Indonesian Yellow Rice

Transform your dinner table into a fragrant culinary escape with Indonesian Yellow Rice, or "Nasi Kuning," a vibrant and flavorful dish steeped in tradition. Infused with the golden hue of turmeric and the creamy richness of coconut milk, this rice is elevated by aromatic additions like bruised lemongrass, bay leaves, and optional kaffir lime leaves for an authentic Southeast Asian touch. Perfectly cooked to fluffy perfection, this dish captures an irresistible balance of savory and fragrant flavors, making it the ideal complement to bold Indonesian favorites like rendang or grilled satay. Quick to prepare with just 10 minutes of prep time, this crowd-pleasing recipe is your go-to for transforming simple long-grain rice into an unforgettable centerpiece.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups long-grain rice
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 cups water
• 1 whole (bruised and tied into a knot) lemongrass stalk
• 2 leaves (optional) kaffir lime leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 leaves bay leaves
• 2 whole (thinly sliced) shallots
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy when cooked.

Step 2

In a medium-sized pot or rice cooker, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced shallots and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.

Step 3

Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir gently to coat it in the oil and shallots.

Step 4

Pour in the coconut milk, water, and turmeric powder. Stir to ensure the turmeric is evenly distributed, giving the rice its signature yellow color.

Step 5

Add the bruised lemongrass stalk, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves (if using). Sprinkle in the salt and stir gently to combine.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked and all the liquid is absorbed.

Step 7

Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam and fully absorb the flavors.

Step 8

Discard the lemongrass, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves before fluffing the rice gently with a fork.

Step 9

Serve warm as a standalone dish or as a side to complement your favorite Indonesian dishes like rendang or grilled chicken.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1292.2 grams (1292.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	856

Total Fat 15.50g	20%
Saturated Fat 2.70g	14%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.40g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2431mg	106%
Total Carbohydrate 167.50g	61%
Dietary Fiber 5.10g	18%
Total Sugars 23.60g
Protein 14.50g	29%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 173mg	13%
Iron 13mg	70%
Potassium 716mg	15%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 16.1%

Protein: 6.7%

Carbs: 77.2%