Coconut rice is one of the tastiest, most flavorful side dishes you can serve for dinner – and it’s also incredibly easy to make.
This dish is an excellent choice for those looking to up their cooking game with a little flair.
Not only does coconut rice pair nicely with almost any main course, but its delicious flavor and soft texture will leave your guests wanting more!
This blog post will explore what to serve with coconut rice and why they work so well together.
What Is Coconut Rice?
Coconut rice is a fragrant, flavorful dish with white or brown rice and coconut milk.
It’s commonly served as an accompaniment to spicy dishes in tropical regions like South India, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Caribbean.
Coconut rice can also be a side dish — it pairs well with grilled fish or vegetables.
Coconut rice is usually cooked in a pot on the stove with coconut milk and other ingredients, but it can also be prepared in the microwave or pressure cooker.
The result should be fluffy and fragrant, with a creamy texture from the coconut milk.
There are many variations of coconut rice, depending on the region and ingredients used.
Some recipes call for adding spices like cumin, turmeric, and coriander to give them a distinctive flavor.
Others add aromatics such as lemongrass, garlic, ginger, and chili peppers for a punch of heat.
What To Serve With Coconut Rice?
Coconut rice is a delicious and versatile side dish that can be served with various main courses.
From grilled fish to curries and stir-fries, there are many tasty options for pairing coconut rice with your favorite entrees.
Here are some suggestions for what to serve with coconut rice:
Chicken Vindaloo
Chicken Vindaloo is an Indian curry dish made with chicken simmered in a spicy and tangy sauce.
The sauce usually contains vinegar, garlic, ginger, chilies, cumin and other spices.
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This dish is traditionally served with coconut rice – a fragrant blend of basmati rice cooked in coconut milk or cream.
The creamy coconut milk provides a cooling contrast to the spicy curry and a delicious balance of flavor.
Coconut rice also adds sweetness and texture that pairs perfectly with the richness of Chicken Vindaloo.
Enjoy this vibrant dish as a main meal or side dish for any occasion!
Hawaiian Chicken
Hawaiian Chicken is grilled chicken marinated in pineapple juice, soy sauce and garlic. It is typically served with coconut rice, which adds flavor to the chicken.
The sweet, subtle hint of coconut complements the savory flavors of the marinade and the richness of the chicken.
Coconut rice is also a low-calorie option, making it a great accompaniment to Hawaiian Chicken.
It’s also simple and easy to make: cook the rice according to package instructions, adding coconut milk before serving.
The result is a flavorful and healthful meal that will satisfy you.
Tofo Curry
Tofu Curry is a delicious and distinctive dish that originated in Southeast Asia.
It consists of pieces of tofu cooked in a flavorful curry sauce, varying from mild to spicy, depending on the ingredients used.
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Adding vegetables or other ingredients such as potatoes, bamboo shoots, and mushrooms gives it a unique flavor.
Coconut rice is the perfect accompaniment to the dish, as it cools the spiciness of the curry while adding a subtle sweetness that complements the flavors of the curry.
Coconut rice also any extra sauce and enhances its flavor, making it a perfect combination with Tofu Curry.
Thai Fish Curry
Thai Fish Curry is a traditional Thai dish, typically made with red or green curry paste and fish cooked in coconut milk.
It can be served with your choice of accompaniments, such as vegetables, noodles, or jasmine rice.
Coconut rice is a great accompaniment to Thai Fish Curry because it adds a creamy sweetness that balances out the spiciness of the curry paste.
The coconut rice’s sweetness and creaminess also help tone down any fishy taste that may result from cooking the fish in coconut milk.
Glazed Salmon
Glazed Salmon is a type of fish entree that is cooked with a sweet and savory glaze. The glaze typically contains honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
This combination creates a unique flavor profile that pairs well with many side dishes.
Coconut rice is one of the best sides to serve with Glazed Salmon because it balances out the sweetness and richness of the glaze.
Coconut rice offers a great contrast in texture and taste to the sticky-sweet glaze on the salmon, making for an interesting yet delicious meal.
Gobi Manchurian
Gobi Manchurian is an Indo-Chinese dish originating in India.
It is made with deep-fried cauliflower florets and a spicy sauce that usually includes garlic, ginger, soy sauce, chili peppers and tomato paste.
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This dish pairs perfectly with Coconut Rice. Coconut Rice is cooked with freshly grated coconut and fragrant spices like cardamom, cloves and bay leaves.
Combining the light and sweet Coconut Rice with the flavorful Gobi Manchurian creates a perfectly balanced dish that will delight your taste buds.
Rajma
Rajma, or red kidney beans, are popular in North Indian cuisine. The combination of Rajma and coconut rice is a classic pairing that can be found across India.
Rajma has an earthy taste and creamy texture that pairs well with the sweetness of the coconut in the rice.
This dish is full of protein and fiber and often serves as a nutritious and satisfying main course.
The combination of flavors makes this meal a favorite among vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
Rajma is often cooked with spices such as cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, ginger and garlic to add flavor to the dish.
Coconut rice can be savory or sweet, depending on how it is cooked.
To make the savory version, coconut milk and water are added to the rice and other spices such as cardamom, cloves and cinnamon.
Cabbage Slaw
Cabbage Slaw is a simple yet delicious side dish made with shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, and other seasonings. It’s popular in many cultures, especially Caribbean cuisine.
The combination of crunchy cabbage and creamy mayonnaise gives it a unique flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of coconut rice.
When served with cabbage slaw, this combination creates an incredibly flavorful meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.
The coconut rice’s sweetness helps balance the mild tartness of the mayonnaise dressing in the cabbage slaw for a delicious flavor that can’t be beaten.
Additionally, the crunchiness of the cabbage slaw helps to add a pleasant texture and contrast to the softer coconut rice.
Steamed Vegetables
Steamed vegetables are a healthy and delicious addition to any meal.
Steaming is a cooking method that utilizes the heat of steam to cook food while preserving its nutrients and flavor.
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This makes steamed vegetables ideal for those looking to add more nutritious food options to their diet.
When served with coconut rice, combining steamed vegetables and coconut rice forms a balanced meal.
Coconut rice is rich in essential vitamins and minerals important for maintaining good health.
Combining the two provides a healthy source of carbohydrates, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that the body needs to function properly.
Additionally, the flavors from both dishes complement each other nicely and create a delicious meal that is sure to please.
FAQs
What Vegetables To Serve With Coconut Rice?
The possibilities are endless when it comes to what vegetables to serve with coconut rice.
To keep things light and healthy, roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms make great side dishes for coconut rice.
For a more substantial meal, try adding sautéed greens like kale or spinach for an added layer of flavor.
What Meat To Serve With Coconut Rice?
Coconut rice pairs well with various meat dishes, from grilled chicken to spicy shrimp.
Pan-seared salmon, pork tenderloin, and beef satay are also great options. Tofu or tempeh could be added as extra protein for a vegetarian option.
What Sauce To Serve With Coconut Rice?
Coconut rice is often served with a variety of sauces to add flavor.
Try adding a spicy peanut sauce, a creamy coconut sauce, or even a simple soy-based sauce.
For added heat, add some sriracha or sambal oelek on top. Alternatively, lime wedges can be served alongside the dish for an extra pop of bright acidity.
Conclusion
Now you should know what to serve with coconut rice.
From glazed salmon and Gobi Manchurian to Rajma and Cabbage Slaw, coconut rice pairs well with vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Additionally, steamed vegetables are an excellent choice for those looking to add more nutritious food options to their meal.
These dishes provide a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds rejoice.
