Nepali-Style Coconut Rice with Roasted Peanuts

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

Fragrant coconut rice with a hint of lime, topped with crunchy roasted peanuts and fresh herbs. This asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs White rice, Coconut milk, Water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup white rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain.
  2. Step 2: In a pot, combine 1 cup rice, 1 cup coconut milk, 1 cup water, 1 teaspoon lime zest, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  4. Step 4: Fluff rice with a fork, then stir in 1/4 cup roasted peanuts and 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro.
  5. Step 5: Serve warm as a side dish or main course.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Nepali-Style Coconut Rice with Roasted Peanuts take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Nepali-Style Coconut Rice with Roasted Peanuts?

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 white rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Nepali-Style Coconut Rice with Roasted Peanuts?

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 Nepali-Style Coconut Rice with Roasted Peanuts 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.

What goes well with Nepali-Style Coconut Rice with Roasted Peanuts?

Asian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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