Light Coconut Rice
Elevate your next meal with this Light Coconut Rice, a fragrant and fluffy recipe that brings tropical flair to your table with just a handful of pantry staples. Made with creamy coconut milk, perfectly cooked long-grain white rice, and a hint of salt and optional sugar for a delicate balance of flavors, this dish is the ultimate sidekick to curries, grilled seafood, or roasted vegetables. The addition of coconut oil enhances the richness, while a sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a vibrant finish. Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, this gluten-free, dairy-free recipe is both comforting and versatile. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or creating a simple weeknight meal, Light Coconut Rice is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, salt, and sugar (if using). Stir well to ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the steam to finish cooking the rice and makes it fluffier.
Add the coconut oil and gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the rice mushy.
If desired, garnish the rice with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy on its own.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
480 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.9 g | 19% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.0 g | 60% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1228 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 79.7 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.0 g | ||
| Protein | 5.4 g | 11% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 50 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 292 mg | 6% | |
*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.
