Easy Coconut Rice: A Thai Staple

We tend to think of Asia as a kind of uniform continent, holding many countries, each one similar to the other. But that’s just a wrong reading of this diverse area. You know, a culture can be learnt through history books, or real-life experiences, we can even see some landscapes and start thinking what life in certain places can be like. But have you ever thought of how much you can learn about a country, a culture and people through food?

Now, if we go back to Asia, we cannot say every region of such a huge continent is the same. However, we can say some things. For example, the variety of fresh and local ingredients used in their recipes is amazing. Secondly, don’t avoid the experience of tasting the most unusual ingredients mixed together in a dish, they won’t disappoint you. And last, yes, you were right about one thing: you’ll find rice everywhere!

Check this link for some rice-based recipes and keep reading to find out about one particular Thai staple that is worldwide popular: mahatmarice.com/recipes/easy-coconut-rice

Coconut Rice: Only Thai?

This is a dish made with coconut milk. You have to soak and cook the rice in it to get a creamy and fluffy side dish. As you might know, rice is originally from the eastern side of the world, but has been grown, produced and consumed in many parts of the globe. The second big element here is the coconut milk, coming from the coconut tree, which is found, mostly, in countries along the equator.

So, what does this mean? That coconut rice is a Thai staple, but it’s not exclusively Thai. As said before, you can learn lots from the gastronomy of a country, and this might just be the perfect example of that. Why? Because this dish has as many versions of it as there are countries. Of course, the core of the recipe is always the same, but a few changes on the pot you’re using will take you from east to western in a second.

How to make a Simple Coconut Rice

In this case, you’ll start by reading the basics of a genuine recipe for coconut rice, and then you’ll be introduced to the many variations you can make to it.

A first note on this is that this can be a side dish as it can be a dessert. Considering this, you can imagine the texture should be creamy or at least soft. For that reason, whatever version you’re trying, you should use Jasmine rice.

What is Jasmine Rice?

It is an aromatic type of rice. Jasmine is the best option for rice-based desserts or pudding-like dishes. When you cook it, it releases a buttery aroma that, contrary to popular belief, does not mess with the flavor of your dishes, but heightens it.

Jasmine rice can be found in any local store. A suitable alternative is Basmati rice, another kind of aromatic type. In the case of Basmati rice, the fragrance is a little more floral, but it goes great in these preparations too.

Coconut rice smells great thanks to these types of grains, and it is a most simple dish to make because of that too. Jasmine rice only takes ten minutes of cooking and uses less water, or in this case, milk. Make sure you check the cooking instructions at the back of your package.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (0.47 liters) of Jasmine rice
• 2 cups (0.47 liters) of full-fat coconut milk
• 1 cup (0.24 liters) of water
• Sugar
• Salt
• Cilantro
• Green onions

Instructions:

1. Start by rinsing the Jasmine rice two or three times, until the water comes off clear. Make sure you fully drain it before placing it in the cooking pot.
2. Add two cups of full-fat coconut milk to the cooking pot. Add the water too.
3. Add a pinch of salt and a pinch of sugar. Mix and integrate everything.
4. Bring the mix to a boil and once it boils, turn the heat down.
5. Cover your pot with a lid and cook the rice until all the liquid is fully absorbed.
6. Once the liquid is gone, turn the heat off and let the pot sit, with the lid still on, for an extra five or ten minutes.
7. Remove the lid and fluff the rice.
8. Top everything with some chopped green onions and cilantro. Serve and enjoy!

Can a Rice Cooker be used in this recipe?

You can use a rice cooker to make this preparation and the steps are basically the same. Of course, do not include the toppings in the machine. The only change is in the liquid quantities. If you use a rice cooker, use just need half a cup of water. Do not forget to let the rice sit in the machine for an extra five minutes before serving!

Coconut Rice around the world

Want to try different versions of the dish and travel with the help of a fork? Check these variations and choose your favorites to try next!

Caribbean Coconut Rice

Caribbean cuisine comes from a fusion of many other cuisines such as Creole, Latin American and West African, among others. For Caribbean coconut rice, try adding some ginger and garlic to the cooking process. Top everything with some lime zest, and you’ll have the perfect side dish for your next meal.

Colombian Coconut Rice

Cuisines all over Latin America tend to include the most delicious fruits in their preparations. For Colombian coconut rice, use some ripe plantains. If you don’t seem to find ripe fruit anywhere, just let them ripe in your home, that’s the secret of this version! It is a perfect side dish for fish or meat.

Nigerian Coconut Rice

This one is just if you’re into spicy food. Try adding some scotch bonnet peppers to the cooking pot for a spicier Nigerian version of this dish.

Print Recipe

Easy Coconut Rice: A Thai Staple

This can be a side dish and it can be a dessert too.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time10 minutes mins

Resting Time10 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Dessert, Side Dish

Cuisine: World

Servings: 4 Serving

Ingredients

• 2 Cups Jasmine Rice
• 2 Cups Full-Fat Coconut Milk
• 1 Cup Water
• Sugar, Salt, Cilantro, Green onions

Instructions

• Start by rinsing the Jasmine rice two or three times, until the water comes off clear. Make sure you fully drain it before placing it in the cooking pot.
• Add two cups of full-fat coconut milk to the cooking pot. Add the water too.
• Add a pinch of salt and a pinch of sugar. Mix and integrate everything.
• Bring the mix to a boil and once it boils, turn the heat down.
• Cover your pot with a lid and cook the rice until all the liquid is fully absorbed.
• Once the liquid is gone, turn the heat off and let the pot sit, with the lid still on, for an extra five or ten minutes.
• Remove the lid and fluff the rice.
• Top everything with some chopped green onions and cilantro. Serve and enjoy!

Featured Image Credit: Freepik