Easy Coconut Rice (no added sugar)
Coconut rice is an easy, three-ingredient side dish that pairs perfectly with seafood, poultry, or fish. This unsweetened rice with a hint of citrus will surely be a family favourite.
This easy coconut rice is irresistible, a great side dish with a tropical flair for many dishes. No special methods or extra steps; it’s simply cooking rice in a bit of smooth coconut milk and a kaffir lime leaf to bring in notes of citrus which is simply divine. A great way to impact your next seafood or fish dinner party! Plus, the kids will love this rice and ask for more.
Extra Coconut Flavour
This easy coconut rice side dish uses unsweetened coconut milk. The full-fat version is excellent, although coconut cream is not recommended. It’s often filled with added sugar and other additives, which would turn the rice into a dessert. Add a tablespoon of coconut milk to get a more pungent coconut taste before serving it. Lastly, do not forget to add salt to your rice, which will help the coconut flavour shine through!
Make Your Own Coconut Milk
Did you know coconut milk is filtered juice from coconut shreds soaked in hot water? So simple, right? To make homemade coconut milk, use a 2:1 ratio of hot water to unsweetened coconut shreds. Pour the hot water over the coconut in a blender and blend until smooth. Finish it by straining the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve to discard the pulp. It can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Kaffir Lime Leaves
To contrast the naturally sweet and smooth coconut milk, a kaffir lime leaf does wonders; it gives this fun citric touch. Those Kaffir lime leaves, also called Makrut leaves, are sold in the freezer section of any Asian markets. Use a piece of lemon or lime zest or nothing if you prefer.
Serve with Fish and Seafood
This rice goes well with simple seafood, white fish, and poultry. Here are a few ideas of what to serve it with:
Easy Coconut Rice
Ingredients
- 200 g long grain rice
- 200 ml coconut milk (check above for homemade coconut milk)
- 200 ml water
- 1 kaffir lime leaf Or a 2 cm piece of lime or lemon zest.
- ⅓ tsp salt
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in cold water until the water is clean.
- Add the rice, coconut milk, water, kaffir lime leaf and salt to a small pot and bring to a soft boil.
- Cover and let it simmer for 10 minutes, or follow the rice instructions.
- When done cooking, add an extra tablespoon of coconut milk to the rice.
- Discard the kaffir lime leaf or zest and serve.
Nutrition
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Did You Make This Recipe?
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I’ve got to say – this is my favorite side dish ever! I just love how simple, yet delicious, it is!
It’s basically making standard rice but adding a bit of coconut milk to it. Makes a nice tropical touch to a meal.
Wow! I love this recipe, I made this and my rice became more delicious.
Super easy recipe!
It’s super easy, but it makes a big difference!
I made the Easy Coconut Rice last night, and it was so delicious! The coconut flavor was subtle yet creamy, and it paired perfectly with my curry.
It also pairs great with any grilled seafood!
This was a delicious side dish! It was easy to prepare and the family loved it. I can’t wait to make it again!!
Yes, kids like white rice, but they LOVE coconut rice!