Nasi Uduk (Jakarta Coconut Rice)
In short: Jasmine rice cooked in coconut milk with lemongrass, bay leaf and ginger, served with crisp tempeh, fried shallots, peanuts and fiery sambal. It takes about 55 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 35 min
- Total
- 55 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 590 kcal
Nasi uduk is the fragrant coconut rice that Jakarta eats for breakfast, sold from small stalls with a table of toppings. The rice cooks in coconut milk with lemongrass, bay and ginger, which makes it creamy, aromatic and savory. Pile it with crisp tempeh, fried shallots, roasted peanuts and cucumber, and add sambal. It is simple, filling and hard to stop eating.
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in several changes of cold water until the water runs almost clear, then drain well.
- Combine the coconut milk, water, lemongrass, bay leaves, ginger, pandan leaf if using, and salt in a heavy pot. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the rice and cook over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often so it does not stick, until the liquid is nearly absorbed.
- Cover tightly, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cook for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a pan and fry the tempeh with the garlic and salt for 4 to 5 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- Remove the aromatics and fluff the rice with a fork. Serve with the tempeh, fried shallots, peanuts, cucumber and sambal.
Tips
- Stir the rice for the first 10 minutes, then leave it alone. Coconut milk can scorch on the bottom, so use a heavy pot and the lowest heat.
- Traditional plates also include fried chicken, shredded omelet and a little bean sprout salad. A rice cooker works too: add everything and cook on the normal setting.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between nasi uduk and nasi lemak?
Both are rice cooked in coconut milk. Nasi uduk is flavored with lemongrass, bay and ginger and eaten with fried toppings, while nasi lemak uses pandan and is served with sambal, anchovies and egg.
Can I use light coconut milk?
Yes, but the rice will be less rich. Use full-fat coconut milk for the authentic creamy taste, or mix half coconut milk and half water for a lighter result.
How do I store leftover nasi uduk?
Refrigerate within 2 hours and use within 2 days. Reheat with a splash of water in the microwave or steamer to soften the grains.
How long does it take to make Nasi Uduk (Jakarta Coconut Rice)?
About 55 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 35 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Nasi Uduk (Jakarta Coconut Rice)?
About 590 kcal per serving, with 14 g of protein, 69 g of carbohydrates and 29 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 590 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 69 g |
| Fat | 29 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
