Best 4 Asian Coconut Rice Recipes

In the diverse culinary landscape of Asian cuisines, fragrant coconut rice stands out as a staple dish, evoking memories of tropical beaches and warm hospitality. This delectable side dish, often prepared with aromatic jasmine rice or glutinous rice, is a symphony of flavors and textures, seamlessly blending the richness of coconut milk with the subtle sweetness of coconut flakes. Coconut rice takes center stage at gatherings and celebrations, accompanying various savory dishes, such as curries, stir-fries, and grilled meats, providing a perfect balance to their bold flavors. As we embark on a culinary expedition to discover the best coconut rice recipe, let's delve into the world of this iconic dish, exploring its origins, variations, and the secrets to achieving the perfect blend of flavors and textures.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

COCONUT RICE

Coconut Rice image

Basmati rice is simmered in coconut milk, instead of water, giving it a rich flavor.

Provided by Emma Maher

Categories Side Dish Rice Side Dish Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 7

Number Of Ingredients 3

Ingredients

2 ½ cups Basmati rice
4 (10 ounce) cans coconut milk
1 pinch salt

Steps:

In a large saucepan over high heat, combine rice, coconut milk and salt; bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 535.4 calories, Carbohydrate 56.8 g, Fat 33.2 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 8.1 g, SaturatedFat 29 g, Sodium 19.8 mg, Sugar 0.2 g

RESTAURANT STYLE COCONUT RICE (COCONUT MILK)

Restaurant Style Coconut Rice (Coconut Milk) image

This is a recipe for exceptionally fluffy, coconut rice! No gluggy coconut milk scum left on the surface, each grain is clean and fluffy. Make it Asian-restaurant style by adding pandan leaves OR kaffir lime leaves. Or finish with a sprinkle of toasted coconuts. Serve with: tropical, Caribbean, Indian and Asian foods. See recipe card below for COCONUT POWDER version (no rice rinse, no soak).

Provided by Nagi | RecipeTin Eats

Categories Rice Side

Time 17m

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

2 cups (360g) jasmin or long grain white rice ((Note 1))
400 ml / 14 oz coconut milk (, full fat or light (Note 2))
1/2 cup (125ml) water
1 tbsp white sugar ((Note 3))
1/2 tsp salt
3 pandan leaves (, knotted)
3 kaffir lime leaves (, crushed in hand)
1 tbsp desiccated coconut (, toasted, to garnish)

Steps:

Rinse rice in water until the water runs pretty clear. (Note 1)
Drain rice then soak in water for 15 minutes. Then drain.
Add rice, coconut milk, water, sugar and salt into a small pot or large saucepan over medium high heat. Add pandan or kaffir lime leaf if making Asian restaurant style option.
Bring it to a simmer so the entire surface of the liquid is rippling (not just the edges), give it ONE stir (not more!), place lid on and immediately turn heat down to LOW.
Leave for 14 minutes.
Remove from heat, and rest, undisturbed, for 10 minutes.
Fluff with rubber spatula. Garnish with toasted coconut, if using, then serve.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 148 g, Calories 192 kcal

ASIAN COCONUT RICE

Asian Coconut Rice image

I tried so many different ways to duplicate my favorite restaurant's coconut rice after they went out of business. This one is perfect! Garnish with toasted coconut and chopped cilantro if you like.

Provided by SILVREZS

Categories Side Dish Rice Side Dish Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk
1 ¼ cups water
1 teaspoon sugar
1 pinch salt
1 ½ cups uncooked jasmine rice

Steps:

In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Stir in rice. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 18 to 20 minutes, until rice is tender.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 453.1 calories, Carbohydrate 61.4 g, Fat 20.9 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 6.8 g, SaturatedFat 18.5 g, Sodium 53.7 mg, Sugar 1 g

THAI COCONUT RICE

Thai Coconut Rice image

Creamy coconut combined with a little bite from red pepper flakes and ginger, create a delicious rice dish to accompany a wide range of entrees.

Provided by Geema

Categories Long Grain Rice

Time 40m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 cup jasmine rice or 1 cup long grain rice
1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh ginger
finely chopped crystallized ginger (optional)
sliced almonds (optional)

Steps:

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan, except the crystallized ginger and sliced almonds.
Stir well to combine.
Cook over medium high heat, stirring until mixture comes to a low boil.
Immediately reduce heat to low.
Cover and cook for about 18 minutes.
Fluff with a fork.
The cover, and let sit for 5 more minutes.
Garnish the finished rice with the candied ginger and the sliced almonds.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 369.6, Fat 22.5, SaturatedFat 19, Sodium 307.4, Carbohydrate 39.2, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 1, Protein 5.7

Tips:

For the best results, use high-quality coconut milk. Look for coconut milk that is thick and creamy, with a high fat content.
Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking. This will help to remove any starch and impurities, and will result in a fluffy and light rice.
Use a heavy-bottomed pot or saucepan to cook the rice. This will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the rice from burning.
Be careful not to overcook the rice. Overcooked rice will be mushy and bland.
Add some fresh herbs or spices to the rice for extra flavor. Cilantro, basil, and mint are all great options.

Conclusion:

Coconut rice is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. It is a popular side dish in many Asian countries, and is also a great option for vegetarians and vegans. With its creamy texture and nutty flavor, coconut rice is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.