Published May 22, 2018 Updated Nov 03, 2024 A good nasi lemak recipe is not to be taken lightly; it should have amazing quality, texture, flavors, and the right ingredients. The main ingredient is sambal. Sambal is the soul of the dish; it brings together all the various components and complete the dish. Traditionally, nasi lemak is wrapped with banana leaf and shaped into a triangular cone, called “bungkus” in Malay language. At home, you may serve it on a sheet of cut banana leaf. Make sure the rice is placed atop the banana leaf. The warmth of the steamed rice allows the banana leaf to impart its earthy aroma to the rice, making the nasi lemak even more scrumptious and inviting.
Coconut Rice: Rice cooked with coconut milk, water, and pandan leaves, resulting in the sweet aroma of the nasi (rice). Sambal. Spice paste made from dried red chilies, shallots, garlic, and belacan (Malaysian prawn paste). Sambal is usually stir-fried with oil, along with onions and tamarind juice added for tanginess. Salt and sugar are used to balance the flavors. Dried anchovies or ikan bilis. Small dried anchovies fried until crispy, adding a salty crunch to the dish. In my recipe, I made sambal anchovies. Peanuts: Roasted peanuts, providing a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the overall dish. Hard-boiled eggs. Cucumber: Sliced cucumber for a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of the sambal. Fish: Small fish such as mackerel or sardines are fried and served as an accompaniment to nasi lemak.
For full information on all ingredients, remember to check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post. This dish will not be authentic without the pandan leaves and coconut milk. In fact, you can’t serve it with plain steamed rice. Assemble your favorite sides on top or around the coconut milk rice; the pipping hot steamed coconut milk rice should be served in on top of a sheet of cut banana leaf. If you want an extra spicy kick, add sambal belacan as a condiment. Enjoy! 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.
