Discover the Vibrant Nasi Ulam: Malaysian Herbal Rice Dish

Welcome to another exciting culinary adventure! Today, we’re delving into the heart of Malaysian cuisine with a dish that bursts with flavor and tradition: Nasi Ulam.

Nasi Ulam is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Its vibrant colors, fresh herbal aroma, and harmonious blend of flavors make it a beloved favorite among Malaysians and anyone lucky enough to taste it. In this blog post, we’ll explore the origins of Nasi Ulam, dive into its ingredients, and learn how to prepare this delightful dish step-by-step. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

Introduction to Nasi Ulam

Nasi Ulam is a traditional Malay rice dish that showcases a beautiful marriage of cooked rice with a variety of fresh herbs and other flavorful ingredients. It's a dish deeply rooted in Malaysian culture, often enjoyed during special occasions, family gatherings, and festive celebrations. What sets Nasi Ulam apart is its emphasis on using fresh, locally sourced herbs, which not only impart a unique taste but also offer numerous health benefits.

Unveiling the Ingredients

Before we embark on our culinary journey, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

A.

• Cooked Brown Rice: 5 cups (Refrigerated overnight to lose some moisture)

• Dried Shrimps (Udang Kering): ¼ cup (Washed, rinsed, and chopped)

• Vegetable Oil: 1 tsp

• Mackerel Fish (Ikan Kembung): 5 medium pieces (120g each, cleaned and washed)

B.

• Long bean (Kacang Panjang): 1 cup (Thinly sliced)

• Four Angled Bean (Kacang Botol): 1 cup (Thinly sliced)

• Centella Asiatica (Daun Pegaga): ½ cup (Thinly sliced)

• Coriander Leaves (Daun Ketumbar): ½ cup (Thinly sliced)

• Vietnamese Coriander (Daun Kesum): ½ cup (Thinly sliced)

• Mint Leaves (Daun Pudina): ½ cup (Thinly sliced)

• Turmeric Leaves (Daun Kunyit): ½ cup (Thinly sliced)

• Kaffir Lime Leaves (Daun Limau Purut): 1 leaf (Thinly sliced)

• Shallots (Bawang Kecil): 5 pieces (Thinly sliced)

• Lemongrass (Serai): 1 stalk (Thinly sliced)

• Torch Ginger Bud (Bunga Kantan): 1 stalk (Thinly sliced)

C.

• Salt: ½ tsp

• Black Pepper: 1 tsp (Grounded)

• White Pepper: 1 tsp (Grounded)

• Calamansi (Limau Kasturi): 5 pieces
  

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process!

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preparation

• Take the rice out from the refrigerator and let it return to room temperature.
  

Step 2: Toasting the Dried Shrimps

• Dry roast the chopped dried shrimps in a non-stick pan until fragrant (2-3 minutes), then set aside.
  

Step 3: Cooking the Mackerel Fish

• In the same pan, heat up the oil and pan-fry the mackerel fish over medium heat on both sides for 2-3 minutes or until cooked. Let it cool down, flake the fish, and remove the skin and bones, then set aside.
  

Step 4: Assembling Nasi Ulam

• Place one cup of cool cooked brown rice on a plate and arrange 1/5 of the ulam (Ingredients B) and the mackerel fish around the rice.

• Garnish it with 1/5 of dried shrimp and season with some salt, white and black pepper, and the juice of 1 calamansi.

• Repeat the above step with the remaining ingredients.
  

Step 5: Final Touch

• Mix well before serving, and voila! Your Nasi Ulam is ready to be enjoyed!

Nutritional Information

Per Serving:

• Calories (kcal): 342

• Carbohydrate (g): 50.7

• Protein (g): 23.5

• Fat (g): 5.0

• Fiber (g): 5.3

• Sodium (mg): 438

Unveiling the Nutrient-Rich Ingredients of Nasi Ulam

• Whole Grain Goodness: Utilizing brown rice as the base of Nasi Ulam provides a hearty dose of fiber, essential for digestive health and maintaining stable blood sugar levels.

• Protein Power: Mackerel fish contributes high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, as well as supporting a strong immune system.

• Herbal Bounty: The array of fresh herbs in Nasi Ulam, including centella asiatica, coriander leaves, mint leaves, and more, not only infuse the dish with vibrant flavors but also pack a punch of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals vital for overall well-being.

Conclusion

Nasi Ulam is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of Malaysian culinary heritage. Its fresh ingredients, vibrant colors, and tantalizing flavors make it a standout among rice dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, trying your hand at Nasi Ulam will surely be a rewarding experience. So, gather your ingredients, unleash your creativity in the kitchen, and savor the magic of Nasi Ulam!

We’d love to hear about your Nasi Ulam cooking adventures. Have you tried making this dish before? What are your favorite ingredients to include? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Happy cooking! 🍚✨