Main Course · Dinner · Asian ·

Fragrant Malaysian Nasi Tomato with Star Anise and Cloves

Name: Fragrant Malaysian Nasi Tomato with Star Anise and Cloves
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed until water runs clear; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 cups chicken stock or water; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp cooking oil; 2-inch stick of cinnamon; 3 star anise pods; 6 cloves; Salt, to taste; 1/4 cup fried shallots; 2 tbsp chopped cilantro (coriander leaves)

A beautifully aromatic Malaysian dish, this Nasi Tomato combines fragrant rice with the warming flavors of star anise and cloves, resulting in a delicious and comforting main course.

4.1(162 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·January 30, 2026

Fragrant Malaysian Nasi Tomato with Star Anise and Cloves — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

Tomato Rice

Garnish

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 473 kcal
Protein: 8.8 g
Carbs: 88.3 g
Fat: 10.1 g
Fiber: 3.6 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1892 kcal
Protein: 35.2 g
Carbs: 353.2 g
Fat: 40.4 g
Fiber: 14.5 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
2 cups basmati rice rinsed until water runs clear	1360	28	308	2.4	4.4
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes	50	2	10	0.5	2
2 cups chicken stock or water	10	1	1	0.5	0
1 large onion finely chopped	60	1.5	14	0.2	2.5
2 cloves garlic minced	10	0.3	2	0	0.1
2 tbsp cooking oil	240	0	0	28	0
2-inch stick of cinnamon	6	0.1	2.1	0.1	1.4
3 star anise pods	20	1	3	0.4	1.5
6 cloves	15	0.2	3	0.7	1.5
Salt to taste	0	0	0	0	0
1/4 cup fried shallots	120	1	10	8	1
2 tbsp chopped cilantro (coriander leaves)	1	0.1	0.1	0	0.1

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Rice Mixture

1
Rinse Rice
Rinse the basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
2
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken stock, and rice. Set aside.

Sautéing the Aromatics

1
Heat Oil
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2
Cook Onion
Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3
Add Spices & Garlic
Stir in the garlic, cinnamon stick, star anise, and cloves, and continue to cook for 2-3 more minutes.
Tip: Ensure not to burn the spices as it will lead to a bitter taste. Pro Tip: Consider tying the whole spices in a piece of cheesecloth for easier removal after cooking.

How to Make Fragrant Malaysian Nasi Tomato with Star Anise and Cloves

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Toasting the Spices
Sauté the cinnamon, star anise, and cloves to release their oils and enhance flavor.
2
Combining Ingredients
Add the rice mixture to the pot and stir well to coat the grains with the spices and aromatics.
3
Simmering
Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low. Cook until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.