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!
This rice would be so perfect along side a spicy chicken dish. I should know.
I made Baked Coconut Mango Chicken and placed it right on top of it (pictured below).
It was so incredibly scrumptious!
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.
Or, I suppose you could almost call this combination dessert for dinner. Okay, not quite, but you get the picture.
Here is a great recipe for an actual authentic Mango Sticky Rice.
This is essentially coconut water rice. Yep, instead of plain water, the liquid in the recipe is coconut water.
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 else would the Coconut Cilantro Rice be delicious with?
- Mediterranean Marinated Flank Steak
- Spicy Cilantro Shrimp
- Broiled Cilantro Chimichurri Sole
- Five Minute Mexican Blackened Salmon
- Mexican Chopped Salad with Spiced Pepitas
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 of your Coconut Cilantro Rice, with whatever you decide to serve it with — if anything.
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.
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups coconut water
- 1/4 cup cilantro, washed and dried, finely chopped
- a couple of turns of freshly ground black pepper
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Coat the bottom of a small medium-sized sauce pot with the coconut oil and place it over medium heat.
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Add the onions and cook until they're are translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
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Add the rice and cumin. Stir to be sure all the grains are coated with the coconut oil, and then sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring almost constantly.
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Add the coconut water and salt, and bring to a boil.
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Reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot, and cook until all of the liquid has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes.
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Stir in the cilantro, a few turns of freshly ground black pepper, and serve!
David says
October 18, 2015 at 9:02 pmCoconut 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.
valentina says
October 18, 2015 at 10:24 pmThanks, David! Must be delicious with the limes — sound like a perfect pairing. 🙂
Lucy says
March 18, 2016 at 11:41 amI absolutely adore cilantro. This would be so yummy with shrimp or salmon!
valentina says
March 18, 2016 at 12:36 pmOh I would love it with shrimp! Perfect!
Dini @ The Flavor Bender says
March 18, 2016 at 11:49 amI 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 🙂
valentina says
March 18, 2016 at 12:36 pmThanks so much. Hope yo love it!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
March 18, 2016 at 11:55 amThis combination is one of my all time favorites!
valentina says
March 18, 2016 at 12:36 pmThanks so much, Sue! Mine too. 🙂
jacqueline | i sugar coat it! says
March 18, 2016 at 1:00 pmI 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!
valentina says
March 20, 2016 at 12:03 amThanks so much, Jacqueline. I’ve always loved cooking rice in coconut milk and/or water. 🙂
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says
March 18, 2016 at 1:32 pmThe African rice lover in me is doing a little dance about finding your recipe.
valentina says
March 20, 2016 at 12:03 amOh, I love that. Let’s dance! 🙂