Easy Indonesian Yellow Rice (Nasi Kuning) in a Rice Cooker

Make an authentic Indonesian Yellow Rice a.k.a nasi kuning using your rice cooker! This flavorful yellow rice cooks in coconut milk, turmeric, and herbs for a delicious rich, and creamy main course—perfect for festive occasions and potlucks with pretty golden hue colors. You can make it on the stove, rice cooker, and pressure cooker.

Don’t worry, I have a simple and easy steps recipe here! Also, nasi kuning is traditionally served with some side dishes such as Orek Tempe, sambal, Indonesian fried chicken, prekedel jagung (corn or potato fritter) and kerupuk udang (shrimp crackers)!

History of Indonesian Yellow Rice (nasi kuning) and its festive celebration

Indonesian Yellow Rice is a vibrant, richly flavored tasty rice dish cooked with Coconut Milk, Turmeric, and Local herbs like Lemon Leaves, Lemon Grass, Pandan Leaves & Bay Leaves. This is a popular Rice Dish from Indonesia

Nasi in Indonesian means rice and kuning means yellow. It is famous for its delicious taste and aroma. The turmeric, along with other key spices, helps add flavor and aroma. Actually, The exact origins of Nasi Kuning still mysterious. but it’s believed to have originated in Indonesia, particularly in the regions of Java and Minahasa.

Traditionally in Indonesia, The beautiful yellow color of the rice is symbolic of gold, making it a dish associated with prosperity, wealth, and good fortune. People traditionally shape the yellow rice into a cone using a mold to create nasi tumpeng.

Due to its symbolism, Indonesian yellow rice is a popular dish served during festive occasions and celebrations throughout Indonesia. Here are some examples:

• Ceremonies: Indonesian yellow rice often served at housewarming, opening ceremonies, and other important events to usher in good luck and prosperity.
• Parties: It’s a common sight at potlucks, gatherings, and social events.
• Welcoming Guests: Serving Nasi Kuning to guests is a way to show respect and hospitality.
• Special Events such as births, weddings, and other significant life events.

However, you can also make this Indonesian yellow rice anytime you want to! There is no restriction in making it moreover, here I make some easy-peasy recipes using a rice cooker!

What best to serve nasi kuning

There are many other traditional dishes you can make with Nasi Kuning to complete the meal. For example, you can try some side dishes Orek Tempe, sambal, Indonesian fried chicken, prekedel jagung (corn or potato fritter), and kerupuk udang (shrimp crackers)! I’m going to make a complete package later on so stay tuned!

Ingredients of Indonesian Yellow Rice

Blend Seasonings

• Shallot & Garlic: These are aromatics that form the base flavor of the dish. Frying them in oil releases their flavorful compounds.
• Turmeric: This spice is what gives the rice its characteristic yellow color. It also adds a subtle earthy flavor. You can use turmeric powder too, This nasi kuning get their golden hue from turmeric. Turmeric is getting lots of attention because having positive effects on diseases like Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome.
• Candlenut (optional): Candlenut is a nut used in Indonesian cuisine that thickens sauces and adds a nutty richness. You can omit it if you don’t have any on hand, and the rice will still be delicious.
• Cooking Oil: Oil is used to fry the shallot, garlic, and other aromatics to release their flavors.

Rice

• Uncooked Rice washed and drained; The main starch component of the dish. Remember the uncooked, because we will cook it in a rice cooker. Whatever rice you have I don’t recommend you to use sushi rice as it will make it sticky because usually, we eat nasi kuning with our hands. I use medium-grain
• Coconut Cream: Coconut cream adds richness, creaminess, and a coconut flavor to the rice. Coconut milk will add rich flavors as the rice cooks
• Lemongrass, Bay Leaves, Lime Leaves: These are aromatics that add depth of flavor and a pleasant fragrance to the rice as it steams.
• Galangal (optional): Galangal is a root vegetable with a ginger-like flavor. It adds another layer of complexity to the aroma of the rice.
• Salt: Salt enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Chicken Stock Powder: Adds savory chicken flavor to the rice.
• Pepper: A touch of pepper adds a hint of spiciness.
• Water: The cooking liquid that steams the rice, I always use a ratio of 1:1 for the uncooked rice and water for the rice cooker.

How to Make Indonesian Yellow Rice

Begin by washing the rice. You’ll want to do this several times. Wash the rice until the water runs clear. Then, drain your rice with a sieve to make sure all the water is drained off. Again, remember that washing all the starch off the rice helps make the rice less sticky and gives it the perfect texture

First, let’s make the flavorful base for the rice. In a blender or food processor, combine the shallots, garlic, turmeric, and candlenut (if using). Blend into a smooth paste.

Then, heat the cooking oil in a pot or rice cooker over medium heat. and add the blended seasoning and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and the shallots become translucent.

Next, for a richer flavor, you can toast the rice before adding the coconut milk. Add the washed and drained rice to the pot with the cooked blended seasoning. Stir for a couple of minutes to coat the rice with the flavorful oil.

Now, it’s time to add the coconut milk and aromatics. Pour in the coconut cream, lemongrass, bay leaves, lime leaves, galangal (if using), salt, chicken stock powder, and pepper. Stir everything well to combine.

For the last step, Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir together until evenly combined in your pot rice cooker. and lastly, add the water and turn it on to cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Serve and enjoy!

Once the rice is cooked through, fluff it gently with a fork and remove the lemongrass, bay leaves, and lime leaves (and galangal if used). Finally, Your delicious Nasi Kuning is ready to serve!

It pairs well with various side dishes like fried tempeh, sambal goreng , or telur bumbu bali (Balinese spiced eggs), but here I just use a shredded omelet (telur dadar potong)

Recook this recipe!

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