Nasi Lemak
Breakfast • Singapore
About Nasi Lemak
Coconut rice with sambal, fried anchovies, peanuts, egg, and cucumber
How to Make Nasi Lemak (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Nasi Lemak is a beloved Singaporean breakfast staple, found everywhere from bustling hawker centres to classic kopitiams. This fragrant coconut rice dish is traditionally served with spicy sambal, crispy ikan bilis (anchovies), roasted peanuts, hard-boiled eggs, and cucumber slices, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavours. Rooted in Malay heritage, Nasi Lemak has become an icon of Singaporean hawker culture, enjoyed by all communities and often adapted with fusion influences. Singapore’s Nasi Lemak stands out for its versatility and balance—rich coconut rice meets tangy, spicy, and savoury sides, making every bite a satisfying experience. Whether eaten for breakfast or lunch, it’s a meal that brings people together, often shared in kopitiams or enjoyed as a quick meal before work. This healthy version stays true to its heritage, offering all the authentic flavours with mindful cooking techniques and portion control, so you can savour this classic without guilt.
Ingredients(for 1 standard plate with rice and accompaniments)
- 1 cup Jasmine rice (short-grain preferred)
- 1/2 cup Light coconut milk (for healthier fat content)
- 2 leaves Pandan leaves (tied into a knot)
- 3/4 cup Water
- 1/4 cup Ikan bilis (dried anchovies) (rinsed and patted dry)
- 2 tbsp Roasted peanuts (unsalted)
- 1/2 Cucumber (sliced)
- 2 Eggs (hard-boiled)
- 2 tbsp Sambal chilli (homemade or low-oil)
- as needed Cooking spray or 1 tsp vegetable oil (for frying ikan bilis)
Instructions
- 1
Rinse the jasmine rice thoroughly until water runs clear. Place rice, pandan leaves, coconut milk, and water into a rice cooker. Cook until fluffy and aromatic.
15 minutes
Use light coconut milk and pandan for fragrance without excess calories.
- 2
While rice cooks, hard-boil the eggs. Place eggs in boiling water for 10 minutes, then transfer to cold water to cool. Peel and halve.
10 minutes
Use older eggs for easier peeling.
- 3
Heat a non-stick pan with a light spray of oil. Add ikan bilis and stir-fry on medium heat until crispy and golden, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
5 minutes
Fry in small batches for even crispiness.
- 4
Slice cucumber thinly and set aside. Portion roasted peanuts into small servings.
2 minutes
Chill cucumber before slicing for extra crunch.
Why This Dish is Healthy
By using light coconut milk, minimal oil, and portion-controlled accompaniments, this Nasi Lemak retains all its authentic Singaporean flavours with less fat and calories. The inclusion of eggs and ikan bilis boosts protein content, supporting muscle repair and satiety. Fresh cucumber and roasted peanuts offer additional nutrients and crunch, making this a wholesome, guilt-free breakfast.
This healthy Nasi Lemak recipe is balanced in macronutrients, offering lean protein from eggs and ikan bilis, complex carbohydrates from jasmine rice, and healthy fats from light coconut milk and peanuts. It’s also rich in minerals like calcium (from ikan bilis) and potassium (from cucumber). Using light coconut milk reduces saturated fat, while fresh vegetables add fibre and vitamins.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: For extra fragrance, add a pinch of salt to the coconut rice.
- 💡Tip 2: Use freshly tied pandan leaves for the most authentic aroma.
- 💡Tip 3: Prepare sambal in advance and store in the fridge for quick assembly.
Storage & Serving
Store rice and accompaniments separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat rice gently with a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 650.0 kcal |
| Protein | 18.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 75.0 g |
| Total Fat | 32.0 g |
| Fiber | 3.0 g |
