Looking for a refreshing and delightful dish that transports your taste buds straight to the tropics? Our Coconut Jasmine Rice Lettuce Cups are not only a feast for the eyes but also a burst of flavor in every bite! Combining the fragrant essence of jasmine rice with creamy coconut milk, these vibrant lettuce cups are perfect for a light lunch, a fun appetizer, or a unique party dish that will leave your guests raving. Ready to impress? Let's dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that promises to elevate your culinary game!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 head of lettuce, leaves separated
- 1 carrot, shredded
- 1 cucumber, diced
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the jasmine rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, removing excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed jasmine rice, coconut milk, water, and salt. Stir to mix ingredients evenly.
- Bring the rice mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer the rice for 15-18 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed and rice is tender and fluffy. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
- While rice is cooking, carefully separate and wash the lettuce leaves, pat dry with paper towels to ensure crisp texture.
- Prepare the vegetables by shredding the carrot using a box grater and dicing the cucumber into small, uniform cubes.
- Fluff the cooked coconut rice with a fork, allowing it to cool slightly for easier handling.
- Arrange lettuce leaves on a serving platter, creating small cups or boats.
- Spoon the warm coconut jasmine rice into each lettuce leaf, filling them about two-thirds full.
- Top the rice-filled lettuce cups with shredded carrots and diced cucumber.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or Thai basil for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately while rice is still warm and lettuce leaves are crisp.
Tips
- Rinse the Rice: Don't skip rinsing the jasmine rice! This crucial step removes excess starch, ensuring that your rice turns out fluffy rather than sticky.
- Coconut Milk Quality: Use high-quality coconut milk for a richer flavor. Look for brands that contain minimal additives for the best results.
- Simmer Gently: Keep the heat low once the mixture boils to prevent the rice from burning at the bottom. A tight-fitting lid is key to retaining steam and moisture.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the vegetables ahead of time. Shred the carrot and dice the cucumber, then store them in the fridge until you're ready to assemble the cups.
- Fresh Herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs for garnish. Cilantro, mint, or Thai basil can add a delightful twist to your dish.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the lettuce cups immediately after assembling to maintain the crispness of the lettuce and warmth of the rice.
- Customize Fillings: Feel free to add other toppings like diced avocado, chopped nuts, or even cooked shrimp for a heartier option!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 0mg
