Coconut rice is a fragrant and flavorful rice that goes great with a variety of dishes.
But with the amount of possibilities there are, have you ever wondered what to serve with coconut rice?
Here we have a collection of some of our go to recipes to serve with this fluffy rice.

Finding what to serve with coconut rice can be hard. There are endless flavor combinations and dishes to choose from.
Whether you're a fan of plant-based options like sesame ginger tofu, crave the warmth of a flavorful curry, prefer the freshness of a zesty salsa, or savor the succulence of chicken dishes, coconut rice provides the perfect backdrop for many different meals.
So what are you waiting for?
Read on to see what delicious dishes you can create to serve with coconut rice.
21 Easy To Make Sides For Coconut Rice
1. Sesame Ginger Tofu

Sesame ginger tofu pairs exquisitely with coconut rice, offering a contrast of textures and a fusion of Asian flavors.
The crispy tofu, marinated in sesame and ginger, creates a delicious dish with the slightly sweet and aromatic coconut rice, making it a perfect combination of crunch and creaminess.
2. Asian Glazed Salmon

The Asian glazed salmon is a succulent delight that complements coconut rice beautifully.
The sweet and savory glaze coats the salmon, making it a flavorful companion to the mild coconut rice, creating a tasty balance of tastes and textures.
3. Instant Pot Chickpea Coconut Curry

This quick and creamy curry, made with chickpeas and coconut, is an ideal match for coconut rice.
The curry's rich, coconut-infused sauce complements the coconut rice's subtle sweetness, resulting in a comforting and satisfying meal.
4. Pork Belly Slices

Thin and crispy pork belly slices offer a savory contrast to the mild coconut rice, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it a hearty and indulgent meal.
5. Achar Gosht

Achar gosht, with its blend of tender meat and tangy pickled spices, provides an exciting flavor contrast to coconut rice.
This recipe is simple to make and is a great dish to serve with coconut rice.
6. Pork Mince Curry

Ground pork infused with aromatic spices makes for a comforting and flavorful curry that pairs well with coconut rice, creating a well-rounded and comforting meal.
It also offers a great alternative to the usual chicken or beef curries.
7. Keto Chicken Piccata

This low-carb delight, Keto chicken piccata, features tender chicken in a zesty lemon and caper sauce.
When served with coconut rice, the tangy sauce cuts through the rice's mild sweetness, creating a well-balanced, flavorful dish that's both keto-friendly and satisfying.
8. Kung Pao Tofu

Kung pao tofu, a vegetarian favorite, showcases tofu and veggies in a spicy, savory sauce.
Pairing it with coconut rice offers a cooling contrast to the heat of the dish, with the rice's gentle coconut notes soothing the palate.
9. Spinach Stuffed Salmon

Spinach stuffed salmon is a seafood lover's dream, with creamy spinach nestled inside flaky salmon.
When served with coconut rice, the richness of the salmon and spinach is complemented by the subtle sweetness of the rice, creating an elegant and wholesome meal.
10. Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Following the seafood trend, you might like to have Hawaiian garlic shrimp with your coconut rice.
Hawaiian garlic shrimp, featuring succulent shrimp infused with garlic and butter, is an island-inspired treat.
Combining it with coconut rice enhances the tropical vibes, as the rice's coconut essence perfectly complements the buttery garlic notes, resulting in a delightful Hawaiian feast.
11. Pickled Cabbage

Pickled cabbage, with its tangy and crisp profile, makes for a refreshing side dish when paired with coconut rice.
The coconut rice's mellow sweetness balances the tanginess of the cabbage, adding a unique twist to your meal.
12. Chicken Tandoori

Chicken tandoori, marinated in a blend of yogurt and spices, is a classic Indian favorite.
When served with coconut rice, the rice's mild sweetness provides a soothing contrast to the spicy, smoky flavors of the tandoori, creating a deliciou Indian feast.
13. Hong Kong Style Sweet and Sour Chicken

This sweet and tangy chicken dish from Hong Kong pairs wonderfully with coconut rice.
The rice's gentle coconut notes complement the vibrant sweet and sour sauce, resulting in a delightful fusion of flavors and textures.
14. Shrimp and Broccoli

Shrimp and broccoli, stir-fried to perfection, is a quick and savory dish.
When combined with coconut rice, the rice's subtle sweetness enhances the umami flavors of the shrimp and broccoli, offering a satisfying and well-balanced meal.
15. Paneer Korma

Paneer korma, a creamy and fragrant Indian curry, is a delightful vegetarian option to enjoy with coconut rice.
The rice's coconut essence complements the richness of the korma, creating a comforting and flavorful combination that's perfect for Indian cuisine enthusiasts.
16. Blackened Salmon in Creamy Cajun Sauce
The bold flavors of blackened salmon and creamy Cajun sauce find a perfect partner in coconut rice.
The rice's mild sweetness tempers the spiciness of the Cajun sauce, creating a harmonious balance of heat and creaminess.
17. Fish Curry
A flavorful and aromatic fish curry pairs beautifully with coconut rice.
The rice's subtle coconut undertones complement the rich and spicy curry, resulting in a satisfying and comforting meal.
18. Spicy Thai Mango Salsa
Spicy Thai mango salsa adds a burst of tropical flavors to your plate when served alongside coconut rice.
The rice's sweetness provides a cooling contrast to the salsa's heat, creating a refreshing and vibrant combination.
19. Vegetable and Chickpea Coconut Curry
A hearty and wholesome choice, vegetable and chickpea coconut curry becomes even more comforting when accompanied by coconut rice.
The rice's coconut essence enhances the creaminess of the curry, making for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
20. Hawaiian Chicken Katsu
Hawaiian chicken katsu, with its crispy breaded chicken, is a delightful pairing with coconut rice.
The rice's subtle coconut flavor complements the savory chicken katsu, creating a fusion of textures and tastes that transport you to the islands.
21. Thai Fish Curry
Thai fish curry is a fragrant and spicy dish that goes beautifully with coconut rice.
The rice's mild sweetness balances the bold Thai flavors, offering a satisfying and authentic Thai dining experience.
FAQ
Yes, coconut rice makes for a delicious addition to dinner. Swap out plain rice for this coconut flavored version to add even more flavor to your weeknight eats.

Recipe

What To Serve With Coconut Rice
Ingredients
- Sesame Ginger Tofu
- Asian Glazed Salmon
- Instant Pot Chickpea Coconut Curry
- Pork Belly Slices
- Achar Gosht
- Pork Mince Curry
- Keto Chicken Piccata
- Kung Pao Tofu
- Spinach Stuffed Salmon
- Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
- Pickled Cabbage
- Chicken Tandoori
- Hong Kong Style Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Shrimp and Broccoli
- Paneer Korma
- Blackened Salmon in Creamy Cajun Sauce
- Fish Curry
- Spicy Thai Mango Salsa
- Vegetable and Chickpea Coconut Curry
- Hawaiian Chicken Katsu
- Thai Fish Curry
Instructions
- Choose your favorite recipe from the list above.
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Follow the recipe directions and make something delicious to serve with coconut rice.
Cara says
I made the paneer korma and sesame ginger tofu with my coconut rice. It was so delicious.