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    Home » Sides » Coconut Cilantro Rice

    Coconut Cilantro Rice

    Oct 17, 2015 · by Valentina · 14 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    Coconut Cilantro Rice is a vegan side dish that is almost too good to be true! It's subtly sweet with the fresh flavor of cilantro throughout -- and the pairing possibilities are endless, as it would be delicious with just about everything!Coconut Cilantro Rice in a green bowl with cilantro sprigs in background

    Cooking Rice in Coconut Water

    Cooking rice with coconut water is magical, and it's the key to this recipe.

    This rice is perfect alongside a spicy chicken dish, and so many other dishes!

    I made Baked Coconut Mango Chicken and placed it right on top of it (pictured below), and it was amazing!

    It would also be delicious for dessert.  I know, you're thinking that might be strange -- but hear me out, because I should know. I might have had a few bites after dinner.

    Though not a true dessert, when you're left with just that mango sauce and the Coconut Cilantro Rice, it's a bit reminiscent of Mango Sticky Rice, and is just sweet enough to satisfy a sweet tooth.

    Here is a great recipe for an actual authentic Mango Sticky Rice.

    Coconut Mango Baked Chicken in baking dish, to go with Coconut Cilantro rice

    This is essentially coconut water rice. Yep, instead of plain water, the liquid in the recipe is coconut water.

    What's in this recipe?

    • coconut oil
    • onion
    • cumin, salt
    • long grain rice
    • coconut water
    • cilantro

    Coconut water rice is made the same way as most rice dishes, only with coconut water, and it changes it into something unique and interesting. Add spices and cilantro, and oh my! Delicious!

    What's delicious with Coconut Cilantro Rice?

    • Mediterranean Marinated Flank Steak
    • Spicy Cilantro Shrimp
    • Broiled Cilantro Chimichurri Sole
    • Five Minute Mexican Blackened Salmon
    • Mexican Chopped Salad with Spiced Pepitas

    Coconut Cilantro Rice in green bowl and Mango Coconut Baked Chicken in baking dish

    Oh, and any bits of rice that stick to the pot would be so yummy. I should know. I ate them. All of them.

    It would be a good idea to make a double batch. I should know. I barely had enough to share.

    (And yes it does technically serve 4.)

    Enjoy every last grain, with whatever you decide to serve it with -- if anything.

    bright green bowl filled with coconut cilantro rice surrounded with cilantro sprigs

    Coconut Cilantro Rice Recipe

    Valentina K. Wein
    A vegan side dish that is almost too good to be true! It's subtly sweet with the fresh flavor of cilantro throughout -- and the pairing possibilities are endless, as it would be delicious with just about everything.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 230 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
    • ½ cup yellow onion, finely chopped
    • 1 cup long grain rice
    • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 2 cups coconut water
    • ¼ cup cilantro, washed and dried, finely chopped
    • a couple of turns of freshly ground black pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Cook the onions. Coat the bottom of a small medium-sized sauce pot with the coconut oil and place it over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they're are translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
    • Add the rice and cumin. Add rice and cumin to the onions. Stir to be sure all the grains are coated with the coconut oil, and then sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring almost constantly.
    • Add coconut water and cook. Add the coconut water and salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot, and cook until all of the liquid has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes.
    • Add cilantro and season. Stir in the cilantro, a few turns of freshly ground black pepper, and serve!

    Notes

    Calorie count is only an estimate.
    Keywords rice for chicken, great side dishes for meats and stews
    Have you tried this recipe?I'd love to see it on Instagram! Tag me at @cookingontheweekends or leave a comment & rating below.

    Save

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. David

      October 18, 2015 at 9:02 pm

      Coconut and rice are a perfect combination! We often make it with kaffir lime leaves, but I love the idea of cilantro! Thanks! Can't wait for the chicken recipe.

      Reply
      • valentina

        October 18, 2015 at 10:24 pm

        Thanks, David! Must be delicious with the limes -- sound like a perfect pairing. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Lucy

      March 18, 2016 at 11:41 am

      I absolutely adore cilantro. This would be so yummy with shrimp or salmon!

      Reply
      • valentina

        March 18, 2016 at 12:36 pm

        Oh I would love it with shrimp! Perfect!

        Reply
    3. Dini @ The Flavor Bender

      March 18, 2016 at 11:49 am

      I love spiced rice! Any kind of rice with lots of flavor - and I definitely looove this! Cilantro is one of my favourite herbs too 🙂 Can't wait to try this next time I make rice 🙂

      Reply
      • valentina

        March 18, 2016 at 12:36 pm

        Thanks so much. Hope yo love it!

        Reply
    4. sue|theviewfromgreatisland

      March 18, 2016 at 11:55 am

      This combination is one of my all time favorites!

      Reply
      • valentina

        March 18, 2016 at 12:36 pm

        Thanks so much, Sue! Mine too. 🙂

        Reply
    5. jacqueline | i sugar coat it!

      March 18, 2016 at 1:00 pm

      I grew up with rice being cooked in coconut milk and it has stuck with me. I love spiced, flavoured rice and cilantro is definitely a fave!

      Reply
      • valentina

        March 20, 2016 at 12:03 am

        Thanks so much, Jacqueline. I've always loved cooking rice in coconut milk and/or water. 🙂

        Reply
    6. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry

      March 18, 2016 at 1:32 pm

      The African rice lover in me is doing a little dance about finding your recipe.

      Reply
      • valentina

        March 20, 2016 at 12:03 am

        Oh, I love that. Let's dance! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Eha

      March 19, 2022 at 3:56 pm

      Living semi-rurally with a climate just a tad too cool to allow coconuts I have to buy coconut water in tins - darn it !! Bit have not cooked my rice 'this way' for quite a while, guess what has just been added to the on-line shopping list' ! Am truly looking forwards to being in the tropics again . . . !!!

      Reply
      • valentina

        March 21, 2022 at 9:34 am

        Being in the tropics sounds lovely about now. 🙂 Nothing like a fresh coconut, right!? Thanks, Eha. 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Valentina, certified chef, owner, recipe developer and photographer at Cooking on the Weekends. I'm also a mom of two boys and a Los Angeleno. I use seasonal whole foods to create unique and comforting recipes for casual entertaining.

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