Aromatic Kaffir Lime Rice

Bring Indonesian-style dining to your table with aromatic Kaffir Lime Rice; fluffy, fragrant, and citrusy! Take a look at my picture, I serve them complete with Fried fish, anchovy sambal, and basil (as lalapan). So yum!

This dish is simple, fragrant, and refreshing, an easy family dish with a citrus aroma that pairs well with anything.

If you’ve ever joined a traditional Indonesian meal, you know rice is never just rice. It’s the heart of the table, the comfort that ties together every dish. Today, I want to share one of my favorites: Nasi Wangi Daun Jeruk, or Indonesian Aromatic Kaffir Lime Rice.

Actually, I’m a little bit confused about whether to post this recipe or not, because it’s totally easy. But then, I just post it in case I forgot, and you can make it too. It really gives a huge change! Nasi Wangi Daun Jeruk (Indonesian Aromatic Kaffir Lime Rice) is proof that sometimes the simplest dishes are the most memorable. Just a few kaffir lime leaves can transform plain rice into something fragrant, comforting, and uniquely Indonesian.

What is Kaffir Lime Rice?

Kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk) are widely used in Indonesian, Thai, and Southeast Asian cooking. They give a citrusy aroma without adding sourness, making them perfect for rice. When simmered with rice, the leaves release their oils, creating a dish that is both fragrant and comforting.

The characteristics of this rice are: Aromatic, thanks to kaffir lime leaves. Then, versatile: pairs with curries, fried dishes, or even soups. Next, simple: just a few ingredients, but a big payoff. and Indonesian-inspired: similar to nasi liwet, but fresher and lighter. (Maybe I’ll make nasi liwet post soon)

Serving Suggestions

Kaffir Lime Rice is light, fluffy, and citrusy, which makes it an incredibly versatile side dish. Here are some delicious ways to serve it that I have made the dish on my website!

• Fried Chicken (Ayam Goreng) – The golden crispiness of Indonesian-style fried chicken pairs beautifully with the refreshing aroma of kaffir lime leaves. Add sambal for an extra kick.
• Sambal Anchovy (Sambal Ikan Teri) – Salty, spicy, and crunchy, this is a classic Indonesian pairing that balances the freshness of the rice. (posting soon) or other sambals such as tomato sambal
• Beef Rendang – The rich coconut gravy and bold spices of rendang create a wonderful contrast with the light, citrusy rice.
• Grilled Fish (Ikan Bakar) – Smoky grilled fish with sambal kecap or sweet soy sauce complements the fragrant rice perfectly.
• Tempeh and Tofu Dishes – For a vegetarian spread, pair it with crispy fried tempeh, tahu kecap (tofu in sweet soy sauce), or tempeh orek (spicy stir-fried tempeh).
• Indonesian Soups – Light soups like sayur asem (tamarind vegetable soup) or soto ayam (chicken soup) make a wholesome and comforting combination.

Next time you prepare a family dinner or want to try makan ala Indonesia at home, give this recipe a try. Pair it with your favorite side dishes, serve it family-style, and enjoy the comforting aroma that will remind you of traditional nasi liwet gatherings.

Ingredients of Aromatic Kaffir Lime Rice

• Rice rinsed. This long-grain rice is the perfect fluffy foundation. It also has a nicely sweet, slightly nutty natural taste and aroma. I use short rice that is available here. Feel free to use your kind of rice. Rice is the heart of this dish. Rinsing the rice before cooking is important! Here is how;
  • Just pour the rice into a bowl and fill it with water, then swish it around. Drain (just pour the water out as best you can, no need to use a colander), then fill with water again and repeat 4 to 5 times until the water is pretty clear.

• Cooking Oil: A little oil is used to sauté the aromatics before mixing them with the rice. This step enhances the flavor of the garlic, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves, infusing the rice with depth instead of just boiling everything together. Neutral oils like canola, sunflower, or vegetable oil work best, but coconut oil can add a nice Indonesian twist.
• Keffir Lime Leaves; This is the star ingredient! Kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk) bring a unique citrusy fragrance without sourness. By tearing or bruising the leaves slightly before cooking, their essential oils release into the rice, giving it that fresh, uplifting aroma that makes this dish stand out.
• Lemongrass: Optional but highly recommended, lemongrass adds a subtle herbal citrus note that pairs beautifully with kaffir lime leaves. To maximize its flavor, lightly bruise the stalk with the back of a knife before adding it to the pot. This helps release its natural oils into the rice.
• Salt: To bring out the rice’s natural nuttiness and balance the richness of the coconut.
• Garlic Powder: Instead of fresh garlic, garlic powder offers convenience and a mild garlicky base flavor without overpowering the citrus notes.
• Water: A must in this recipe, as the coconut milk is too thick to absorb into the rice fully.

How to Make Aromatic Kaffir Lime Rice

Begin by removing the tough midrib from each kaffir lime leaf, then slice the leaves into very thin strips. This step helps release their aroma more evenly throughout the rice.

Next, heat the cooking oil in a small pan over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the sliced kaffir lime leaves along with the lightly smashed lemongrass stalk. Stir and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant. The kitchen will start to smell citrusy and refreshing.

After that, transfer the rinsed rice into the inner pot of your rice cooker. Add the sautéed lime leaves and lemongrass, sprinkle in the garlic powder and salt, and pour in the water. Stir gently to make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Close the lid of the rice cooker, press the cook button, and let the rice steam until the cooker switches automatically to the “warm” setting. At this stage, the rice is fully cooked and infused with all those wonderful aromas.

Allow the rice to rest for 10–15 minutes with the lid closed. This resting period helps the grains settle and makes the texture fluffier. After resting, fluff the rice gently with a rice paddle or spoon to separate the grains.

Serve and enjoy.

Finally, serve the fragrant Kaffir Lime Rice warm. It pairs beautifully with crispy fried fish, sambal anchovy, or your favorite Indonesian side dishes. Enjoy makan ala Indonesia right at home!

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Written by Silni Asfia