Surface-Inspired Layered Nasi Lemak with Spicy Sambal and Crispy Anchovies

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-27 · Updated 2026-07-27

A classic Malaysian coconut rice dish layered with spicy sambal, crunchy anchovies, toasted peanuts, and boiled eggs for a satisfying, balanced meal. This Malaysian-inspired rice and grain recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs jasmine rice, coconut milk, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (360 g) jasmine rice
• 1 cup (240 ml) coconut milk
• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) water
• 2 pandan leaves, tied in a knot
• 100 g dried anchovies (ikan bilis), rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup (60 g) roasted peanuts
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, halved
• 1 cup (240 g) sambal paste (homemade or store-bought)
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 medium cucumber, sliced thin

The rice cooker we’d use for this → Best Rice Cookers for 2026: Fuzzy Logic, Induction & Basic Picks for Perfect Grains

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 2 cups jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear, then drain. In a rice cooker, combine the rice, 1 cup coconut milk, 1 1/2 cups water, and 2 tied pandan leaves. Cook according to rice cooker instructions until fluffy and fragrant.
2. Step 2: While rice cooks, heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry 100 g rinsed and drained dried anchovies until crisp and golden, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. Step 3: In the same oil, add 1 cup sambal paste and cook for 5 minutes, stirring until fragrant and the oil separates slightly.
4. Step 4: To serve, spoon fluffy coconut rice onto plates. Arrange 4 halved hard-boiled eggs, 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, crispy anchovies, 1 medium thinly sliced cucumber, and 1/4 cup sambal on the side.
5. Step 5: Mix and match elements on your plate to enjoy the sweet, spicy, salty, and crunchy contrasts of this traditional dish.