Vegetarian Nasi Lemak with Tofu and Peanut Sauce
This article presents a delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for Vegetarian Nasi Lemak with Tofu and Peanut Sauce, an authentic and vegetarian-friendly Malaysian snack. The dish is packed with flavors and textures that cater to vegan and vegetarian food lovers, making it the perfect addition to any meal.
Allergens
Soy (Tofu), Nuts (Peanut Sauce)
Ingredients
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 cups water
- 1 tbsp salt, divided
- 14 oz firm tofu, drained and cut into 8 triangles
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup dried ikan bilis (anchovies), soaked in hot water for 5 minutes and drained
- 2 hard
- boiled eggs, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced into thin rounds
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine rice, coconut milk, and 1 3/4 cups of water. Add 2 teaspoons of salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium high heat. Carefully add tofu triangles and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 3 4 minutes per side. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels.
- Arrange cooked rice on a serving platter. Top with crispy tofu, ikan bilis, hard boiled eggs, and cucumber slices. Drizzle generously with peanut sauce (recipe below). Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve immediately. Peanut Sauce: 1 cup unsalted roasted peanuts 1/4 cup water 2 tbsp vegetable oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 shallot, chopped 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- In a blender or food processor, combine peanuts and water. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and shallot, sautéing until fragrant and golden brown, about 1 2 minutes.
- Stir in the peanut mixture, sugar, and salt. Continue to cook for another 2 3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Chef’s Insight
Traditional nasi lemak is served with ikan bilis, but you can use other dried fish or even tempeh for a similar flavor and texture.
Notes
This recipe can be easily scaled up or down to accommodate larger or smaller groups.