What to Serve with Coconut Rice (11 Interesting Sides)

Finding what to serve with coconut rice can be difficult because it is such a versatile dish. But I’m here to help.

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When I was younger, my mom would often make coconut rice for dinner. I was always so impressed by how delicious it was.

The creamy coconut milk mixed with the fluffy rice was the perfect combination. I loved trying different side dishes with it, and I quickly discovered that there were a lot of delicious options out there.

These days, I still love to make coconut rice for dinner. I’ll usually make a big batch so that I have leftovers for lunch the next day. And, of course, I always make sure to include a few delicious side dishes.

If you’re looking for some inspiration, here are 11 fantastic side dishes to serve with coconut rice. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Side Dishes for Coconut Rice

  1. Fruit Salad
  2. Steamed Tofu with Soy Sauce
  3. Cabbage Slaw
  4. Stir Fry Vegetables
  5. Cucumber Slices
  6. Savory Beef
  7. Chicken Curry
  8. Steamed Vegetables
  9. Carrot and Pea Salad
  10. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
  11. Pork

Fruit Salad

I think nobody needs to tell you how good fruit is for you.

It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for your health. What’s not to love?

Fruit salad is the perfect side dish for coconut rice because it’s light and refreshing. The sweetness of the fruit balances out the rich flavor of coconut milk. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of fruit.

Whenever I am making fruit salad as a side dish for coconut rice, I always add a special touch to it by drizzling a little bit of honey on top. It’s delicious!

Just make sure to thoroughly wash the fruit before you start chopping it up. I like to use a mix of different fruits, such as apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes. But feel free to use whatever fruits you like best.

Steamed Tofu with Soy Sauce

Tofu is a great source of protein, and it’s perfect for those who are trying to eat more plant-based meals. So, if you’re a vegetarian this side dish is ideal for you.

Tofu can be a little bland on its own, but when it’s paired with the right ingredients, it can be absolutely delicious. I like to steam my tofu and then drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil on top.

The key to making this dish successful is to press the tofu before you cook it. This will help to remove any excess water and prevent it from becoming mushy.

I also like to add a little bit of ginger for flavor. If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can use ground ginger instead.

Cabbage Slaw

Staying healthy should be the number one commandment of anyone hoping to live a long and prosperous life. What better way to eat healthy than with a big bowl of cabbage slaw?

This dish is full of vitamins and minerals, and it’s low in calories. What’s more? When prepared well, it tastes absolutely delicious.

I like to make my own cabbage slaw by mixing shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions together. I also add a little bit of rice vinegar, sesame oil, and salt to taste.

If you want a little bit of sweetness in your cabbage slaw, you can also add a tablespoon or two of honey.

Stir Fry Vegetables

This is another great option for those who are looking for a healthy side dish. Stir fry vegetables are packed with nutrients, and they make a great addition to any meal.

When making stir-fried vegetables, try and use a mix of different veggies. I usually start with broccoli, carrots, and onions.

I also add some garlic. If you want your dish to be extra spicy, you can also add a little bit of ginger.

As for the sauce, I like to use a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.

Cucumber Slices

Sometimes, your coconut rice needs a little refreshment. That’s where cucumber slices come in.

Cucumbers are the perfect addition to any dish because they’re light and refreshing. They have a cool, crisp texture that pairs well with the rich flavor of coconut milk.

Plus, they’re super easy to prepare. Just slice them up and add them to your dish. If you want, you can also add a little bit of vinegar or salt to taste.

You’d absolutely love them!

Savory Beef

This is the perfect side dish for those who are looking for something hearty and filling.

Beef is a great source of protein, and it has a rich, savory flavor that goes well with coconut rice.

I like to prepare my beef by marinating it in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Then, I cook it in a pan until it’s browned.

You may also want to add some vegetables to the skillet if you like. The meal will be even more nutritious as a result of this.

Chicken Curry

This is one of my personal favorites. Chicken curry is hearty and filling, yet still light enough to be a perfect side dish.

When making chicken curry, I prefer to use boneless chicken breasts. However, you can use whatever type of chicken you like.

I also add a mix of different vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, and peas.

As for the curry sauce, I tend to use a store-bought variety. But if you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own from scratch.

Steamed Vegetables

There is no denying that steamed vegetables are healthy. They’re packed with nutrients and vitamins, and they make a great addition to any meal.

Plus, they’re super easy to prepare. All you need is a steamer basket and some fresh vegetables.

I typically steam broccoli, carrots, and green beans. But you can really use any type of vegetable you like.

Once the vegetables are cooked, you should drizzle them with a little bit of olive oil and lemon juice. If you want, you can also season them with salt and pepper.

This simple dish is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Carrot and Pea Salad

I know that you might find this an unlikely combo, but trust me, it works.

The sweetness of the carrots pairs perfectly with the peas, and the dressing ties everything together in a delicious way.

To make this salad, you’ll need to mix together cooked carrots, peas, and green onions. For the dressing, I like to use a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, and mustard.

But feel free to experiment with different dressings until you find one that you like.

This salad is the perfect side dish for a summer BBQ or picnic. Your friends or family will be amazed by how good it is.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

This is a great option for those who are looking for something a little bit different.

Sweet potatoes are roasted in the oven until they’re soft and fluffy. Then, they’re drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt.

The result is a delicious side dish that’s healthy and satisfying.

Plus, sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals. They’re a great source of fiber, which is important for a healthy digestive system.

If you’re looking for something to serve at a holiday dinner, this is the perfect option. Your guests will be impressed by your culinary skills – which actually aren’t that difficult to achieve.

Pork

The mother of all comfort foods.

Pork is the perfect option for those who are looking for something hearty and filling.

When preparing pork, roast it in the oven with a mix of vegetables. This gives the dish a great flavor and prevents the pork from drying out.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try grilling the pork. A game-changer would be marinating it in a moo shu marinade or pineapple ginger marinade.

Pork is a great source of protein, and it has a rich, savory flavor that goes well with coconut rice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What culture is coconut rice from?

It’s not known which cuisine coconut rice originated in. Some people believe it to be a mix of African, native, and Spanish dishes. Because coconut is a flagship tropical fruit of the Caribbean and Pacific areas, it has been suggested that it comes from there. Others feel that it came from Southeast Asia. But now, it’s a popular dish across the world.

What type of rice is used for coconut rice?

The most common type of rice used for coconut rice is white basmati rice. However, you can really use any type of rice you like.

How do you make coconut rice?

There are many different ways to make coconut rice. However, the most common method is to cook the rice in a mixture of water and coconut milk. Once the rice is cooked, it is then flavored with salt, pepper, and other seasonings, such as curry powder or turmeric.

What are some other names for coconut rice?

Coconut rice is also known as nasi lemak, which is the national dish of Malaysia. It is also known as Colombian arroz con coco.

Is coconut rice healthy?

Yes, coconut rice is a healthy option. It is low in calories and has a high nutritional value.

What can I add to coconut ginger rice?

There are many different things you can add to coconut ginger rice. Some common options include: vegetables, chicken, shrimp, and tofu. You can also add different spices or sauces to give the dish a unique flavor. What you add will depend on your personal preferences.

Final Thoughts

When serving coconut rice, there are many different side dishes to choose from. Whether you’re looking for something healthy or something hearty, there’s an option for you.

Some of my personal favorites include roasted sweet potatoes, pork, and a simple vegetable salad. But feel free to experiment until you find a combination that you love. What’s important is that you enjoy the food you’re eating.