Vegan Nasi Uduk with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Classic DishNasi Uduk

Embark on a culinary journey to Indonesia with this vibrant Vegan Nasi Uduk, a beloved dish steeped in history and flavor. Nasi Uduk, often translated as 'mixed rice', traditionally signifies a festive occasion or a comforting meal, its aroma hinting at the richness of coconut milk and aromatic spices. This plant-based rendition honors that spirit, infusing fragrant jasmine rice with creamy coconut milk and the subtle floral notes of pandan leaves. Each bite is a dance of textures and tastes, from the fluffy, fragrant rice to the savory, crispy fried tofu, all crowned by a fiery, homemade peanut sambal. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to experience the heart of Indonesian cuisine, a symphony of sweet, spicy, and savory notes that will transport your senses and delight your palate. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe offers a wholesome and deeply satisfying taste of Indonesian heritage.

Preparation time
30 min
Cooking time
40 min
Total time
1 hr 10 min
Servings
4

Instructions

Cook the Nasi Uduk

  1. 1Combine rinsed jasmine rice, coconut milk, water, knotted pandan leaves, and salt in a rice cooker or pot. Stir to combine.
  2. 2Cook according to rice cooker instructions, or bring to a boil on the stovetop, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
  3. 3Once cooked, remove the pandan leaves. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.

Prepare the Crispy Tofu

  1. 1Toss the cubed, pressed tofu with cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. 2Heat vegetable oil in a pan or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the tofu cubes in batches until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
  3. 3Remove fried tofu and drain on paper towels.

Make the Spicy Peanut Sauce

  1. 1In a blender or food processor, combine roasted peanuts, red chilies, shallots, garlic, diluted tamarind paste, palm sugar, and salt.
  2. 2Blend until a coarse paste forms. Add water gradually until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
  3. 3Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Pour in the peanut mixture and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and slightly thickened.

Nutrition Information

Calories
550 kcal
Protein
15 g
Fat
25 g
Carbs
70 g
NutrientPer serving
Calories550 kcal
Protein15 g
Fat25 g
Carbs70 g

Tips

  • Ensure your tofu is well-pressed to achieve maximum crispiness when fried.
  • Adjust the number of chili peppers to control the spiciness of the peanut sauce to your preference.
  • Serve the Nasi Uduk warm, topped with crispy tofu and a generous drizzle of the spicy peanut sauce. Garnish with fried shallots for extra crunch.

By Chef Michael Ilin