Description
Turmeric coconut rice is a flavorful and creamy one-pot side dish made with basmati rice cooked in coconut milk and broth, enhanced with turmeric, fresh ginger, garlic, and aromatic spices. This mildly spiced, vibrant yellow rice pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses and offers a slightly creamy, never-mushy texture.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice or jasmine rice
- 1 ½ tablespoons coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- Big pinch kosher salt, or to taste
- Pinch freshly-cracked black pepper, or to taste
- 1 ¼ teaspoons ground turmeric
- 2 cups reduced-sodium broth (vegetable or chicken) or water
- 1 13.5-ounce can coconut milk (regular or lite)
- Chopped fresh cilantro for serving
Instructions
- Rinse Rice: Add dry rice to a large metal sieve and rinse thoroughly under cool water. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky. Set aside to drain.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat coconut oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until it begins to soften and turns golden. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper; cook for an additional 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Add Turmeric and Rice: Stir in ground turmeric to coat the aromatics evenly. Add the rinsed rice, stirring well to combine and toast the rice for 2-3 minutes while stirring frequently to prevent burning and enhance nuttiness.
- Deglaze Pan: If brown bits stick to the bottom of the pan, pour in a small amount of broth to deglaze, scraping up all flavorful bits. Then add the remaining broth and coconut milk, stirring to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Rice: Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a low simmer and cover the pan with a lid. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the rice has fully absorbed the liquid and is tender.
- Fluff and Garnish: Remove the pan from heat and fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving for a fresh herbal note.
- Store Leftovers: Transfer any leftover rice into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, ensuring freshness and easy reheating.
Notes
- Choose basmati rice or jasmine rice for their fragrant aroma and fluffy texture when cooked.
- Use coconut oil for a richer coconut flavor; olive oil can be substituted for a lighter taste.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to personal preference.
- For a lighter dish, opt for lite coconut milk; regular coconut milk provides a creamier texture.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats, curries, or roasted vegetables.
- Ensure rice is fully rinsed to prevent it from becoming gummy or mushy.
- Leftover rice can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
