp salt

(For the Sambal) [Chili Sauce]:

  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil

  • 1 onion, finely chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 5-10 dried red chilies (adjust to taste)

  • 1 tsp belacan (shrimp paste)

  • 1 tsp sugar

  • 1 tbsp tamarind paste

  • Salt to taste

(For the Accompaniments):

  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, halved

  • 1 cucumber, sliced

  • 1 cup fried anchovies (ikan bilis)

  • 1 cup roasted peanuts

  • 2-3 banana leaves or serving plates

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Coconut Rice:

  • Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

  • In a rice cooker, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, knotted pandan leaf, and salt.

  • Cook according to the rice cooker instructions. If using a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is fluffy and cooked through. Remove from heat and let it sit for 10 minutes before fluffing.

2. Make the Sambal:

  • Soak the dried red chilies in hot water for about 10 minutes to soften.

  • In a blender, combine the softened chilies, garlic, and a bit of water to blend into a smooth paste.

  • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions until translucent.

  • Add the chili paste and belacan, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until fragrant and the oil separates from the paste.

  • Stir in sugar, tamarind paste, and salt to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sambal thickens. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Accompaniments:

  • Hard-Boiled Eggs: Boil water in a pot, gently add the eggs, and cook for about 9-12 minutes. Cool in ice water before peeling and halving.

  • Fried Anchovies: You can either buy them pre-fried or fry them yourself by heating oil in a pan and frying the anchovies until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

  • Roasted Peanuts: You can use pre-roasted peanuts or roast raw peanuts in a pan until golden brown.

4. Assemble the Nasi Lemak:

  • If using banana leaves, lightly heat them over an open flame or in a pan to make them pliable.

  • On each plate or banana leaf, serve a generous portion of coconut rice in the center.

  • Arrange the sambal, hard-boiled eggs, sliced cucumber, fried anchovies, and roasted peanuts around the rice.

  • Optionally, garnish with additional sambal or fresh herbs like cucumber or lettuce.

5. Serve:

  • Nasi Lemak is best enjoyed fresh and warm. Serve it with a side of more sambal and perhaps some fried chicken or rendang for a complete meal.

Tips:

  • Adjust the level of spiciness in the sambal according to your preference by using more or fewer chilies.

Tags: