Coconut Rice with Seafood Recipe
Coconut Rice with Seafood is a deliciously aromatic dish that brings together the creaminess of coconut milk and the luxurious flavors of premium seafood such as lobster and prawns. This rich and flavorful rice dish is infused with spices and vegetables, offering a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Perfect for special occasions, this dish combines the essence of modern culinary techniques with a touch of traditional flavors. The mild spice level, along with the indulgent seafood, makes it a unique and celebratory meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Long-grain rice | 2 cups |
| Coconut milk | 2 cups |
| Fresh prawns (peeled and deveined) | 1 lb (450g) |
| Lobster (optional, cut into chunks) | 1 lobster (or 2 lobster tails) |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Bell peppers (chopped) | 1 red, 1 green |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Fresh ginger (minced) | 1-inch piece |
| Carrot (julienned) | 1 medium |
| Fresh cilantro (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
| Olive oil or vegetable oil | 2 tbsp |
| Chicken or vegetable broth | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Curry powder | 1 tsp |
| Thyme | 1 tsp |
| Bay leaves | 2 leaves |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 6 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
| Cholesterol | 85 mg |
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.
Instructions
-
Prepare the Seafood:
Begin by preparing the seafood. If using lobster, remove the meat from the shells and cut into chunks. Set aside. For the prawns, peel and devein them if not already done. Ensure they are ready for cooking. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and the kitchen fills with a fragrant aroma. -
Cook the Rice:
Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat the grains in the oil and vegetables. Let it toast lightly for 1-2 minutes. This helps to bring out the nutty flavor of the rice. -
Add the Liquids and Spices:
Pour in the coconut milk and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir in the curry powder, thyme, bay leaves, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once it begins to bubble, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. -
Simmer the Rice:
Allow the rice to cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Check occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn at the bottom. If necessary, add a little more broth or water during cooking. -
Cook the Seafood:
In a separate pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the prawns and lobster chunks. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the prawns turn pink and opaque. If you’re using lobster, ensure it’s heated through and slightly browned. -
Combine the Rice and Seafood:
Once the rice is fully cooked, gently fold the sautéed seafood into the rice mixture. Stir carefully to avoid breaking up the delicate seafood. Let the combined ingredients sit for a few minutes to meld the flavors. -
Finishing Touches:
Remove the bay leaves from the pot. Garnish the Coconut Rice with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and added freshness. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice for extra tang if desired. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Coconut Rice with Seafood in a large dish, ensuring an even distribution of seafood and rice. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a side of sautéed greens to balance out the richness.
Tips for Success:
- Rice Selection: For the best texture, use long-grain rice such as basmati. This rice absorbs the coconut milk well without becoming too sticky.
- Seafood Substitutes: If lobster is out of your price range, you can substitute it with other shellfish such as scallops or crab. Even firm white fish can work well in this dish.
- Spices and Flavorings: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add chili flakes or fresh chopped chilies when sautéing the vegetables.
- Make Ahead: Coconut Rice with Seafood can be made ahead of time, though the seafood will be best added just before serving to prevent it from becoming overcooked.
This dish is perfect for a festive occasion, a luxurious dinner party, or a weekend feast with family and friends. The rich coconut flavor combined with the tender seafood creates a truly indulgent experience. Serve with your favorite refreshing drink, such as a chilled glass of white wine or a coconut-based mocktail, for the ultimate tropical-inspired meal.
The simplicity of the preparation allows you to focus on the quality of the ingredients, making it an impressive yet relatively easy dish to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a special event or simply treating yourself to something indulgent, Coconut Rice with Seafood offers an unforgettable combination of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
