Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng
Hawker • Singapore
About Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng
Coconut rice with crispy fried chicken, sambal, and fixings
How to Make Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng is a beloved Singaporean dish that beautifully showcases local flavors and hawker culture. At its heart, this meal features fragrant coconut rice, crispy fried chicken, spicy sambal, and a medley of sides—creating a symphony of taste and texture. Regularly served at kopitiams and hawker centres across Singapore, Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng is a lunchtime staple for locals and a must-try for visitors seeking an authentic culinary experience. The dish’s roots are deeply embedded in Singapore’s multicultural food scene, drawing from Malay traditions while embracing Chinese and Indian influences—especially evident in the crispy ayam goreng (fried chicken) and diverse accompaniments. Singapore’s version is lighter and often incorporates healthier cooking methods, reflecting the nation’s growing health consciousness while preserving its rich, aromatic flavors. The combination of fragrant rice, protein-rich chicken, and sides like cucumber, peanuts, and egg makes this meal both satisfying and balanced. Perfect for lunch, Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng is as versatile as it is delicious, offering something for everyone. Its unique blend of creamy, spicy, and savory notes ensures it remains a perennial favorite at every Singaporean table.
Ingredients(for 1 plate with rice, 1 chicken thigh, egg, cucumber, sambal, and sides)
- 1 cup Basmati rice (for lower GI; traditional nasi lemak uses local rice)
- 3/4 cup Light coconut milk (santan)
- 2 leaves Pandan leaves (tied into a knot)
- 2 pieces Chicken thighs (skinless, bone-in)
- 1 tbsp Low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 2 tbsp Chilli paste (for sambal)
- 2 Eggs (hard-boiled)
- 1/2 Japanese cucumber (sliced)
- 2 tbsp Roasted peanuts
- 2 tbsp Ikan bilis (dried anchovies) (lightly toasted)
- 1.5 tbsp Canola oil (for air-frying or shallow frying)
- 1/2 tsp Salt
Instructions
- 1
Wash the basmati rice thoroughly and drain. Combine rice, coconut milk, pandan leaves, and a pinch of salt in a rice cooker. Add enough water to cook the rice. Cook as per rice cooker instructions until fluffy and fragrant.
15 minutes
Use basmati rice for a lower glycemic index and lighter texture.
- 2
Marinate chicken thighs with soy sauce, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to enhance flavor.
10 minutes
Marinate overnight for deeper flavor if time allows.
- 3
Preheat air fryer or skillet. Lightly brush chicken with canola oil. Air-fry at 190°C for 12-15 minutes or shallow fry on medium heat until golden brown and fully cooked.
15 minutes
Air-frying reduces oil usage while keeping the chicken crispy.
- 4
Prepare the sambal: sauté chilli paste in a teaspoon of oil until fragrant. Add a splash of water, salt to taste, and cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
5 minutes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of gula melaka (palm sugar) if desired.
Why This Dish is Healthy
Opting for air-fried chicken and light coconut milk keeps this Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng lower in calories and saturated fat compared to traditional versions. The use of basmati rice offers a lower glycemic index, making it a more suitable choice for weight management and blood sugar control. Balanced in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs, this meal supports sustained energy and overall wellness.
This Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng recipe is rich in protein from the chicken and eggs, while the use of basmati rice and light coconut milk helps reduce saturated fat and glycemic load. The inclusion of cucumber, peanuts, and ikan bilis adds fiber, healthy fats, and essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. By air-frying the chicken, you significantly cut down on unnecessary oil and calories, making this dish suitable for a balanced diet while retaining its authentic flavors.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Use pandan leaves for truly authentic, fragrant rice.
- 💡Tip 2: Air-frying chicken gives you crispiness with less oil.
- 💡Tip 3: Prepare sambal in advance and store for quick assembly meals.
Storage & Serving
Store leftover rice and chicken separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat rice and chicken thoroughly before serving. Keep sambal in a sealed jar for up to 1 week.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 780.0 kcal |
| Protein | 28.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 75.0 g |
| Total Fat | 40.0 g |
| Fiber | 3.0 g |
