Goan Coconut Rice

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant and slightly sweet rice dish cooked with coconut milk and aromatic spices, perfect as a side for curries. This indian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 35 minutes pairs long-grain white rice, coconut milk, fresh coconut for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat. Add 3 cardamom pods and 1-inch cinnamon stick, and toast for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add the rinsed rice and stir to coat. Cook for 2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 14 ounces coconut milk and 1/2 cup grated fresh coconut. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Do not stir.
  6. Step 6: Remove the cardamom pods and cinnamon stick. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Goan Coconut Rice take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Goan Coconut Rice?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep long-grain white rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Goan Coconut Rice?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Goan Coconut Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Goan Coconut Rice vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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