Delicious Lemongrass Coconut Jasmine Rice Pilaf Recipe
Hear me, dear friends, for I have a tale of a wondrous dish that will make your taste buds sing with joy. A dish that brings together the flavors of the exotic east, with hints of lemongrass and tender coconut milk. A dish fit for royalty or a commoner’s table – this is my Lemongrass Infused Coconut Jasmine Rice Pilaf Recipe.
Picture if you will, delicate grains of jasmine rice infused with the subtle fragrance and flavor of lemongrass – a marriage made in culinary heaven. It is then cooked to perfection in water and reduced-fat unsweetened coconut milk until each grain is soft and fluffy, ready to melt in your mouth. For an added dash of richness and depth, a pat of butter and some angel hair pasta is stirred in; the perfect complement to this luxurious rice pilaf.
This Lemongrass Infused Coconut Jasmine Rice Pilaf Recipe is not just any ordinary rice recipe. It is infused with fragrant lemongrass, giving it a truly unique aroma – like nothing you have ever tasted before. This dish doesn’t stop at being just delicious, it is also extremely versatile; an ideal accompaniment to baked chicken, a hearty stew or served alongside some grilled vegetables.
So come then, my friends, let us prepare this amazing concoction together and be transported on a gastronomic journey to the far-off lands of Asia – where every bite will take you closer to nirvana!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My dear friends, let me tell you why your taste buds will swoon over this Lemongrass Infused Coconut Jasmine Rice Pilaf recipe. First and foremost, this dish is a perfect blend of ethnic flavors that are sure to transport you to the exotic tropics of Thailand. The combination of lemongrass, jasmine rice and coconut milk creates an aroma that can awaken even the most uninterested senses.
But what sets this recipe apart from others is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delectable masterpiece that will impress everyone around the dinner table. Make this recipe for family dinners or special occasions, and watch as everyone indulges in every last grain of rice.
Moreover, this dish caters to those who are seeking healthy options in their diet. Both lemongrass and coconut milk are known for their medicinal benefits, so you can indulge guilt-free. It’s perfect for vegetarians too as it is mainly plant-based.
And let’s not forget how versatile it is! This rice pilaf goes well with anything from baked chicken or chicken zucchini to tofu stir-fry or any other vegetarian recipes. You can be sure that your guests will love it as much as you do from every angle.
So why wait? Try out this lemongrass infused coconut jasmine rice pilaf recipe now to experience the sensational taste that will leave you wanting more – I guarantee it!
Ingredient List
- 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice
- 1 can of reduced-fat unsweetened coconut milk
- 1 cup of water
- Salt
- 2 tbsp. of butter
- 1/4 cup of lemongrass, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup of angel hair pasta, broken into inch-long pieces
This recipe requires a few special ingredients such as lemongrass and coconut milk but these are easy to find at your local grocery store or online. Also, be sure to use jasmine rice for this recipe as it adds a fragrant aroma and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
The Recipe How-To
After having your ingredients ready, it’s time to cook the Jasmine rice pilaf. Here is a step-by-step recipe guide:
1. Clean the Rice
Place 2 cups of Jasmine rice in a bowl and rinse with cold water, swirling it around with your hand. Drain the water and repeat until the water runs clear for about 3 times.
2. Infuse Lemon Grass into Coconut Milk
In a saucepan, mix 1 1/2 cups of reduced-fat unsweetened coconut milk, 1/2 cup of water and 2 stalks of lemon grass cut into 2-inch long pieces. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally,then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
3. Cook the Rice
In another saucepanmelt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Break 1/2 cup of angel hair pasta into small pieces and stir it into the butter until browned for about 3-4 minutes. Add in the clean rice to coat in the butter sauce for about 30 seconds.
4. Infuse Coconut Milk Mixture
Remove the lemon grass from coconut milk mixture then add it to the rice with 1/4 teaspoon salt, stir well to combine.
5. Simmer and Fluff
Bring to a boil once again, then lower the heat to a very low temperature dedicated for simmering rice such as rice cooker until all of the liquid is absorbed completely by rice which should take around 18-20 minutes. Turn off the heat then gently fluff with a fork.
6. Add Toppings (optional)
Serve as is or garnish with toasted coconut, cilantro, lime or sliced scallions.
This recipe can serve around six people or can last up to three-four days when stored properly in an airtight container inside your fridge.
Substitutions and Variations
Oh, the possibilities are endless for this lemongrass infused coconut jasmine rice pilaf recipe! Fear not if you don’t have a certain ingredient on hand. Here are a few suggestions for substitutions and variations.
– Rice: If you don’t have jasmine rice, feel free to use basmati rice or even brown rice. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of rice you choose.
– Lemongrass: If fresh lemongrass is unavailable, dried lemongrass can be used instead. Alternatively, lemongrass paste can be found at some grocery stores and can be used as a substitute for fresh lemongrass.
– Coconut milk: If reduced-fat unsweetened coconut milk is not available, regular unsweetened coconut milk can be used. For an extra creamy texture, use full-fat coconut milk instead.
– Protein: This dish pairs well with chicken, shrimp or tofu. To infuse the protein with lemongrass, marinate it in a mixture of lemongrass paste, grated ginger and garlic.
– Vegetarian version: To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the butter or replace with vegan butter and use vegetable broth instead of water.
– Cilantro lime rice: For a refreshing variation, try swapping out half of the jasmine rice for cooked cilantro lime rice.
– Toasted coconut: Add crunchiness to your dish by sprinkling toasted shredded coconut on top before serving.
– Thai-style: Make it authentically Thai-inspired by adding red chilli flakes, fish sauce and dry sherry in addition to the other ingredients. Top with chopped roasted peanuts and fresh basil leaves to achieve that unique Thai flavor.
With these substitutions and variations, there’s no need to run out to the market if you’re missing an ingredient – just get creative!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing this lemongrass infused coconut jasmine rice pilaf recipe, options are endless. The fragrant aroma and creamy taste of the rice pairs well with an array of dishes, making it a versatile side dish that works for everything from weeknight dinners to celebratory feasts.
For a satisfying meat-based meal, serve this rice pilaf alongside baked chicken or lemongrass chicken breast. The meat’s tangy and sweet flavors will complement the subtle lemongrass fragrance in the rice pilaf, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Health enthusiasts can enjoy this scrumptious vegetarian-friendly concoction with stir-fried ginger and chicken zucchini. This combination provides the much-needed proteins and vitamins at the same time elevating the taste profile with exotic flavors.
If you’re looking for something light yet appetizing, this rice recipe could be served alongside cilantro lime rice or steamed coconut rice as it offers complementary profiles with contrasting textures.
For Thai food enthusiasts, pair this delightful lactose-free dish with a thai jasmine rice or thai rice pilaf lemongrass basil mint recipe. And if you want a dominant flavor of the dish then serve it with dry sherry that results in the perfect blend of sweetness and acidity.
Finally, if you’re looking for something simple yet comforting, combine this delicious rice pilaf recipe with cooked rice pudding recipes side dishes that will surely end your meal on a high note.
Overall, no matter how you choose to serve or pair it, lemongrass infused coconut jasmine rice pilaf is the perfect accompaniment for any occasion!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Hark! It is wise to plan ahead and make this lemongrass infused coconut jasmine rice pilaf recipe in advance so as to save ample time in the kitchen. Once the rice pilaf is fully cooked, it may be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
When ready to reheat, add a tablespoon of water and use a fork to fluff up the rice before microwaving it on high for 1-2 minutes. Another option is to steam the rice by adding a small amount of water to a pot or a steamer basket, placing the rice in it, covering the pot with a lid and heating it over medium heat until it is hot all throughout.
It is also possible to freeze this delightful dish for longer storage. Place the cooled rice pilaf in freezer-safe containers, label and stack them neatly; then store them in the freezer for up to three months.
When reheating frozen rice pilaf, defrost it first by leaving it at room temperature for 1-2 hours or by using a microwave’s defrost function. If microwaving, use a fork to fluff up the rice and sprinkle some water over it before reheating on low heat until steaming hot.
Vegetarians and omnivores alike will enjoy this splendid dish that pairs perfectly with chicken, zucchini, or cilantro lime rice. Prepare this dish in advance so that you can enjoy its delicious taste on another day without recreating it from scratch at mealtime.
Tips for Perfect Results
As an Israeli chef with years of experience, I’ve learned a few tips and tricks when it comes to cooking the perfect rice pilaf. Here are some of my recommendations to ensure that your Lemongrass Infused Coconut Jasmine Rice Pilaf turns out delicious every time:
1. Rinse the rice thoroughly: Before cooking the rice, rinse it in cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and ensures that the grains cook evenly.
2. Use quality ingredients: The key to any great recipe is using quality ingredients. When making this rice pilaf, use the best jasmine rice you can find and opt for reduced-fat unsweetened coconut milk for a healthier twist.
3. Don’t skip the butter: Adding a pat of butter to the rice before cooking adds richness and flavor to the dish.
4. Toast the coconut: For an added layer of texture and flavor, toast shredded coconut in a dry skillet until golden brown before adding it to the pilaf.
5. Infuse with lemongrass: To infuse the rice with lemongrass flavor, tie several stalks of lemongrass together and add them to the pot while cooking.
6. Let it rest: Once the rice is cooked, let it rest for 5-10 minutes with the lid on. This allows steam to redistribute throughout the pot for perfectly fluffy rice.
7. Fluff with a fork: To keep grains separate and avoid clumps, use a fork to gently fluff the rice after it has rested.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to achieve a perfectly fluffy and flavorful Lemongrass Infused Coconut Jasmine Rice Pilaf every time.
FAQ
But wait, I hear a voice in the back of my mind saying: “Ehud, what if I have questions or concerns about this recipe? What if something goes wrong?” Well, fear not! In this section, I’ll address some common questions and provide some troubleshooting guidance to ensure that your lemongrass infused coconut jasmine rice pilaf turns out perfectly every time. Let’s get started!
Do you rinse jasmine rice?
Get ready to cook the perfect batch of jasmine rice by following my foolproof tips. To start, ensure that you rinse the uncooked rice 3-4 times until the water runs clear. This simple yet essential step is vital in eliminating any excess starch that typically results in a lackluster and soggy dish. Once done, transfer the rice into the saucepan/pot and let’s get cooking!
What goes well with coconut rice?
Adding coconut rice to your meal is the perfect complement to stews, curries, grilled meats, and fish. It also goes well with stewed beans and roasted vegetables.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this lemongrass infused coconut jasmine rice pilaf recipe is truly a unique and flavorful dish that you won’t want to miss out on. Its combination of bold flavors and aromatic scents will leave you wanting more with every bite. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a side dish for an extravagant feast. Whether you’re a fan of Thai cuisine or just love trying new dishes, this recipe is definitely worth making at home.
Don’t hesitate to give it a try and let your taste buds travel to the exotic land of Thailand. Who knows, this may even become your new go-to recipe for special occasions or everyday meals. Give it a chance and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
So what are you waiting for? Grab all the ingredients, gather your friends and family and get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of lemongrass infused coconut jasmine rice pilaf – a dish that will surely impress everyone at the table!
Lemongrass Infused Coconut Jasmine Rice Pilaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup uncooked angel hair pasta, broken (about 1 inch long)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup reduced-fat unsweetened coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 1 stalk lemongrass, white part only (cut in 2 inch pieces)
Instructions
- Toast angel hair in toaster oven on light toast setting. Keep a close eye being careful not to burn.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in the rice and toasted angelhair and salt.
- Add the coconut milk, water and lemongrass.
- Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil.
- Cover and reduce heat to a simmer for 20 minutes (do not uncover or stir while it cooks).
- Remove from heat and discard lemongrass before serving.