How to Make Nasi Minyak Dengan Daging Gulai (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Nasi Minyak Dengan Daging Gulai is a signature Malaysian lunch dish, often served at weddings and festive gatherings. The fragrant rice, known as 'nasi minyak', is cooked with aromatic spices like pandan, bunga cengkih (cloves), and kayu manis (cinnamon), giving it a luxurious, buttery aroma. The accompanying daging gulai, a rich and mildly spiced coconut curry, features tender meat stewed with santan, serai (lemongrass), and rempah (spice paste), reflecting Malaysia’s multicultural culinary heritage. This healthy version adapts traditional methods to suit calorie-conscious eaters, using lean beef and light santan for the gulai, while reducing oil in the nasi minyak. The dish beautifully showcases local ingredients such as daun pandan, bawang merah (shallots), and rempah ratus (spice mix), making it a delicious, authentic meal. Nasi Minyak Dengan Daging Gulai is not only comforting and flavourful but also a celebration of Malaysia’s diverse culture, suitable for everyday lunch or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Basmati rice (Nasi minyak base)
- 1.5 cups Water
- 1 leaf Pandan leaf (Daun pandan, tied)
- 1 tablespoon Cooking oil
- 2 Shallots (Bawang merah, finely sliced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Finely chopped)
- 2 Cloves (Bunga cengkih)
- 1 small stick Cinnamon stick (Kayu manis)
- 150g Lean beef (Daging, cubed)
- 1/2 cup Light coconut milk (Santan cair)
- 1 stalk Lemongrass (Serai, bruised)
- 1 teaspoon Coriander powder (Serbuk ketumbar)
- 1/2 teaspoon Chili powder (Serbuk cili)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (To taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Sugar (Optional, for balance)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh coriander (Daun ketumbar, garnish)
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · Wash basmati rice thoroughly and drain
Wash basmati rice thoroughly and drain. Heat oil in a pot, sauté shallots and garlic until fragrant.
Step 2 · Add cloves
Add cloves, cinnamon stick, and pandan leaf. Stir for 1 minute until spices release aroma.
Step 3 · Add washed rice
Add washed rice, stir to coat grains with oil and aromatics. Pour in water and salt.
Step 4 · Cover pot
Cover pot, cook rice on low heat for 12 minutes or until fluffy. Set aside.
Step 5 · For gulai
For gulai, heat 1/2 tablespoon oil in a pan. Sauté lemongrass, shallots, garlic until golden.
Step 6 · Add beef cubes
Add beef cubes, coriander powder, chili powder. Stir-fry until beef is browned.
Step 7 · Pour in light coconut milk
Pour in light coconut milk, simmer for 7 minutes until beef is tender and gulai thickens.
Step 8 · Season gulai with salt and sugar (optional)
Season gulai with salt and sugar (optional). Serve nasi minyak topped with daging gulai and fresh coriander.
Why this recipe is healthy
By using lean beef and light coconut milk, this Nasi Minyak Dengan Daging Gulai recipe is lower in calories and saturated fats than traditional versions. The use of basmati rice provides a lower glycemic index, suitable for blood sugar control. Minimal oil and fresh herbs enhance flavor without excess calories, making the dish ideal for health-conscious Malaysians.
A note on tradition
Nasi Minyak Dengan Daging Gulai is widely enjoyed in Malaysia, especially in the states of Johor and Terengganu during weddings, Hari Raya, and family celebrations. The fragrant nasi minyak symbolizes prosperity, while daging gulai highlights Malay culinary traditions. Its multicultural roots blend Malay spices and festive spirit, making it a staple at joyous events.