Savory Coconut Rice

4.5
(63)
45 Reviews
16 Photos

I love coconut rice, especially as a side for spicy grilled meats, but when I order it out, it's usually too sweet for my tastes, and more closely resembles dessert than a side dish. So, I decided to create a more savory version at home, which I eventually did, after a few short decades of testing.

By
John Mitzewich
Chef John
John Mitzewich
John Mitzewich — aka Chef John — has produced more than 1,500 cooking videos for Allrecipes. He's the actor, director, and screenwriter whose hands and voice confidently walk you through techniques.
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Updated on July 28, 2024
Tested by
Allrecipes Test Kitchen
Tested by Allrecipes Test Kitchen
The Allrecipes Test Kitchen staff are a team of culinary pros who make and vet recipes using only equipment you'd find in a home kitchen. Staff credentials vary but include training at the Culinary Institute of America; kitchen stints in fine dining restaurants; and countless hours in the test kitchen itself.
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Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
22 mins
Additional Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
37 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
4 servings
Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups jasmine or long-grain white rice

  • 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger

  • ½ teaspoon red chili flakes

  • ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1 cup water

  • 1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk (not coconut cream)

  • 1 bay leaf

  • ¼ cup toasted coconut for garnish

Directions

  1. Place rice in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add grated ginger, kosher salt, red chili flakes, and turmeric. Pour in water and coconut milk. Whisk until mixture is well combined (do not stir again).

  2. Place pan over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer. When mixture starts to bubble and reaches a low simmer, place bay leaf on the surface, cover tightly, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 18 minutes without taking off the lid. Remove pan from heat and let sit 5 minutes, covered. Fluff rice with a fork.

    close up view of Savory Coconut Rice in a blue bowl
    Chef John

Chef's Note

There are lots of things you can add, like herbs, fresh vegetables, and/or sliced spring onions — so personal adaptation is very much encouraged.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

535 Calories
28g Fat
67g Carbs
8g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 535
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 28g 36%
Saturated Fat 25g 123%
Sodium 500mg 22%
Total Carbohydrate 67g 24%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 8g 15%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 24mg 2%
Iron 4mg 24%
Potassium 308mg 7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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