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Overhead view of turmeric rice on a white plate with chopsticks and resting on a blue cloth.
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Nasi Kunyit (Turmeric Rice)

Rich, creamy and golden yellow, Nasi Kunyit is a sticky turmeric rice that’s made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, lime juice and turmeric.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Indonesian, Malaysian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Soaking Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 40 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 275kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Rinse the rice 2-3 times until the water runs perfectly clear.
  • Place the rice in a bowl and cover with water (about 1" above the rice).
  • Mix in the turmeric, lime juice and lime slices.
  • Let it soak in the fridge overnight (or at least 4 hours).
  • Drain the rice and mix it with the salt and pepper.
  • Place the rice in a parchment paper lined steamer, with a few very small holes in the bottom to allow steam to escape.
  • Steam for 25 minutes. Drizzle the coconut milk over the rice and steam another 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat, fluff and serve.

Notes

  1. Be sure to rinse the rice until the water runs clear. This will take at least 2-3 rinses.
  2. Don’t skip the step of soaking the rice as this helps the rice absorb moisture and cook evenly. It also infuses it with flavor and color.
  3. When soaking the rice in water, make sure the water is at least one inch above the rice as the rice will expand as it soaks.
  4. Make sure to place the rice in the fridge while it soaks. You don’t want to leave it at room temperature as there is a risk that bacteria may grow.
  5. Keep in mind that turmeric powder will stain skin and clothes so be careful handling it.
  6. You can use light or full fat coconut milk, but for the best texture, I prefer full fat which is thicker and creamier.
  7. I always line the steamer with parchment paper as the sticky rice is very sticky. Just make sure there are tiny holes in the bottom so steam can escape.
  8. Keep the rice covered and warmed before serving. It will start to dry out if left at room temperature for too long.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 201mg | Potassium: 143mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 2mg