Coconut Rice

Rice side dishes pair well with just about every protein. One of my favorites is coconut rice. This easy Homemade Coconut Rice recipe goes exceptionally well with salmon yet is tasty enough on its own.

Have you ever had or made coconut rice? I first came across this sweet rice recipe in a Thai restaurant many years ago. I was immediately in love and have made it (and ordered it out) many, many times since.

What is Coconut Rice?

• Slightly creamy and richer than plain rice, coconut rice is pleasantly sweet. It has a subtle coconut flavor. Topping it with toasted coconut takes it to the next level!
• Called Milk Rice in Sri Lanka, Arroz Con Coco in Colombia and Panama, Alaisa fa'apopo in Samoa. Coconut Rice in one iteration or another is enjoyed in Polynesian countries, India, Southeast Asian Countries, Latin America etc. Different cultures have their own twist / method of preparation.

Ingredients

• Jasmine, basmati or short grain white rice
• Coconut milk
• Salt
• Sugar
• Sweetened Coconut for optional toasted coconut garnish

Variations Arroz Con Coco

• Use Basmati rice, a short grain white rice or my favorite for making coconut rice, jasmine rice.
• Experiment with adding things like fresh garlic, fresh ginger or spices like cinnamon or cardamom for a depth of flavor.
• Add in chives or scallions.
• Add in fresh small chunks of mango and or some sesame seeds for mango coconut rice.

Tips

• Rinse your rice, a few times by either placing your rice in a pot and covering it with water, swooshing it around aggressively. Repeat till water is mostly clear. Drain. Or place rice in a mesh strainer and run water over it, moving it around till water runs mostly clear.
• Use full-fat coconut milk. I prefer the Thai Kitchen brand (in a can in your Asian section of most grocery stores).
• If sugar is an issue you can leave it out, I like my rice a little sweeter so I add it.
• I highly recommend making the toasted coconut to go atop your sweet sticky rice. It gives it a nice crunch contrast and a little burst of sweetness.

Why rinse your rice?

• Rinsing your rice helps removes any impurities and microplastics.
• It removes some of the starch from the rice, allowing the grains to stay separate when cooking which leads to fluffier texture. I find this is best when making Asian style rice.

Can I make coconut rice in rice maker?

• Yes.
• Option 1: After rinsing, cook your rice as you would in your rice maker. while that's happening, add coconut milk, sugar and salt to a small pot, bring to just a simmer (if it seems thick, add in a little water, that varies by brand of coconut milk used). After rice finishes cooking, stir liquid into rice, cover and let sit for 5 minutes.
• Option 2: Add all ingredients to your rice cooker and cook on setting for white rice or as you would white rice. Just watch towards the end as rice cookers may vary.

What to serve with Coconut Rice

• Coconut rice pairs beautifully with a all sorts of main courses such as grilled meats, poultry or seafood. I love it with sticky salmon or blackened salmon as well as grilled shrimp or chicken, chicken kebabs and more.
• My daughter enjoys it with crispy tofu or as is on its own.
• It's delicious served with a spicy curry.
• Serve it alongside mango slices (or dice it and add it into the rice) as more of a dessert if you wish as well.

Side Dish Recipes to try

I hope you enjoy this favorite rice recipe! XO Colleen