Nasi Kuning (Indonesian Yellow Coconut Rice Bowl)

About This Recipe

Nasi kuning is Indonesia's festive yellow rice, its golden color and rich aroma coming from turmeric and coconut milk cooked together with the rice rather than added afterward as a garnish. Lemongrass, bay leaf and a knot of pandan leaf infuse the cooking liquid with a distinctly Southeast Asian fragrance, the rice absorbing all of it as it steams until tender and fluffy. Traditionally shaped into a cone (tumpeng) for celebrations, this everyday version serves it simply in a bowl topped with shredded chicken, fried shallots and a hard-boiled egg, keeping the festive flavor accessible for any meal.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 2 cupsjasmine rice(rinsed)
• 1 cupcoconut milk
• 1.5 cupswater
• 1 tspturmeric
• 2 stalkslemongrass(bruised)
• 2bay leaves
• 1 tspsalt
• 2 cupsshredded cooked chicken(for serving)
• 1/4 cupfried shallots(for serving)
• 2hard-boiled eggs(halved, for serving)
• 1cucumber(sliced, for serving)

Instructions

1. 1

   Combine the rice and liquid

   Combine rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, turmeric, lemongrass, bay leaves and salt in a pot.

2. 2

   Bring to a boil

   Bring to a boil, stirring once to dissolve the turmeric evenly.

3. 3

   Simmer

   Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.

   Stir once at the very start to distribute the turmeric evenly, then avoid stirring again — this keeps the rice grains fluffy rather than gummy.

4. 4

   Rest

   Remove from heat and let rest, covered, 10 minutes.

5. 5

   Fluff and serve

   Remove lemongrass and bay leaves, fluff the rice, and serve topped with shredded chicken, fried shallots, hard-boiled egg and cucumber.

Variations

• •

  For celebrations, the rice is traditionally molded into a cone shape (tumpeng) and surrounded by an array of side dishes.

• •

  Adding a pandan leaf tied in a knot alongside the lemongrass gives extra traditional fragrance.

• •

  A vegetarian version tops the rice with fried tempeh and vegetables instead of chicken.

Storage

Refrigerate up to 3 days in an airtight container; reheat with a splash of water or coconut milk to restore moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions