Nasi Kuning (Indonesian Turmeric Coconut Rice)
In short: Golden turmeric rice simmered in coconut milk with lemongrass and lime leaf, then steamed until fluffy and served for birthdays and celebrations. It takes about 1 h in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 40 min
- Resting
- 15 min
- Total
- 1 h
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 340 kcal
Nasi kuning, yellow rice, is the dish Indonesians serve when there is something to celebrate: birthdays, weddings, a new house or a family gathering. Rice is simmered in coconut milk and turmeric with lemongrass and lime leaf, then steamed so every grain is fluffy and golden. It is often molded into a cone and surrounded by fried chicken, tempeh and sambal.
Instructions
- Rinse the rice until the water runs nearly clear. Drain it for 15 minutes.
- Combine the coconut milk, water, turmeric, lemongrass, lime leaves, bay leaves, pandan leaf if using, and salt in a large pot. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the rice and stir. Cook over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is about half cooked.
- Line a steamer basket with a clean cloth, banana leaf or baking paper. Tip in the rice and fold the edges over loosely.
- Steam over high heat for 20 to 25 minutes, until the rice is tender and fluffy. Remove the lemongrass and leaves and fluff with a fork.
- Mound the rice on a platter, or pack it into a cone mold and turn it out. Serve with fried shallots, cucumber, tomato and sambal.
Tips
- No steamer? After the first stage, cover the pot tightly, set the heat to the lowest and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, then rest off the heat for 10 minutes.
- To shape a cone, line a bowl or funnel with banana leaf, pack in the warm rice, press and invert it. This tall shape is the traditional tumpeng centerpiece.
Questions and answers
Can I use a rice cooker for nasi kuning?
Yes. Put the rinsed rice, coconut milk, 200 ml water, turmeric and aromatics in the cooker and cook on the regular setting. Fluff and rest it for 10 minutes before serving.
Can I use ground turmeric instead of fresh?
Yes, 2 tsp ground turmeric replaces 3 cm of fresh. Fresh turmeric gives a brighter, more fragrant yellow, but ground works well and is easier to find.
What do you eat with nasi kuning?
Fried chicken, fried tempeh, shredded omelet, serundeng, cucumber and sambal. At big celebrations it forms the center of a tumpeng platter with a ring of side dishes.
How long does it take to make Nasi Kuning (Indonesian Turmeric Coconut Rice)?
About 1 h in total: 20 min of preparation and 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Nasi Kuning (Indonesian Turmeric Coconut Rice)?
About 340 kcal per serving, with 6 g of protein, 54 g of carbohydrates and 11 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 340 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 54 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
