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Forkin
Main Course

Nasi Kuning

Nasi Kuning is a fragrant Indonesian rice dish. White rice is cooked with coconut milk and turmeric, giving it a vibrant yellow color and rich, aromatic flavor. It's often served with various side dishes for a complete meal.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
1 hr 10 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Medium
Per serving
579 kcal
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VeganVegetarianGluten-free

Allergen information: may contain nuts. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Nasi Kuning

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

  • 2 cupwhite rice, rinsed
  • 400 mlcoconut milk
  • 1 cupwater
  • 1.5 tspturmeric powder
  • 1 pcslemongrass, smashed
  • 2 pcsbay leaf
  • 2 pcskaffir lime leaf
  • 1 tspsalt
  • 2 pcscandle nut, toasted, ground(optional)

Equipment

steamer · saucepan · fork

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Wash the white rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear; drain well.

    About 5 min

    Cook’s note: Rinsing removes excess starch, resulting in fluffier rice.

  2. 2

    In a medium saucepan, combine the coconut milk, water, turmeric powder, lemongrass, bay leaf, kaffir lime leaf, and salt. If using, add the ground candle nut.

    About 2 min

  3. 3

    Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.

    About 3 min

    Cook’s note: Stir to prevent the coconut milk from scorching at the bottom.

  4. 4

    Add the rinsed white rice to the boiling liquid and stir once to combine.

    About 1 min

  5. 5

    Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed.

    About 20 min

    Cook’s note: Avoid lifting the lid during this time to keep the steam trapped inside.

  6. 6

    Once the liquid is absorbed, transfer the rice to a steamer basket or a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water.

    About 2 min

  7. 7

    Steam the rice for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until it is fully cooked and fluffy.

    About 15 min

    Cook’s note: Steaming after initial cooking helps achieve a light and airy texture.

  8. 8

    Remove the lemongrass, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves from the cooked rice.

    About 1 min

  9. 9

    Fluff the Nasi Kuning gently with a fork before serving.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: Serve warm with your favorite Indonesian side dishes.

Per serving

Nutrition

Calories
579.1kcal
Protein
9.4g
Carbs
82.1g
Fat
28.6g
Fibre
3.8g
Sugar
2.7g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover Nasi Kuning in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying out.

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