Making this lemon coconut rice in a rice cooker is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the refreshing taste of lemon with a hint of coconut. Since I struggle with making stovetop rice, I opted to throw everything in the rice cooker and let it do the work for me. It resulted in a nice simple hint of lemon and coconut in every bite!
![A white bowl filled with fluffy white rice, with a few pieces of lemon zest and shredded coconut sprinkled on top. The bowl is sitting on a white wooden table, with a gray napkin and a palm leaf in the background.](https://burntapple.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_3052.jpg)
This recipe is just perfect as a side dish for Cinco de Mayo or as a side with some chicken. We also love it as a side with some salsa too! You could even serve it as a side for an Indian dish! After you'll definetely want some dessert so to use up some leftover coconut or lemon zest you could make some cupcakes, no bakes if it's hot outside, or cake.
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Ingredients
You only need 5 ingredients to make this recipe. You will need:
- rice
- water
- lemon zest
- shredded coconut
- salt
Instructions
Now it's time to get started on making your coconut rice in the rice cooker. It's as simple as placing all the ingredients in the rice cooker and turning it to 'on!'
- Step 1: Place all ingredients in your rice cooker. Stir to combine. Cook rice according to rice cooker directions.
- When rice has cooked, stir to fluff and combine ingredients. Serve.
Hint: Placing all the ingredients in your rice cooker allows the lemon and coconut flavor to cook into the rice while baking.
Substitutions
You shouldn't need to make any substitutions in this recipe. It's naturally gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, and dairy free. But you may want to make sure that those you are serving to do not have a coconut allergy.
Variations
I think you could easily make this by substituting lime in place of the lemon. You could also just omit the lemon if you want. The lemon in this recipe is nice and subtle. You could also try some cilantro rice if you're needing a little more flavor.
Equipment
You will want to use a rice cooker for this recipe. The one we use isn't too expensive at all and it makes a nice bowl of rice.
Storage
Store any leftover lemon coconut rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to moisten the rice.
You can also freeze lemon coconut rice. Place the cooled rice in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Top tip
- Use fresh ingredients: Using fresh lemon zest enhances the flavor and aroma of the dish.
- Rinse the rice: Rinsing the rice before cooking may help to remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky. This step is essential for achieving fluffy rice.
- Adjust the liquid: Depending on the type of rice and your rice cooker, you may need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly. The goal is to have enough liquid to cook the rice thoroughly without making it mushy.
- Let the rice rest: Allowing the rice to rest for a few minutes after the cooking cycle is complete helps to set the flavors and makes the rice easier to fluff.
FAQ
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of liquid. Brown rice typically requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Follow your rice cooker’s instructions for brown rice.
Yes, you can make lemon coconut rice on the stovetop. Follow the same ingredient ratios and cook the rice in a pot with a tight-fitting lid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
Ensure that you have the correct liquid-to-rice ratio and that you have thoroughly rinsed the rice before cooking. Some rice cookers also have a non-stick coating, which can help prevent sticking.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
5 Ingredient Lemon Coconut Rice in the Rice Cooker
Equipment
- rice cooker
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine or white rice
- 1 ½ cups water
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water in a strainer until the water runs clear.
- In your rice cooker, combine the rice, water, lemon zest and shredded coconut. Stir to combine.
- Cook rice according to rice cooker directions. (Approximately 15-20 minutes). cook until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff the rice with a fork prior to serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:
burntapple
This was the best rice. Perfect side dish, thank you!