Tired of plain, boring rice? Let’s transport your taste buds to the tropics with this unbelievably fragrant and creamy Coconut Rice! It’s the perfect, subtly sweet side dish that elevates everything from a spicy curry to simple grilled tofu. Using just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a restaurant-quality side that’s fluffy, rich, and infused with the most incredible coconut flavor. This recipe is my go-to for adding a touch of special to any weeknight meal.
Ingredients
• 1 cup / 240ml water
• 1 14-ounce can / 400ml full-fat coconut milk
• 1 ½ cups / 300g long-grain white rice, such as Jasmine or Basmati
• ⅓ cup / 30g unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1 teaspoon / 5ml fresh lime juice
• ½ teaspoon / 3g salt
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, coconut milk, uncooked rice, and salt. Stir once and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.
2. Once simmering, immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it cook for 20 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed.
3. While the rice cooks, add the coconut flakes to a small, dry skillet. Toast over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until they are fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
4. Once the rice is done, remove it from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Uncover, add the toasted coconut flakes and lime juice, and gently fluff with a fork to combine everything.
Nutritional Information
• Serves: 4Serving Size: 1 cupCalories: 343Fat: 6gCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 8gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gSodium: 310mg
Pro Tips
• for Perfect Coconut Rice
• For the fluffiest result, rinse your rice in a fine-mesh sieve under cold water until the water runs clear before cooking.
• Use full-fat, canned coconut milk. Light coconut milk or coconut milk from a carton will not provide the same rich, creamy texture.
• Resist the urge to lift the lid while the rice is simmering. This allows the steam to escape and can result in unevenly cooked rice.
• For an extra layer of aroma, add a bay leaf or a small piece of ginger to the pot while the rice cooks. Remember to remove it before serving.
FAQ
Q: Is this coconut rice recipe vegan
A: Yes, this recipe is 100% vegan. It uses only plant-based ingredients like coconut milk, rice, and water, making it a perfect, creamy side dish for any vegan meal.
Q: What vegetarian dishes pair well with coconut rice
A: This coconut rice is incredibly versatile. It’s a fantastic base for spicy vegetarian curries, such as a red lentil dal or a chickpea and spinach curry. It also pairs beautifully with grilled tofu, tempeh skewers, or a simple black bean stir-fry.
Q: How can I add more protein to this coconut rice
A: To make this a more protein-rich dish, you can stir in cooked chickpeas, edamame, or lentils after fluffing the rice. Topping it with toasted cashews or peanuts also adds a delicious crunch and a boost of plant-based protein.
Q: How do I store and reheat leftover coconut rice
A: Store leftover coconut rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, sprinkle a tablespoon of water over the rice and microwave until hot, or gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat. The added water helps to re-steam the rice and restore its fluffy texture.
