Malaysian Food Recipes

If there is one thing Malaysia is known for, it is its diverse and vibrant culinary culture. Malaysia is an eating paradise with tons of restaurants, coffee shops and hawker centres for hungry diners to satisfy their appetite. Malaysian cuisine incorporates aspects of cooking cultures from India, China, Indonesia, the Middle East and various other countries across the globe.  

Passionate about Malaysian dishes and desserts? Asian Food Network is here to make them easier, quicker, while keeping them authentic. Our recipes come from passionate foodies in Malaysia, as well as across Asia, and are used by our community of passionate foodies. Step-by-step instructions, photos, and videos make following along simple no matter where in the world you are from. Key dietary information is highlighted, so spend less time preparing and more time sharing authentic, easy, quick Malaysian cuisine with the ones you care about. Have you eaten?

5 Popular Ingredients Used in Malaysian Cuisine 

If there is one thing Malaysian cuisine is known for, it is powerful and rich flavours from various condiments and spices. If you love Malaysian cuisine, make sure you stock your pantry with the following ingredients before you attempt any of these recipes.

1. Coconut 

This versatile ingredient can be found in numerous Malaysian dishes from desserts to main courses. Coconut milk is used to give a dish more flavour and also thicken the texture of a gravy. You can find coconut milk in dishes like Prawn Rendang and Kapitan Curry Chicken.

Many dishes like Nasi Lemak and Kueh Bahulu also incorporate coconut oil for greasing and to give the dish a hint of coconut flavour without being too overpowering. 

2. Chilli Peppers 

Indispensable to Malaysian kitchens, you can find chilis in at least 80% of Malaysian recipes like Ayam Masak Merah and Johor Laksa. They can be chopped and added as condiments or grinded into a paste (or sambal) to add more flavour to a dish. 

Even if you are not a fan of spicy foods, you could opt for bigger chilis or green chillies for sweet but mild heat and avoid bird’s eye chili. 

3. Rice

Perhaps the most important staple food in Malaysia, rice can be enjoyed during all meals of the day (including breakfast). 

Plain steamed white Jasmine rice is served with vegetables, meat and gravy. Rice that is kept overnight can also be fried with other ingredients for fried rice. 

4. Kecap Manis

This syrupy and sweet soy sauce is made by reducing dark soy sauce with bay leaves, galangal, garlic and sugar for the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavours. It can also be used as a dipping sauce or marinade. Kecap Manis also gives dishes a rich brown-black colour. 

5. Lemongrass

Also known as “serai” in Bahasa Melayu, lemongrass can be found in plenty of dishes across Southeast Asia. They can be added to or removed from a dish before serving for a refreshing citrus flavour that is not too acidic. 

2 Malaysian Dishes to Try Cooking

Malaysian cooking might seem daunting due to the number of ingredients used and the amount of prep work involved. We have handpicked 2 recipes for home cooks who want to explore Malaysian cuisine. 

 1. Malaysian Curry Puff

Simple, yet oh-so-satisfying, curry puff is a popular snack in Southeast Asia. Malaysian Curry Puff is best enjoyed with a cup of iced coffee. Perfect for breakfast! 

This dish is completely beginner-friendly. You could also make them in batches and keep the extra curry puffs in the freezer. 

2. Wanton Noodles 

Another popular dish in Southeast Asian, Malaysian wanton noodles are known for their sweet yet savoury cha siu pork and springy noodles. You can find them at fine dining restaurants and even coffee shops!

There are several key components to the dish: the char siu pork, wontons, black mushrooms and noodles. This dish is suitable for home cooks who are up for a challenge!

A Malaysian Feast In Your Home

Instead of travelling to Malaysia, why not experience its culture and heritage by whipping up a feast in your own kitchen? 

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