Coconut Rice
A fragrant, tropical rice dish featuring toasted coconut, sweet mango, and fresh chives, perfect for summer gatherings or as a vibrant side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large saucepan.
- Add shredded coconut and cook and stir until browned.
- Add chopped onion and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in rice.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in chopped mango.
- Sprinkle with chopped chives.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, you can substitute the shredded coconut with toasted coconut flakes. If you prefer a creamier texture, consider using coconut milk instead of chicken broth, adjusting the quantity to maintain the right consistency. Ensure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps achieve fluffier grains. This dish works well with various proteins, making it a versatile base for many Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Coconut rice pairs beautifully with grilled chicken and potato dinner or a refreshing cool grilled chicken salad for a complete meal. You can serve it as a side with grilled fish or alongside spicy curries. Garnish with additional fresh chives or a squeeze of lime for added brightness, enhancing the tropical flavors of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the rice to prevent it from drying out, and microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through. For longer storage, you can freeze the coconut rice in portions for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Coconut Rice contains roughly 797 calories, with 13g protein, 141g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (169% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (66% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1436mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but note that it will require a longer cooking time, typically around 40-50 minutes, and you may need to adjust the liquid ratio slightly. Brown rice will give the dish a nuttier flavor and added nutrients.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit any animal products. The coconut and mango will still provide a deliciously rich flavor, making it a great vegan option.
What can I add for extra protein?
You can add cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu to the coconut rice for extra protein. Grilled chicken recipes like Garlic Oregano Chicken would also complement this dish well, enhancing both flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).