Sasate & Katupa Coconut Rice Bowl (Spiced Coconut-Lemongrass Prawns & Rice) – Authentic Timor-Leste Recipe

Ingredients for Sasate & Katupa Coconut Rice Bowl (Spiced Coconut-Lemongrass Prawns & Rice) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) plump coastal prawns, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups coconut-steamed rice, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup cucumber and tomato salad
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with lemongrass
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Timor-Leste seasoning (turmeric, coconut cream, garlic, lime juice)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet over medium heat; sauté the onion, garlic, and lemongrass until golden.
2. Add turmeric, coconut cream, garlic, lime juice along with plump coastal prawns and coconut-steamed rice, searing for 4–5 minutes to build savory depth.
3. Stir in the rinsed grains/rice so every grain is coated in the spiced oil, then pour in warm stock.
4. Bring to a simmer, cover tightly with a lid, and cook on low heat for 18–20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and tender.
5. Rest off the heat for 5 minutes, fluff gently with a fork, and garnish with cucumber and tomato salad.