Kerabu Rice is a vibrant and flavorful Malaysian dish that combines rice with a variety of fresh herbs, vegetables, and sometimes seafood. This dish is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, perfect for a refreshing meal.
Ingredients
To make Kerabu Rice, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Rice:
- 2 cups of jasmine rice
- 3 cups of water or coconut milk (for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
For the Kerabu (Salad):
- 1 cup of shredded coconut, toasted
- 1 cup of bean sprouts, blanched
- 1 cup of shredded cucumber
- 1 cup of thinly sliced long beans
- 1 cup of finely chopped daun kesum (Vietnamese coriander)
- 1/2 cup of finely chopped kaffir lime leaves
- 1/2 cup of finely chopped lemongrass
- 1/2 cup of finely chopped mint leaves
- 1/2 cup of finely chopped Thai basil
- 1/2 cup of thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup of grated carrot
- 1/2 cup of finely chopped chili (adjust to taste)
For the Dressing:
- 4 tablespoons of lime juice
- 2 tablespoons of fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian option)
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red chili, finely chopped
Preparation Steps
Preparing the Rice:
- Cook the Rice: Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rice, water (or coconut milk), and salt in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
- Cool the Rice: Allow the rice to cool completely. You can spread it out on a tray to speed up the cooling process.
Preparing the Kerabu:
- Toast the Coconut: In a dry pan, toast the shredded coconut over medium heat until it is golden brown and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs: Blanch the bean sprouts in boiling water for about 30 seconds and then plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking. Drain well. Combine the blanched bean sprouts, cucumber, long beans, daun kesum, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, mint leaves, Thai basil, red onion, grated carrot, and chopped chili in a large mixing bowl.
Making the Dressing:
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce (or soy sauce), sugar, minced garlic, and finely chopped red chili until the sugar is dissolved.
Assembling the Kerabu Rice:
- Mix Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rice with the prepared vegetables and herbs.
- Add the Dressing: Pour the dressing over the rice mixture and toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Add Toasted Coconut: Add the toasted coconut to the rice mixture and gently mix to combine.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The key to a great Kerabu Rice is the freshness of the ingredients. Make sure your herbs and vegetables are fresh for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning of the dressing according to your taste. Add more lime juice for acidity, fish sauce for saltiness, or sugar for sweetness.
- Serve Immediately: Kerabu Rice is best served fresh. If you need to prepare it in advance, keep the rice and salad components separate and combine them just before serving.
Variations
- Seafood Kerabu Rice: Add cooked shrimp or squid for a seafood variation.
- Vegetarian Kerabu Rice: Omit the fish sauce and use soy sauce or tamari instead.
- Protein Addition: Add grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional content of Kerabu Rice can vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used. Here is an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 6g
Conclusion
Kerabu Rice is a delightful dish that brings together a medley of flavors and textures. It is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for a healthy meal. By using fresh ingredients and adjusting the flavors to your liking, you can create a dish that is uniquely yours. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or explore different variations, Kerabu Rice is sure to be a hit at your table.
Enjoy making and savoring this wonderful Malaysian dish!
