Last week I made this shortcut version of what we call “nasi uduk/nasi lemak” in Indonesian. This popular dish basically is rice steamed in coconut milk with lemon grass, bay leaves, pandan leaves, and other herbs ( which details I don’t know because I’ve never made it ). It is also popular in southeast asia region particularly Malaysia as both share a close culture. My shortcut version is to make fried rice with coconut milk instead of steam the rice together with it. It may sound complicated, but actually very simple.

In addition to the coconut rice I made peanut chicken strips. Nasi lemak usually served with traditional fried chicken, spicy peanut anchovy, fried tofu, balado eggs, etc. This time I modified the chicken in different way simply because: 1. I only had boneless chicken breasts while the traditional fried chicken using chicken with its bone intact, 2. I just felt I want to 🙂

* serving 2

A. Coconut Fried Rice aka Nasi Lemak/Nasi Uduk

1.   Finely mince 3 cloves of shallot and 2” length of lemon grass.

2.   Fry the shallots in 3tbsp oil, set aside. Keep the oil in pan.

3.   Stir fry the lemon grass in the oil for about 2 minutes.

4.   Add 3 cups of steamed rice.

5.   Add 3 tbsp of coconut milk ( canned one ) and 1 bay leaf keep stirring until well incorporated, season with salt.

6.   Sprinkle the top with fried shallots and eggs slices ( optional ).

7.   Serve.

B. Peanut Chicken Strips

1.   Cut 2 small boneless chicken breasts into strips ( I use the size of organic chicken, there is a significant difference in size compared to the non-organic ).

2.   Season with 2tsp of salt, 1 tsp of coriander, 1 tsp of pepper, leave it covered 10 minutes in fridge.

3.   Mix 1/2 cup of crushed peanuts and 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs.

4.   Dip the chicken strip in lightly beaten 1 egg, put into peanut mixture to cover, then fry in medium hot oil until golden brown.

5.   Serve.