Easy and Delicious Coconut Rice

Coconut rice is a super easy side dish that brings a touch of tropical flavor to any meal. It pairs perfectly with a wide range of dishes, from spicy curries to grilled seafood. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.

I’m known for my easy side dishes, and one of my favorites is coconut rice. I love anything coconut! This recipe combines coconut milk with long-grain white rice, creating a flavorful side that pairs perfectly with many main courses. With pantry staples and a tropical twist, you’ll love this coconut rice recipe.

Ingredients:

This side dish requires just a few ingredients, and if you’re thinking about making it, chances are you already have coconut in your pantry!

• Long Grain Rice: I opt for organic long-grain white rice (Ludenberg), considering concerns about arsenic levels.
• Coconut Milk: I use full fat coconut milk for its creamy texture and tropical taste.
• Water: To thin out the coconut milk and have the proper rice to liquid ratio.
• Coconut Oil: I prefer coconut oil over olive oil for its subtle flavor enhancement.
• Sugar: for just a touch of sweetness
• Salt: I use salt to balance sweetness and enhance overall taste.

How to Make the Best Coconut Rice:

1. Rinse the rice: I start by giving the rice a good rinse under cold water. This helps remove any excess starch, preventing the rice from turning too sticky.
2. Toast the rice: In a medium-sized saucepan, I heat up some coconut oil over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, I add the rice and stir until it’s lightly toasted and fragrant.
3. Add the liquids: Next, I pour in the coconut milk and water, along with a pinch of salt and sugar. Add some shredded coconut for that extra burst of flavor.
4. Simmer: I bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a lid. I let the rice simmer away for around 15-20 minutes, allowing it to absorb all the delicious flavors until it’s tender and cooked through.
5. Let it rest: Once the rice is done, I remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This resting period helps the rice steam and become beautifully fluffy.
6. Fluff and serve: Finally, I grab a fork and gently fluff up the rice. If I’m feeling extra fancy, I might sprinkle some additional shredded coconut on top, because, why not?

The coconut flavor in this rice dish is likely to be quite pronounced, given that it uses both coconut milk and coconut oil. Coconut milk is rich and creamy, imparting a distinct tropical flavor, while coconut oil adds a subtle but complementary coconut undertone.

If you’re a fan of coconut, you’ll likely appreciate the robust flavor profile of this dish. However, if you prefer a milder coconut taste, you could try using light coconut milk or replacing the coconut oil with olive oil.

Add-ins:

If you’re looking to take your coconut rice to the next level, there are plenty of add-ins you can experiment with.

1. Fresh herbs: Chopped cilantro, basil, or mint can add a burst of freshness and color to the dish.
2. Toasted nuts: Sprinkling toasted coconut flakes or chopped pine nuts on top before serving can add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
3. Spices: You can experiment with adding spices like ginger, turmeric, or curry powder to infuse the rice with additional depth of flavor.
4. Fruit: Diced pineapple or mango can lend a tropical sweetness that complements the coconut flavor beautifully.

WHAT TO PAIR WITH COCONUT RICE:

• Grilled salmon pairs perfectly with coconut rice, creating a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
• Chicken tikka masala over a bed of coconut rice offers an amazing fusion of Indian spices and tropical sweetness.
• Coconut Shrimp: ooooh coconut ! Crispy coconut shrimp with coconut rice – heaven!
• Pan-Seared White Fish: The delicate, mild flavor of the fish goes perfectly with a fluffy mound of coconut rice.

EASY AND DELICIOUS COCONUT RICE
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