Flavor-Packed Michael Symon Coconut Rice Recipe for Beginners

Michael Symon’s coconut rice dances with tropical whispers, transforming humble grains into a culinary symphony.

Creamy waves of coconut embrace each tender kernel, creating a sensory journey that transcends ordinary side dishes.

Fragrant aromas waft through your kitchen, promising an escape to distant, sun-kissed shores.

Delicate nuances unfold as rice simmers, absorbing luscious coconut essence with every gentle bubble.

Simple ingredients combine to craft a dish that speaks volumes about elegant simplicity.

Professional techniques merge with home cooking comfort, turning basic starches into something remarkably special.

This recipe will transport your taste buds to a paradise of pure, delectable bliss.

Tools Needed for Coconut Rice

• Measuring Cup: Precise liquid measurements for perfect rice consistency.
• Saucepan: Ideal for heating coconut milk mixture evenly.
• 20 cm Square Baking Pan: Creates perfect rice layers and even cooking.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers pan to trap steam and ensure moisture.
• Rubber Spatula: Gently fluffs and separates cooked rice without breaking grains.
• Colander: Efficiently rinses rice under running water.
• Wooden Spoon: Helps stir coconut milk mixture smoothly.
• Kitchen Thermometer (optional): Checks liquid temperature for precise cooking.

Cooking Instructions for Michael Symon’s Coconut Rice

• Cleanse Rice

Rinse rice under running water, swirling gently until liquid turns transparent. This process removes excess starch, ensuring a light and fluffy final dish.

• Warm the Oven

Fire up your oven to 200°C, creating a cozy cooking environment perfect for transforming simple ingredients into a delectable treat. Choose a medium-sized baking pan that will cradle your rice mixture.

• Craft Creamy Liquid Base

Blend coconut milk with water, stirring in a touch of sweetness and a pinch of salt. Heat the mixture until it bubbles enthusiastically, whisking to merge flavors seamlessly.

• Merge Rice and Liquid

Pour the steaming coconut mixture over rice, making sure every grain gets its share of creamy goodness. Wrap the pan tightly with aluminum foil, sealing in moisture and potential flavor surprises.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the covered pan into the preheated oven. Let it bake for about 40 minutes, allowing the rice to soak up all the luxurious coconut essence. The magic happens slowly and deliciously.

• Rest and Revive

Once baked, pull the pan out and let it relax for 15 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the rice to settle and absorb any remaining liquid, creating a dreamy texture.

• Serve with Flair

Gently fluff the rice with a spatula, releasing aromatic steam. For an extra tropical touch, sprinkle toasted coconut on top, transforming a simple dish into a sensory experience.

Tips and Variations for Michael Symon’s Coconut Rice

Add a pinch of turmeric or cardamom to transform the rice’s flavor profile, creating a warm, aromatic twist that tingles your taste buds.

Experiment with different rice varieties like jasmine or basmati to discover unique textural experiences and subtle flavor variations.

Replace regular coconut milk with light coconut milk for a lower-calorie version, or use coconut cream for an ultra-rich and luxurious result.

Top with fresh herbs like cilantro, toasted cashews, or crispy fried shallots to add exciting layers of crunch and freshness to your coconut rice.

How to Serve Coconut Rice

• Tropical Brunch Companion: Pair this coconut rice with grilled mango slices and a sprinkle of fresh mint for a vibrant morning meal that transports you to a beachside paradise.
• Protein Power-Up: Serve alongside spicy grilled chicken, Thai-style fish, or crispy tofu to create a balanced and satisfying main course that combines creamy rice with bold protein flavors.
• Sweet Dessert Transformation: Transform the rice into a delightful pudding by adding extra coconut milk, a touch of vanilla, and topping with caramelized banana slices for a comforting sweet treat.
• Side Dish Sensation: Complement the rice with a zesty cucumber salad or tangy Asian slaw to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy coconut base.

Storing Michael Symon’s Coconut Rice for Later

• Preserve Perfect Flavor: Store coconut rice in an airtight container within the refrigerator for maximum freshness, keeping it delicious for 3-4 days.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Sprinkle a little water over the rice before microwaving to restore its original moisture and prevent dryness, ensuring each bite remains soft and fluffy.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Pack cooled rice in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen coconut rice maintains quality for up to one month when properly sealed.
• Safe Serving Suggestions: Always reheat rice to steaming hot temperature (75°C/165°F) to eliminate potential bacterial growth, checking internal heat with a food thermometer for complete safety.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Michael Symon’s Coconut Rice

• Jasmine Rice: Choose fragrant, long-grain variety for authentic Southeast Asian texture.
• White Rice: Select premium quality with uniform grains for consistent cooking.

• Coconut Milk, Water: Pick full-fat coconut milk for rich, creamy consistency.
• Sugar: Use fine white sugar for smooth, even sweetness.
• Salt: Select fine sea salt to enhance overall flavor profile.

• Pandan Leaves: Fresh leaves add authentic tropical aroma and delicate green tint.
• Kaffir Lime Leaves: Provide subtle citrusy undertone and traditional Southeast Asian essence.
• Toasted Coconut Flakes: Adds delightful crunch and nutty tropical dimension.

Fluffy Michael Symon Coconut Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky michael symon coconut rice delivers creamy Caribbean comfort with minimal ingredients. Home cooks savor this simple side dish that complements grilled proteins and tropical meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups jasmin rice
• 400 ml (14 oz) coconut milk, full fat or light
• 1 cup water
• 5 tsp white sugar
• ½ tsp cooking / kosher salt
• 1 pandan leaves, knotted
• 2 kaffir lime leaves, crushed in hand
• 1 tbsp desiccated coconut, toasted, to garnish

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Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Thoroughly rinse jasmine rice under cool water, swirling until water runs crystal clear to remove excess starch.
2. Oven Configuration: Preheat oven to 200°C (392°F), or 180°C (356°F) for fan-assisted settings, establishing optimal baking conditions.
3. Aromatic Infusion: Transfer rinsed rice into a square baking pan, optionally layering with pandan or kaffir lime leaves to elevate flavor complexity.
4. Liquid Mixture: Blend coconut milk, water, sugar, and sea salt in a saucepan, heating and stirring until sugar completely dissolves and ingredients integrate seamlessly.
5. Liquid Integration: Pour heated mixture over rice, ensuring uniform distribution across the entire pan surface with gentle circular motions.
6. Moisture Sealing: Cover pan tightly with aluminum foil, creating a hermetic environment to trap steam and promote even cooking during the 40-minute baking process.
7. Baking and Resting: Remove pan from oven, verify liquid absorption, then let rice rest under foil for 15 minutes to achieve perfect texture and moisture equilibrium.
8. Final Presentation: Delicately fluff rice with a soft spatula and garnish with toasted coconut flakes, adding a luxurious textural dimension and rich, nutty undertone.

Notes

• Rinse Thoroughly: Washing rice removes excess starch, preventing clumpy texture and ensuring fluffy, separate grains.
• Choose Quality Ingredients: Use full-fat coconut milk and fresh jasmine rice for maximum flavor and creamy consistency.
• Control Moisture Carefully: Aluminum foil creates a steam trap, guaranteeing perfectly cooked, tender rice without drying out.
• Patience Matters: Letting rice rest after baking allows even moisture distribution and helps develop a luxurious, soft texture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg