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The Recipe · No.731 · Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak, and where to source it

Nasi Lemak — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Nasi Lemak Malaysian 5best2buy.com

The rice has to be fragrant and distinct, so you cook it in coconut milk with a knot of pandan and a few slices of ginger, and keep the liquid measured so it steams into separate grains rather than a coconut porridge. The plate then turns on the sambal, a slow-cooked chili paste caramelized until it is jammy, sweet, and deeply hot.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep20 min
Cook30 min
Makes4 servings
CuisineMalaysian
Cost$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
Contains  eggs · peanuts · fish
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Jasmine rice
Cooked in coconut milk with pandan; long-grain jasmine stays separate and perfumed.
2 cups
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Coconut milk
The richness of the rice; a full-fat coconut milk with no gums cooks cleanest.
1 can
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Dried chilies
Soaked and pounded into the sambal, the hot heart of the plate.
10
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Dried anchovies and peanuts
Fried crisp for the salty, crunchy garnish. Ikan bilis and roasted peanuts.
1 cup
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Eggs and cucumber
A fried or boiled egg and cool cucumber slices round the plate. Fresh.
4 eggs
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The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat
A reasonable little indulgence. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryer
The Method
  1. Cook the riceCook the rice in coconut milk with a pandan knot, ginger, and salt until fluffy and fragrant.
  2. Cook the sambalPound soaked chilies with shallot and garlic, then fry the paste low with tamarind and sugar until dark and jammy.
  3. Fry the crunchFry the dried anchovies and peanuts separately until crisp and golden.
  4. Build the plateMound the rice with sambal, anchovies, peanuts, cucumber, and a fried egg alongside.
The Toolkit

Rice cooker · Wok · Mortar

Straight Answers
Can you make Nasi Lemak in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.

Can you freeze Nasi Lemak? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Nasi Lemak ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Nasi Lemak gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Nasi Lemak vegan? — No

No — it contains seafood, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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