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Nyonya Nasi Ulam is a traditional Peranakan (Nyonya) dish from Malaysia and Singapore. It consists of rice mixed with finely chopped herbs, vegetables, and aromatic spices. Ingredients often include lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and torch ginger flower. The dish is typically served at room temperature and is known for its fresh, fragrant flavors.

My sister in-law reminded me that it has been a while since I've made this Nasi Ulam. We happen to have most of the herbs in our garden so I made this for our dinner. It looks simple but there is quite a lot to prepare.

This recipe is adapted from Nyonya Flavours Cookbook with some modifications.

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How To Make Nasi Ulam

Yields: 6 - 7 servings

INGREDIENTS:

375g (3 cups) rice, washed and cooked
60g dried prawns, fried and chopped
2 tbsp toasted grated coconut (kerisik)
1 tbsp belachan (shrimp paste), toasted (I omitted)
1 tsp brown sugar or to taste
1 tsp sea salt or to taste

Juice of 1/4 lime, adjust accordingly

Herbs to be finely sliced:
1 thumb size fresh turmeric, julienned
100g (10) shallots
1 lemongrass
1 torch ginger flower
3 stalks laksa leave (daun kesom)
3 stalks thai basil leaves
3 stalks mints leaves
3 - 4 cekur leaves (I omitted as not available)
6 kaduk leaves
1 turmeric leaf
1 kaffir lime leaf

METHOD:

Prepare the Rice:

Cook the rice and let it cool to room temperature. Fluff the rice to separate the grains.
Let the cooked rice to cool in a big mixing bowl.

Toasted Coconut (Kerisik):

If you don't have ready-made kerisik, you can toast fresh grated coconut.
Lightly toast the grated coconut in a dry pan over low heat until golden brown and fragrant. Set aside to cool.

Prepare the Herbs and Vegetables:

Finely slice or julienne all the fresh herbs.

Combine Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice with the all the sliced herbs, toasted grated coconut (kerisik), shrimp paste (belacan powder), and chopped dried shrimp.

Seasoning:

Add salt, sugar and lime juice to the rice mixture. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more lime juice, salt, or sugar as needed.