Vegetarian Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak is a beloved Malaysian dish enjoyed any time of the day, from breakfast to late-night supper. It’s a favorite among rice lovers and food enthusiasts alike. While nasi lemak is also part of Singaporean cuisine, and can be found in Brunei, certain parts of Indonesia, and Southern Thailand, nothing quite compares to the original Malaysian version. Nasi lemak is one of Malaysia’s most iconic dishes and has put Malaysian food on the global map.

What is Nasi Lemak?

Nasi lemak means coconut milk rice. Whether it’s the traditional non-vegetarian version, vegan, or plant-based nasi lemak, the main recipe for the coconut milk rice stays the same.

There are variations which may include additions like sliced ginger, cloves, cinnamon, or star anise, but the core of nasi lemak is always the classic coconut milk rice.

 

Ingredients (as needed)

Washed rice

Coconut milk (thick or thin, adjusted as per taste) 

A few pandan (screwpine) leaves

Salt to taste

 

Method

Cook these ingredients together (either on the stove, or as  rice-cooker nasi lemak.

Vegetarian Sambal
The most important part of nasi lemak is the sambal. While non-vegetarian versions can include dried anchovies (ikan bilis) and belacan (dried shrimp paste), vegetarian sambal is simple and plain but still tasty.  Without a spicy, tangy and delicious sambal, the pairing with coconut rice falls flat.

 

Ingredients (per taste)

Chilli paste (made from dried red chilies, fresh red chilies, or a mix of both)

Sliced onions or shallots

Tamarind juice

Oil

Salt

 

Method

Heat oil and add the shallots.

Fry until softened.

Add the chili paste and stir-fry until aromatic and the oil starts to separate.

Pour in tamarind juice and cook until the sambal thickens.

Remove from heat.

Condiments for Nasi Lemak

The standard accompaniments for nasi lemak include sliced cucumber and fried peanuts.

For the non-vegetarian version, common sides are fried or boiled eggs, fried anchovies, rendang, fried chicken, and more (BEAN SPROUT SALAD). 

 

Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Condiments

For the vegetarian version, you can include crispy fried oyster mushrooms (salt sprinkled atop shrooms, and fried. Optional: some sliced shallots). Crispy fried shallots also add the much loved crunch, as like fried anchovies.

Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Side Dishes

Though less common, you can consider fried tofu or fried tempeh (SPICY TEMPEH RECIPE).

There is also vegetarian rendang, made from either mushroom stalks or soya meal maker. The rendang recipe is pretty much the common one (as seen in the photos).