This deliciously tropical rice with coconut milk is extra flavourful with the addition of sweet onion, fresh ginger, nutmeg, and basil pesto. The resulting flavour is absolutely wonderful and it makes the perfect side for so many dishes.
Although this rice tastes good enough to eat on its own, I really loved this rice with marinated mango chicken fresh from the grill! A winning combination.
If you want to make a coconut rice but are looking for something simple and quick yet still super tasty, my easy Thai coconut rice is a recipe you should definitely check out. Or, try cilantro lime rice for a fresh and citrusy rice option.
Ingredients
- Jasmine rice - This type of long grain rice is known for its lovely, almost popcorn-like fragrance.
- Water
- Butter
- Sweet onion
- Fresh ginger
- Unsweetened coconut milk - Canned and full-fat.
- Salt
- Ground nutmeg
- Basil pesto
See the recipe card below for quantities.
Buy Now → Substitutions
Jasmine rice - While jasmine rice is the best and the traditional choice for making coconut rice, you can substitute with another long-grain variety of rice, such as basmati.
Full-fat coconut milk - You can substitute this with a light coconut milk, just note that the flavour will be a bit milder (though still delicious).
Variations
Some deliciously tropical additions to this rice with coconut milk dish is fresh mango or pineapple chopped up and tossed in right before serving. Either of these add a sweet and juicy pop of flavour!
Instructions
Melt butter in a medium-sized sauce pan over medium heat. Cook onion and ginger until onion begins to become translucent.
Add in rice and stir until mixed well.
Stir in water, coconut milk, salt, and nutmeg.
Bring the pot to a boil then turn the heat to low, cover and cook for 20 minutes.
Remove it from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice and mix in the pesto until well incorporated.
What to serve with it
This rice is an excellent side for any grilled meats or seafood. It's also delicious as a side for stir fries and Thai-style curries.
FAQ
Jasmine rice is the best kind of rice to use in coconut rice. It has a great texture for it and a very complimentary aroma.
📖 Recipe
Tropical Rice with Coconut Milk
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side dish
- Cuisine: Thai fusion
Description
This deliciously tropical rice with coconut milk is extra flavourful with the addition of sweet onion, fresh ginger, nutmeg, and basil pesto. It makes the perfect side for so many dishes!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup sweet onion, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 cup jasmine rice, uncooked
2 cups water
¼ cup unsweetened coconut milk, canned
½ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons basil pesto
Instructions
Melt butter in a medium-sized sauce pan over medium heat. Cook onion and ginger until onion begins to become translucent.
Add in rice and stir until mixed well.
Stir in water, coconut milk, salt, and nutmeg.
Bring the pot to a boil then turn the heat to low, cover and cook for 20 minutes.
Remove it from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice and mix in the pesto until well incorporated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 163
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 369.8 mg
- Fat: 10.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 15.3 g
- Protein: 1.8 g
- Cholesterol: 15.3 mg
Jessica says
I love this! more elaborate than a normal coconut rice, but sooo tasty
Asha says
Thanks Jessica! I could eat a bowl of it on its own lol
Eric says
This was delicious. Pretty easy to make too.
Asha says
Thanks Eric! It's worth the little bit of effort.
Sara says
Made this for a tiki theme dinner and everyone raved about it.
Asha says
A tiki party sounds so fun! Great idea to make this dish for it. I love it.
Meagan Taylor says
So good
Asha says
Thanks 🙂
Charles says
Perfect anytime. Tasty.
Asha says
Thanks 🙂
Nathan says
Loved this rice with grilled halibut.
Asha says
Thank you, sounds like a nice combo 🙂
Suzanne says
Great taste. Will be making it often.
Asha says
Awesome, thank you 🙂