How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, prep components like the salad and sauce a day ahead, but assemble just before serving.

Are there any substitutions for mackerel?

You can use salmon or tilapia as alternatives.

Is there a way to make it vegetarian?

Substitute the fish with grilled tofu and fish sauce with soy sauce.

Can I use a different rice?

Yes, basmati rice works as an alternative to jasmine rice.

Fragrant Malay Nasi Kerabu with Herbal Grilled Fish

Name: Fragrant Malay Nasi Kerabu with Herbal Grilled Fish
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 2 cups jasmine rice; 15 butterfly pea flowers; 2 ½ cups water; ½ tsp salt; 4 fillets of mackerel; 2 tbsp lemongrass, finely chopped; 1 tbsp turmeric powder; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp ginger, grated; ½ tsp salt; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 cup bean sprouts; ½ cup shredded coconut, lightly toasted; ½ cup fresh Thai basil leaves; ½ cup mint leaves; ½ cup cilantro, chopped; 1 cucumber, sliced thin; 3 red chilies, chopped; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 lime, juiced; 1 tbsp fish sauce; 1 tbsp palm sugar

Traditional Malaysian Salad Rice

A vibrant Malaysian dish of blue-tinted rice, fresh herbs, and a flavorful grilled fish that captivates the senses and brings a taste of Southeast Asia to your table.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Blue Rice

2 cups jasmine rice

15 butterfly pea flowers

2 ½ cups water

½ tsp salt

For the Herbal Grilled Fish

4 fillets of mackerel

2 tbsp lemongrass, finely chopped

1 tbsp turmeric powder

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp ginger, grated

½ tsp salt

2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Salad

1 cup bean sprouts

½ cup shredded coconut, lightly toasted

½ cup fresh Thai basil leaves

½ cup mint leaves

½ cup cilantro, chopped

1 cucumber, sliced thin

For the Sambal Dressing

3 red chilies, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 lime, juiced

1 tbsp fish sauce

1 tbsp palm sugar

Preparation

Marinating the Fish

Combine Ingredients

Combine lemongrass, turmeric, garlic, ginger, salt, and vegetable oil in a bowl.

Marinate Fillets

Rub the marinade over the mackerel fillets.

Rest

Let it sit for at least 20 minutes.

Marinate longer for deeper flavor.

Preparing the Rice

Rinse Rice

Rinse jasmine rice until water runs clear.

Steep Flowers

Boil water with butterfly pea flowers; steep until deep blue.

Steep flowers longer for a deeper hue.

Cook Rice

Strain flowers and use blue water to cook rice with salt.

Cooking Process

Grilling the Fish

Heat a grill pan over medium heat; grill the fish for about 4 minutes per side until cooked through.

Mixing the Salad

Toss bean sprouts, coconut, basil, mint, cilantro, and cucumber in a large bowl.

Preparing the Dressing

Blend chilies, garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, and palm sugar until smooth.

Plating & Serving