Indonesian Yellow Rice is a popular side dish that gets its vibrant colour from turmeric powder
Our traditional Nasi Kuning recipe features long grained rice that simmers with coconut milk and aromatic herbs like lemongrass, bay leaf and lime leaf.
Serve Indonesian Yellow Rice as a side dish with other local dishes like fried noodles, spicy curries, barbecued seafood or grilled meat like satay skewers for an awesome Indo feast!
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What Is Nasi Kuning?
Nasi Kuning is an Indonesian fragrant rice dish cooked with coconut milk, turmeric and aromatic herbs.
In Indonesian food culture, Nasi Kuning has symbolic meanings. The yellow-coloured rice is perceived to look like a pile of gold, so it is often served on festive occasions, including parties, housewarmings, and opening ceremonies, as a symbol of good fortune, prosperity, and wealth.
Indonesian Yellow Rice can be found on restaurant menus throughout the country, making it a truly national dish, enjoyed in home kitchens from Bali to Yogyakarta.
Our Nasi Kuning recipe is cooked in coconut milk and fresh herbs like bay leaf, lime leaf and lemongrass.
After cooking this recipe at home you may also like to try a similar dish called Nasi Uduk Indonesian Coconut Rice.
Ingredients
This flavour-packed yellow-coloured rice is prepared with affordable ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store or Asian supermarket. Here’s what you’ll need on your grocery list:
- 2 cups Long Grain Rice
- 2 cups Water
- 1/2 cup Coconut Milk
- 1 tbsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 Lemongrass Stalk
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 2 Lime Leaves
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
Instructions
Follow our detailed recipe card below for easy step-by-step instructions.
- Wash the rice in cold water until it runs clear.
- Bring water and coconut milk to a boil and then add rice and the rest of the ingredients. Stir to mix.
- Lower the heat to simmer. Cover with a lid and let cook for around 20 minutes. Turn off the heat but do not remove the lid yet. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Uncover the lid and discard the lemongrass, bay leaf and lime leaf.
- Fluff the rice with a fork. Serve hot.
Nasi Kuning Recipe Tips
This fragrant turmeric rice recipe is quick and easy to make at home. Here are a few tips and tricks to get you started:
- Do not skip the “wash rice step.” Washing rice is essential for two reasons: it cleans the rice and removes the starch so the rice doesn’t get sticky when cooked and can be fluffed with a fork easily before serving.
- Cook Indonesian Yellow Rice in a large skillet with a lid that fits. You want to ensure steam doesn’t escape as it will ensure the rice cooks perfectly tender.
- We’ve used a thin coconut milk in this recipe but you can add a few tablespoons of a higher fat coconut cream to make the rice more rich.
- Be sure to bruise the lemongrass (bending it in half with your hands does the trick) to release it’s flavours.
- Lemongrass, bay leaf and lime leaf are traditional flavourings in Nasi Kuning. Some regional recipes also include pandan leaf, cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves. Feel free to get creative with these additional flavourings once you’ve mastered the recipe.
- While our simple instructions use the stovetop method you can also easily prepare this dish in a rice cookers or Instant Pot.
What To Serve With Indonesian Yellow Rice?
Nasi Kuning is typically served as a side dish in Indonesia as a compliment to barbecued seafood, grilled meats and curries.
If you’re hosting a Indonesian-inspired potluck or dinner party you may also like to make these other regional recipes:
- Tahu Goreng Vegan Indonesian Deep Fried Tofu
- Daging Rendang Indonesian Beef Stew
- Perkedel Jagung Crispy Indonesian Corn Fritters
- Asinan Sayur Indonesian Coleslaw Cabbage Salad
- Acar Timun Indonesian Cucumber Pickles
Health Benefits
Our Nasi Kunning recipe is packed full of healthy ingredients!
Nearly 50% of the people in the world get over 50% of their daily calories from rice. If eating brown rice featuring nutritious bran you’ll enjoy health benefits like cancer risk reduction and diabetes control.
Coconut is rich in fibre and may also offer a number of benefits including improved heart healthy and digestion. It is high in calories and sautéed fat so be sure to eat in moderation.
The star component of turmeric is curcumin, a potent phytochemical that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is often prescribed in Indian Ayurvedic medicine to help relieve arthritis, aid digestion and inhibit the growth of cancers.
Lemongrass is a rich source of antioxidants. It’s an effective antibacterial and anti-fungal agent.
You May Also Enjoy These Rice Recipes…
- Fluffy Persian Lemon Dill Rice
- Puliyodharai South Indian Tamarind Rice
- Creamy Italian Risotto al Limone
- Louisiana Dirty Cajun Rice Dressing
- Spanakorizo Greek Spinach Rice
- Kitchri Indian Moong Dal Basmati Rice
- Prasorizo Greek Leek Rice
- Chicken Pork & Shrimp Mexican Paella
- Riz a Djej Lebanese Rice with Chicken
How To Make Indonesian Yellow Rice Nasi Kuning
Indonesian Yellow Rice Nasi Kuning
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cups Long Grain Rice like Jasmine or Basmati
- 2 cups Water
- 1/2 cup Coconut Milk
- 1 tbsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 Lemongrass Stalk bruised
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 2 Lime Leaves
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
Instructions
- Wash the rice in cold water until it runs clear.
- Bring water and coconut milk to a boil in a large skillet and then add rice and the rest of the ingredients. Stir to mix.
- Lower the heat to simmer. Cover with a lid and let cook for around 20 minutes. Turn off the heat but do not remove the lid yet. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Uncover the lid and discard the lemongrass, bay leaf and lime leaf.
- Fluff the rice with a fork. Serve hot.
Nutrition
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