Imagine transporting your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Thailand with a single, magical dish that combines creamy coconut milk, perfectly cooked jasmine rice, and a colorful medley of fresh vegetables. This Thai Coconut Vegetable Rice isn't just a recipe—it's a quick, delicious escape that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the jasmine rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, removing excess starch. Drain well in a fine-mesh strainer.
- In a medium saucepan, pour the entire can of coconut milk. Add 1/2 cup of water and grated ginger. Stir to combine and bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Add the rinsed rice to the coconut milk mixture. Stir gently to ensure rice is evenly distributed and not sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice cook for approximately 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- While rice is cooking, chop mixed vegetables into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- After 15 minutes, check rice for tenderness. If liquid is absorbed and rice is still slightly firm, add chopped vegetables on top of the rice without stirring.
- Replace lid and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until vegetables are tender and rice is fully cooked.
- Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes to allow steam to finish cooking rice and vegetables.
- Gently fluff rice with a fork, mixing vegetables throughout. Add fish sauce and salt to taste, stirring carefully to distribute seasonings.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Rice Rinsing is Key: Always rinse your jasmine rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring each grain remains separate and fluffy.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Maintain a low heat when cooking rice to prevent burning and achieve that perfect, creamy coconut texture.
- No Peeking Rule: Resist the temptation to lift the lid while cooking—trapped steam is crucial for even rice cooking.
- Vegetable Precision: Cut vegetables into uniform, small pieces to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
- Flavor Boosters: Consider adding a splash of lime juice or some chopped fresh herbs like Thai basil for an extra flavor dimension.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to swap vegetables based on what's in your fridge or add protein like tofu or chicken for a more substantial meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 0mg
