Golden Coconut Rice is a delightful and fragrant side dish that brings the taste of the tropics right to your dining table. This dish is made with fragrant jasmine rice, creamy coconut milk, and a touch of golden turmeric, creating a visually stunning accompaniment for a variety of main courses. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it also enhances the flavors of Southeast Asian and Indian cuisines beautifully. Let’s dive into this easy recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Golden Coconut Rice

This Golden Coconut Rice offers an array of benefits that make it an essential addition to your meal rotation. First, its vibrant golden color makes any plate visually appealing. Second, the creamy texture from the coconut milk brings a luscious mouthfeel, transforming simple rice into a rich dish. Third, the use of turmeric not only gives the rice its color but also adds anti-inflammatory properties. Fourth, this recipe is incredibly versatile; it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, curries, or as a base for stir-fries. Fifth, it’s a quick dish that can be prepared in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. Sixth, it is vegan-friendly and gluten-free, catering to a variety of dietary needs. Finally, the fragrant aroma of the coconut and turmeric fills the kitchen, enticing everyone to the table. You’ll find that this is not just any Coconut Rice, but a truly memorable side dish.

Ingredients for Golden Coconut Rice

Gather these items:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 (13.5-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 small bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to taste)

How to Make Golden Coconut Rice Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, turmeric, salt, bay leaf, and sugar (if using). Stir to combine.
3. Step 3: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 to 10 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove the bay leaf, then fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Golden Coconut Rice

Keep these in mind:

• Use quality jasmine rice for the best texture and flavor.
• Always rinse the rice to remove excess starch, which helps achieve fluffiness.
• For added flavor, consider incorporating spices such as cardamom or cinnamon during cooking.
• This dish can be made in advance and reheated, making it a great meal prep option. (Stovetop method)

Best Ways to Serve Golden Coconut Rice

Here are a few ideas:

• Pair with grilled chicken or fish for a tropical feast.
• Serve alongside a rich coconut curry for a complete meal.
• Use as a base for a flavorful stir-fry with vegetables and tofu for a vegan delight.

How to Store and Reheat Golden Coconut Rice

To store, place any leftover Golden Coconut Rice in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, simply add a splash of water to the rice and microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. This method retains the creamy texture and prevents it from drying out, making it ideal for meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions About Golden Coconut Rice

What’s the secret to perfect Golden Coconut Rice?

The key to perfect Coconut Rice lies in rinsing the rice well to remove excess starch, which ensures a fluffy texture. Using full-fat coconut milk also enhances creaminess, making your dish richer and more flavorful.

Can I make Golden Coconut Rice ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare Golden Coconut Rice ahead of time. Just follow the recipe and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently when ready to serve, adding a little water if necessary to restore its moisture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Golden Coconut Rice?

Common mistakes include not rinsing the rice or using too much water. Always rinse until the water runs clear, and follow the liquid ratios provided for the best results. This ensures that your rice is fluffy and not gummy.

Variations of Golden Coconut Rice You Can Try

Here are a few tasty variations:

• For a flavored coconut rice, add lime zest and a splash of lime juice before serving.
• Try adding sautéed vegetables for a nutritious twist or nuts for added crunch.
• Make it a sweet dish by adding coconut flakes or serving with mango for a sweet coconut rice recipe.

For more delicious recipes, check out our Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil or Mediterranean Chickpea Salad.

For more information on the health benefits of turmeric, visit Healthline.

To learn about the versatility of rice dishes, check out Homemade Tomato Sauce and Pappardelle with Beef Ragu.

Delicious Golden Coconut Rice: A Tropical Delight

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This golden coconut rice is a fragrant, flavorful side dish made with jasmine rice, coconut milk, and turmeric. It’s vibrant in color and pairs well with a variety of main dishes, especially Southeast Asian and Indian cuisine.

• Author: Robert
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southeast Asian, Indian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 (13.5-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 small bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to taste)

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Instructions

1. Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, turmeric, salt, bay leaf, and sugar (if using). Stir to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
5. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 to 10 minutes.
6. Remove the bay leaf, then fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Notes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg