Nasi bakar is a delicious Indonesian dish that is enjoyed by many. It is made by cooking rice in coconut milk with various herbs and spices, and then wrapping it in banana leaves and grilling it. The result is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish that is perfect for any occasion. In this article, we will discuss the steps to make nasi bakar and some tips to make it even more delicious.
If you are someone who loves Indonesian food, then you will definitely enjoy nasi bakar. However, making this dish can be a bit difficult for some people. One of the biggest pain points is getting the rice to cook properly. It is important to get the right ratio of rice to liquid, and to cook it at the right temperature. Another pain point is getting the right combination of herbs and spices. It can be difficult to know which ones to use, and how much of each to add.
To make nasi bakar, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of rice
- 2 cups of coconut milk
- 2 pandan leaves
- 2 salam leaves
- 1 lemongrass stalk
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1 tsp of sugar
- 1 tsp of tamarind paste
- 3 shallots
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 5 red chilies
- 5 bird's eye chilies
- 5 kemiri nuts
- 1 tbsp of cooking oil
First, rinse the rice and soak it in water for 30 minutes. In a pot, combine the coconut milk, pandan leaves, salam leaves, lemongrass, salt, sugar, and tamarind paste. Bring it to a boil, and then add the rice. Reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed.
While the rice is cooking, prepare the spice paste. In a blender, combine the shallots, garlic, red chilies, bird's eye chilies, and kemiri nuts. Blend until it forms a smooth paste. Heat up the cooking oil in a pan, and then sauté the spice paste until it is fragrant.
Once the rice is cooked, add the spice paste to the pot and mix well. Take a piece of banana leaf and place a spoonful of the rice mixture on it. Fold the banana leaf to form a packet, and then secure it with toothpicks. Repeat until all the rice mixture has been used up.
Cara Buat Nasi Bakar - Personal Experience
I first tried nasi bakar when I visited Indonesia a few years ago. I was blown away by the flavors and the aroma of the dish. When I came back home, I was determined to learn how to make it myself. I tried several recipes, but none of them turned out quite right. It wasn't until I discovered the recipe above that I was finally able to make nasi bakar that tasted just like the ones I had in Indonesia.
One thing that I learned is that using high-quality ingredients is key to making delicious nasi bakar. I always use fresh coconut milk and organic herbs and spices. I also make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking it. These small details make a big difference in the final result.
Tips for Making Delicious Nasi Bakar
Here are some additional tips to make your nasi bakar even more delicious:
- Use a rice cooker to cook the rice. It makes it easier to get the right ratio of rice to liquid.
- Make sure to use fresh banana leaves. Old leaves can give the rice a bitter taste.
- Grill the nasi bakar over charcoal for a smoky flavor.
- Serve with sambal and fried chicken or fish for a complete meal.
Variations of Nasi Bakar
There are many variations of nasi bakar, depending on the region in Indonesia. Some variations include:
- Nasi Bakar Ayam - nasi bakar with chicken
- Nasi Bakar Ikan - nasi bakar with fish
- Nasi Bakar Jamur - nasi bakar with mushrooms
- Nasi Bakar Udang - nasi bakar with shrimp
How to Store Nasi Bakar
If you have leftovers, you can store nasi bakar in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to remove the toothpicks before storing it. To reheat, place the nasi bakar in a steamer and steam for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
Conclusion
In conclusion, nasi bakar is a delicious Indonesian dish that is perfect for any occasion. By following the steps above and using high-quality ingredients, you can make nasi bakar that is just as delicious as the ones served in Indonesia. Whether you prefer it with chicken, fish, or shrimp, nasi bakar is a dish that is sure to impress.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I use regular milk instead of coconut milk?
A: No, coconut milk is an essential ingredient in nasi bakar. It gives the rice its rich and creamy flavor.
Q: Can I use frozen banana leaves?
A: Yes, you can use frozen banana leaves if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to thaw them completely before using them.
Q: Can I use a different type of rice?
A: Yes, you can use any type of rice that you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio accordingly.
Q: Can I make nasi bakar in the oven?
A: Yes, you can bake nasi bakar in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Just make sure to wrap the packets tightly with foil before baking.