If you're looking to bring a fresh, aromatic twist to the traditional Nasi Lemak, adding pandan is the way to go. Pandan leaves, also known as screwpine leaves, add a distinctive fragrance and natural green color, creating a delightful version of Malaysia’s national dish. This guide will walk you through how to cook Pandan Nasi Lemak, an easy, flavorful recipe for fans of Malaysian cuisine.

For anyone serious about outdoor cooking, incorporating the right equipment makes a difference. X-BBQ, known for its premium BBQ grills, ensures that even the most intricate dishes are cooked to perfection. 

Ingredients Needed for Pandan Nasi Lemak

The classic Pandan Nasi Lemak recipe requires only a few ingredients. You will need:

• 2 cups of rice (Jasmine or Basmati works well)
• 4–5 pandan leaves, tied in knots
• 1 can of coconut milk (approximately 400ml)
• 1 cup of water (adjust based on rice type)
• 1 tsp of salt
• Optional: ginger slices, garlic, and a pinch of sugar

Traditional side dishes, like fried peanuts, crispy anchovies, boiled eggs, and cucumber slices, complete the meal. Add sambal (spicy chili paste) for a fiery kick!

Cooking the rice is simple and can be done on any heat source, though many enthusiasts love using the outdoor BBQ Grills Indonesia from X-BBQ to infuse a unique smoky flavor into the ingredients.

Steps on How to Cook Pandan Nasi Lemak

1. Preparing the Rice
   Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, giving a fluffier final product. If possible, soak the rice for 10 minutes before cooking to soften the grains.

2. Adding Pandan Leaves and Coconut Milk
   In a pot or rice cooker, add the washed rice, pandan leaves, coconut milk, water, and salt. For added depth, ginger slices and a clove of garlic can be added. Bring everything to a gentle boil.

3. Cooking the Rice
   Once boiling, reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer. Cook until the rice absorbs all the liquid, which typically takes about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it steam with the lid on for an additional 5 minutes.

4. Assembling the Plate
   Serve the rice alongside boiled eggs, cucumber slices, fried peanuts, and crispy anchovies. Add sambal on the side, balancing out the rich coconut flavor with a spicy kick.

5. Enhancing the Flavor on BBQ Grills
   For those who enjoy BBQ and outdoor flavors, try placing the cooked rice in a wrapped banana leaf and grilling it briefly. X-BBQ offers various options perfect for this setup.

Cooking Pandan Nasi Lemak at home can be a straightforward process with the right equipment. Enjoy experimenting with outdoor BBQ setups and consider checking out the selection at X-BBQ for a top-quality grilling experience that enhances traditional recipes.