What to buy for nasi lemak in the UK

Nasi lemak brings together fragrant coconut rice, sambal and crisp ikan bilis. If you’re shopping for it in the UK, start with three pantry ingredients: coconut milk, dried anchovies and dried red chillies. Add pandan if you can find it, then pick up eggs, cucumber and peanuts to serve.

Coconut milk for the rice

Look for unsweetened coconut milk intended for cooking. It gives the rice its rich flavour, especially when paired with pandan. Coconut drinks sold in cartons for drinking can be much thinner, so check the label and use the amount in your recipe. Browse Kara Coconut Milk.

Ikan bilis for crunch or sambal

Ikan bilis are dried anchovies. Smaller anchovies are a good choice when you want a delicate, crisp topping. You can also cook anchovies into the sambal for a deeper savoury flavour. Follow the packet and recipe directions for rinsing and frying, and taste the sambal before adding more salt. Compare packs in the dried seafood collection.

Dried chillies and belacan for the sambal

Start with the heat level you enjoy. A milder dried chilli makes it easier to build heat gradually. Many sambal recipes soften dried chillies before blending them with onion or shallot. Some add belacan, a fermented shrimp paste, for depth. Try the milder dried chillies or see belacan if your recipe calls for it.

What else should go on the plate?

Serve the coconut rice with sambal, cucumber, egg and roasted peanuts. Keep some fried ikan bilis separate if you want them to stay crisp. Check product labels if you’re cooking for someone with an allergy. Ikan bilis contain fish, belacan contains crustaceans, and the usual toppings can include peanuts and egg.

For quantities and a full method, see Ayam Brand’s nasi lemak recipe. Explore the Amira Importers shop for more Malaysian groceries.