Brighten up your dinner table with the tropical flavors of Coconut Papaya Rice—a dish that combines aromatic basmati rice with creamy coconut milk, sweet chunks of ripe papaya, and a hint of lime zest for a refreshing twist. This easy-to-make recipe is ready in just 30 minutes and perfect as a side dish or light main course. Topped with shredded coconut and optional fresh cilantro, it brings a delightful balance of sweetness and tang to your plate. Whether you're hosting a summer soirée or looking to elevate your weeknight meals, this vibrant and fragrant rice dish will transport your taste buds straight to paradise. Perfect for pairing with grilled seafood or serving on its own, Coconut Papaya Rice is a must-try for lovers of tropical cuisine.
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.
In a medium-sized pot, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt. Stir well.
Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is cooked and the liquid is fully absorbed. Avoid removing the lid while cooking.
While the rice cooks, peel, deseed, and dice the papaya into bite-sized cubes. Set aside.
Once the rice is cooked, remove it from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork and fold in the diced papaya and shredded coconut.
Zest the lime over the rice and then squeeze the lime juice for a burst of freshness. Mix gently to combine.
Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve warm.
Calories |
579 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 8.8 g | 11% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.4 g | 32% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1261 mg | 55% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 122.8 g | 45% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.7 g | 38% | |
| Total Sugars | 45.4 g | ||
| Protein | 10.5 g | 21% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 157 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 4.0 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 1318 mg | 28% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.