Published Nov 02, 2013 Updated Sep 23, 2024
Herbed Rice
Nasi Ulam is Malaysian herbed rice, cherished by many in Malaysia, especially the Malays and the Nyonya Peranakan (Straits-born Chinese). This traditional dish is a delightful mix of steamed white rice with various local herbs, tossed with toasted coconut (kerisik), sliced shallots, lemongrass and dried shrimp. It’s a much-celebrated recipe for many Malaysians. In Malaysia’s diverse, multi-ethnic society, consisting of Malays, Chinese, Indians, and Eurasians, nasi ulam herb rice is beloved by people from all backgrounds, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or origin. The appeal of Nasi Ulam is clear: it’s incredibly delicious, aromatic, healthy, and highly appetizing. It pairs wonderfully with a side of meat or fish but can also stand alone as a complete meal.
Herb Rice Recipe
Nasi Ulam combines “nasi,” meaning rice in Malay, and “ulam,” which refers to the assortment of herbs traditionally served with meals, hence this iconic herb rice dish is named after the main ingredients. In Malaysia, ulam is often compared to a salad and typically eaten with sambal belacan, our beloved spicy condiment. For herbed rice recipe, the herbs are finely sliced and mixed directly into the rice along with other flavorful ingredients. The result is a uniquely Malaysian dish that blends the exotic, earthy aromas of various herbs with dry-toasted shredded coconut (kerisik) and rice, creating a richly fragrant and deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
In my childhood, I loved watching my Nyonya grandmother prepare this recipe. It was a family affair, with my mother and aunt helping her slice a variety of herbs. Here are the list of ingredients needed:
Steamed rice Dried shrimp Toasted coconut or kerisik Lemongrass and shallots Daun kadok (wild betel leaf), daun Kesom (polygonum leaf or Vietnamese mint leaf), daun kunyit (turmeric leaf), mint leaves Bunga kantan (torch ginger flower) Kaffir lime leaf Bird’s eye chilis or Thai chilies, optional
Many of these herbs grew in our family garden, making it easy to gather fresh ingredients. Outside of Malaysia, some of these exotic herbs can be hard to find, so I’ve adapted my recipe to make it more accessible. A trip to your local Asian market, especially Vietnamese or Thai grocery stores, should help you find most of the ingredients needed for this delicious dish.
How To Make Herbed Rice
Making this is not hard, but it does require some time, much like nasi lemak, Malaysia’s national dish. However, I can assure you that the end result is rewarding, as once you have tried this, especially toying with the interplay of the different herbs in this mixed herb rice, you will be instantly converted.
Helpful Tips For Home Cooks
To make authentic herbed rice at home, please follow my cooking tips below:
Herbs: Use a variety of fresh herbs to get the authentic flavor. You can experiment with different herbs based on availability. Coconut: If you can’t find fresh grated coconut, you can use desiccated coconut and toast it in the same way. Adjusting heat: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of bird’s eye chilies according to your taste.
What To Serve with Nasi Ulam
For a wholesome Malaysian meal at home, I recommend the following recipes. I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.
