How to Make White Rice with Fish in Spicy Tomato Sauce and Ulam Salad (Traditional & Healthy Version)
White Rice with Fish in Spicy Tomato Sauce and Ulam Salad is a beloved Malaysian lunch that showcases the vibrant flavors of local cuisine. The centerpiece of this meal is fluffy white rice (nasi putih), paired with tender fish fillets simmered in a fragrant, spicy tomato sauce rich with local aromatics like serai (lemongrass), daun limau purut (kaffir lime leaves), and cili padi. On the side, a refreshing ulam salad features a medley of raw herbs and vegetables such as ulam raja, petai, and cucumber, served with a simple lime dressing. This dish represents the multicultural essence of Malaysia, blending Malay, Nyonya, and local influences. It's a staple in many Malaysian households—especially in kampung (village) settings—where fresh fish and ulam are part of daily life. The spicy tomato sauce brings tangy heat, perfectly balanced by the cool crunch of ulam and the comforting base of rice. It's a nutritious, balanced meal that honors Malaysian culinary traditions while embracing healthy eating.
Bahan
Arahan langkah demi langkah
Langkah 1 · Rinse the white rice under cold water until the water runs clear
Rinse the white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice in a rice cooker or on the stove with 2 cups of water until fluffy.
Langkah 2 · Season the fish fillets lightly with a pinch of salt
Season the fish fillets lightly with a pinch of salt. Set aside.
Langkah 3 · Heat cooking oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat
Heat cooking oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Sauté red onion, garlic, and serai until fragrant and onions are translucent.
Langkah 4 · Add diced tomatoes
Add diced tomatoes, cili padi, and daun limau purut to the pan. Cook until tomatoes are soft and saucy.
Langkah 5 · Add the fish fillets to the sauce
Add the fish fillets to the sauce, cover, and simmer gently until fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
Langkah 6 · Season the sauce with salt to taste
Season the sauce with salt to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
Langkah 7 · Prepare the ulam salad: Arrange ulam raja and cucumber slices on a ...
Prepare the ulam salad: Arrange ulam raja and cucumber slices on a plate. Squeeze lime juice over and toss gently.
Langkah 8 · To serve: Plate the rice
To serve: Plate the rice, ladle the fish in spicy tomato sauce over, and serve with fresh ulam salad on the side.
Mengapa resipi ini sihat
White Rice with Fish in Spicy Tomato Sauce and Ulam Salad is a balanced meal, offering protein, healthy carbs, and plenty of fiber with minimal saturated fat. Using fresh herbs and aromatics boosts flavor without excess calories. The addition of ulam means you get raw, nutrient-dense greens, making this a smart, wholesome choice for lunch.
Nota tentang tradisi
This dish is common in central and northern Malaysia, especially among Malay households. It’s often enjoyed as a wholesome lunch, highlighting the importance of fresh, local produce and herbs in Malaysian food culture. Ulam is typically harvested from home gardens, reflecting the country’s kampung traditions and love for herbal salads.