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    Home » Easy Rice Dishes For Dinner

    Sep 10, 2023 by Emily · 1 Comment

    What To Serve With Coconut Rice

    Jump to recipe

    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.

    Collage of images of recipes to serve with coconut rice.
    Jump to:
    • 21 Easy To Make Sides For Coconut Rice
    • FAQ
    • More Mains Recipes
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    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 culinary creativity.

    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

    Close up image of tofu in a bowl.

    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 delightful harmony with the slightly sweet and aromatic coconut rice, making it a perfect combination of crunch and creaminess.

    Sesame Ginger Tofu

    2. Asian Glazed Salmon

    Salmon in a plate.

    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 harmonious balance of tastes and textures.

    Asian Glazed Salmon

    3. Instant Pot Chickpea Coconut Curry

    Chickpea coconut curry in a white bowl.

    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.

    Instant Pot Chickpea Coconut Curry

    4. Pork Belly Slices

    Pork belly slices on a plate.

    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.

    Pork Belly Slices

    5. Achar Gosht

    Achar gosht in a bowl with a spoon.

    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.

    Achar Gosht

    6. Pork Mince Curry

    Pork mince curry in a bowl with a lime slice and coriander on top.

    Ground pork infused with aromatic spices makes for a comforting and flavorful curry that pairs harmoniously with coconut rice, creating a well-rounded and comforting meal.

    It also offers a great alternative to the usual chicken or beef curries.

    Pork Mince Curry

    7. Keto Chicken Piccata

    Close up image of 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.

    Keto Chicken Piccata

    8. Kung Pao Tofu

    Kung pao tofu in a white bowl with a fork.

    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.

    Kung Pao Tofu

    9. Spinach Stuffed Salmon

    Close up image of 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.

    Spinach Stuffed Salmon

    10. Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

    Close up image of garlic shrimp and rice.

    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.

    Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

    11. Pickled Cabbage

    Pickled cabbage in a bowl with a fork.

    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.

    Pickled Cabbage

    12. Chicken Tandoori

    Tandoori chicken drumsticks and lemon wedges.

    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 harmonious Indian feast.

    Chicken Tandoori

    13. Hong Kong Style Sweet and Sour Chicken

    Close up image of Hong Kong chicken in a bowl.

    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.

    Hong Kong Style Sweet and Sour Chicken

    14. Shrimp and Broccoli

    Shrimp and broccoli in a bowl.

    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.

    Shrimp and Broccoli

    15. Paneer Korma

    Paneer korma in a bowl.

    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.

    Paneer Korma

    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.

    Blackened Salmon in Creamy Cajun Sauce

    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.

    Fish Curry

    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.

    Spicy Thai Mango Salsa

    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.

    Vegetable and Chickpea Coconut Curry

    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.

    Hawaiian Chicken Katsu

    21. Thai Fish Curry

    Thai fish curry is a fragrant and spicy dish that harmonizes beautifully with coconut rice.

    The rice's mild sweetness balances the bold Thai flavors, offering a satisfying and authentic Thai dining experience.

    Thai Fish Curry

    FAQ

    Is coconut rice good for dinner?

    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.

    Collage of coconut rice side dishes.

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    Recipe

    Collection of images of side dishes for coconut rice.

    What To Serve With Coconut Rice

    Emily
    Sometimes it can be hard to decide what to serve with coconut rice. Which is why we've come up with a collection of easy to make dishes just for you.
    5 from 1 vote
    PRINT RECIPE PIN RECIPE
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    ESTIMATED COST : $3.55 or $1.28 a serve
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine Japanese
    Servings 2 serves
    Calories 208 kcal

    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.

    Notes

    Nutrition, serving size and cook times are based on the first recipe on the recipe card.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 serveCalories: 208kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 9gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 919mgPotassium: 166mgFiber: 6gSugar: 7g
    Nutrition Disclosure
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it went!

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Cara says

      October 16, 2023 at 6:17 pm

      5 stars
      I made the paneer korma and sesame ginger tofu with my coconut rice. It was so delicious.

      Reply

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    Author image.

    Hi, I'm Emily! There's much more to rice than just cooking it on the stove. It's so versatile and you can create so many beautiful dishes with it. From puddings and desserts to main meals and even finger foods. There is something for everyone!

    More about me →

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