There’s something magical about the way cilantro and lime come together, isn’t there? It’s like a zesty dance party in your mouth, with every bite bringing you closer to a tropical paradise. And, oh, don’t get me started on the coconut—it’s like the DJ of this flavor fiesta, spinning out a creamy, nutty beat that keeps you coming back for more.
Steps
- In a medium-sized heavy pot, combine coconut milk, brown rice, water, grated ginger, crushed garlic, salt, and sweetened grated coconut. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the mixture to simmer until all the liquid is absorbed, which should take about 40-45 minutes.
- After cooking, remove the pot from heat but keep it covered for an additional 10 minutes to finish steaming.
- Use a fork to fluff the rice, then gently mix in the cilantro.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice (such as brown jasmine, basmati, or short grain)
- 1 cup light coconut milk (e.g., Thai Kitchen brand)
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons sweetened shredded coconut
- 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Nutritional Values
Calories: 824 kcal | Carbohydrates: 140.4 g | Protein: 12.4 g | Fat: 21.6 g | Saturated Fat: 12.8 g | Sodium: 617.2 mg | Fiber: 7.2 g | Sugar: 5.2 g
FAQ
- Can I use white rice instead of brown rice for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute white rice for brown rice. Just remember to use 1 cup of water instead of 1 1/4 cups and reduce the cooking time.
- What type of coconut milk should I use?
- It is recommended to use lite coconut milk, such as Thai Kitchen brand, for a subtle coconut flavor that complements the dish.
- Is the flaked coconut necessary for the recipe?
- The flaked coconut is optional, but it adds a gentle sweetness to the dish that many enjoy.
- Can I add other ingredients for additional flavor?
- Certainly, you can include a dash of sesame oil for added flavor, which is a popular choice for enhancing the dish.
- What dishes pair well with Brown Coconut Rice with Cilantro?
- This rice complements a variety of Thai dishes, such as Sweet and Fiery Pork Tenderloin with Mango Salsa, Tilapia with Coconut Curry Sauce, and Thai Green Coconut Curry Shrimp.
Tips
- For the best results, use brown jasmine rice, as it complements the flavors well. If you opt for white rice, adjust the water to 1 cup and reduce the cooking time accordingly.
- To enhance the dish’s aroma and flavor, consider adding a small amount of sesame oil.
- Although optional, incorporating flaked coconut can add a pleasant, subtle sweetness to the rice.
- After cooking, let the rice sit covered for an additional 10 minutes off the heat to ensure it absorbs all the flavors before fluffing with a fork.
Equipment
- Heavy Pot – A medium-sized heavy pot is specified for cooking the rice. If you don’t have one, you might consider purchasing a cast iron or stainless steel pot.
- Grater – For grating fresh ginger, a ginger grater or microplane might be needed.
- Garlic Press – If you don’t have a way to crush garlic, a garlic press could be useful.
