Coconut Rice
Coconut rice is a versatile side dish cooked in coconut milk for a creamy, slightly sweet flavor. It goes great with spicy dishes.
Coconut rice is a super versatile, simple dish that instantly elevates any meal with a tropical flair. Cooking the rice in coconut milk gives it a rich, creamy flavor with a hint of sweetness, making it the perfect side dish for spicy or savory entrées. Think of pairing it with Thai curries, jerk chicken, or a delicious seafood dish. Whether you’re preparing an Asian-inspired dinner or a Caribbean feast, this coconut rice recipe is a that takes your everyday rice to the next level.
What is in Coconut Rice?
- Rice (Jasmine or Basmati for best results)
- Coconut Milk
- Sugar (optional)
- Water
- Salt
- Olive Oil
- Lime Juice
- Cashews
Recipe Substitutions and Notes
- Enhance the dish’s nutrition and color by incorporating peas, bell peppers, or finely chopped carrots.
- Pineapple chunks or mango can provide a delightful tropical sweetness that complements the coconut flavor beautifully.
- For extra crunch and nuttiness, try adding cashews, almonds, or sesame seeds.
Step by Step Process for Making Coconut Rice
- Soak the Rice: Rinse and soak the rice to remove excess starch, which can make the rice too sticky.
- Boil the Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the soaked rice, coconut milk, water, sugar (if using), and salt. Boil until the rice is tender, which takes about 15-20 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork once cooked.
- Add Flavor: Stir in coconut oil, lime juice, lime zest, fresh cilantro, and cashews for added flavor and texture.
- Serve: Enjoy this tropical coconut rice as a delicious side dish with your favorite meals!
Frequently Asked Questions
🌟 Love this recipe? Spread the love by leaving a star review or dropping a comment below! I’d really love to hear what you think. If this recipe hit the spot for you, you’d be helping me out big time by sharing it on Pinterest or Facebook! 💬✨
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them (It won’t cost you extra, promise). This helps support my work and allows me to continue creating content—thank you for your support! Rest assured, I only recommend products I personally use and love.
Coconut Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup Rice (like jasmine or basmati )
- 1 cup Coconut Milk (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup Water
- 1 tbsp Sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 tbsp Coconut Oil (optional, for extra flavor)
- ¼ cup Toasted Coconut Flakes
- ½ cup Cilantro (chopped)
- Zest and Juice of 1 Lime
- ¼ cup Chopped Cashews
Instructions
- Rinse 1 cup Rice in a colander under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and keeps the rice from becoming too sticky.
- In a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice, 1 cup Coconut Milk, 1 cup Water, 1 tbsp Sugar, if using, and ½ teaspoon Salt. Stir well to mix. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Avoid stirring during this time to ensure the rice stays fluffy.
- After cooking, remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes. This helps the rice finish cooking and become fluffy.
- Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. If desired, stir in 1 tbsp Coconut Oil for extra richness.
- Garnish with ¼ cup Toasted Coconut Flakes, ½ cup Cilantro, ¼ cup Chopped Cashews, and Zest and Juice of 1 Lime for added flavor.