Light, fluffy, and bursting with bold flavors, this Asian Rice Pilaf is anything but ordinary. But let’s be real—spending extra time in the kitchen on a busy night isn’t always an option. That’s why this easy one-pot dish is a lifesaver! With fragrant jasmine rice, creamy coconut milk, and a hint of lime, you’ll have a deliciously satisfying side ready with minimal effort.
Whether you are looking for a vegetarian main course or an easy side dish to complement your Asian-inspired meal, you will love this Asian (inspired) Rice Pilaf.
It's simple, versatile, and brings tantalizing flavors.
Follow along, and I'll show you just how easy it is to make.
Ingredients
- Cooked Rice: Opt for jasmine or basmati rice. Check out my slow cooker rice, Ninja Foodi rice, or Instant pot jasmine rice recipes for easy cooking methods.
- Coconut Oil: This is our secret to imparting that silky, tropical undertone which makes this dish truly unique. If you're out, a mild olive oil works in a pinch!
- Chopped Pineapple: Feel free to swap in mango for a different twist.
- Grated Carrots: They not only add a splash of color but also a subtle sweetness that complements the spiciness. Shredded beetroot can be a fun, colorful substitute.
- Baby Sweet Peas: If unavailable, chopped green beans fit right in without missing a beat.
- Lime Juice: Its vibrant zing cuts through the richness, balancing the dish beautifully.
- Fish Sauce: A bit of soy sauce mixed with a tiny pinch of anchovy paste can mimic its complex profile.
- Maple Syrup: You could substitute honey if you prefer.
- Fresh Minced Ginger: It’s all about that warm, spicy kick that ginger brings. No fresh ginger? Ground ginger can pinch-hit, just use it sparingly.
- Crushed Red Pepper: A sprinkle of this brings a gentle heat that makes the dish lively. You could use ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper if you prefer.
- Chopped Cilantro: This herb is the finishing touch, adding a fresh, citrusy punch. For those cilantro-adverse, a little fresh Thai basil or mint could offer a pleasant surprise.
- Sliced Scallions: Their mild oniony crunch is essential for that burst of freshness.
- Chopped Cashews: Walnuts or pecans could substitute.
- Toasted Shredded Unsweetened Coconut: For a nuttier flair, toasted sesame seeds make a great alternative.
- Optional: Hot Sauce: For those who like to walk on the wild side, a dash of your favorite hot sauce can turn the heat up a notch. Totally optional but highly recommended.
Tips and Tricks
- Get Creative with Add-Ins: Don't have carrots or peas? No problem! Swap in whatever veggies you have on hand. Bell peppers, corn, and even broccoli florets all work.
- Adjust the Heat: Whether your family loves spice or prefers things on the milder side, adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to suit your tastes. Remember, it's much easier to add heat than it is to take it away!
- Making It Ahead?: If you're preparing this pilaf for a gathering, mix everything but the fresh herbs and nuts. Just before serving, reheat gently, then stir in the cilantro, scallions, and sprinkle with cashews and coconut. It’ll taste as if you made it moments ago.
You May Also Like
- Thai Chicken Salad: Bursting with fresh herbs, juicy chicken, and a tangy dressing, it's like a party in a bowl!
- Thai Quinoa Salad: Every bite packed with colorful veggies and a spicy dressing made us fall in love with healthy eating all over again.
- Asian Chicken Salad: It's the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create extraordinary experiences.
- Asian Quinoa Salad: A harmonious blend of fluffy quinoa, crunchy veggies, and a zesty dressing.
Asian Rice Pilaf
This Thai Rice Pilaf is packed with flavor and comes together in about 15 minutes. The perfect weekday side dish! It can easily be made vegan.
Servings: 8
Calories: 163kcal
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups cooked white rice
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 cup chopped pineapple
- 2 carrots grated
- ½ cup baby sweet peas fresh or frozen
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- 3 scallions sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped cashews
- ½ cup shredded unsweetened coconut toasted
- Optional: Hot sauce
Instructions
- Heat coconut oil in a large skillet to medium high. Add pineapple, carrots and sweet peas and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add rice, lime juice, fish sauce, maple syrup and ginger. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro and scallions.
- Top with cashews and coconut and serve warm. Drizzle with hot sauce if desired.
Nutrition
Calories: 163kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 77mg | Potassium: 191mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 2781IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg
If You Like Thai Rice Pilaf You May Also Like:
- Quinoa Taco Meat
- Quinoa Smoothie
- Spanish Cauliflower Rice
Rebecca Bryant says
this looks and sounds delicious. My younger brother would lvoe to make this. Passing on the recipe.
Karen Yannacio Morse says
Ok...so I know that you said that this is easy to make, but I'm not sure. Think I can handle it? It looks really yummy! I am thinking I might step up to this challenge! Wish me luck!
Taylor Smith says
This recipe looks absolutely fantastic! I can't wait to print it out to try with my hubby!
OurFamilyWorld says
This looks so amazing. We are rice eaters and we are used to eating rice for lunch and dinner. I love that this dish has veggies and it looks so full of flavours.
TheMummyToolbox says
love Veedee rice! they come in so many different flavors too which is so helpful! loving this rice recipe, would be perfect for after a long day!
Rose Sahetapy says
This recipe is quite different than regular rice recipe I used to eat, but it looks super delicious! I love how you included vegetables.
Anna says
I love rice and Thai food. Never heard of Veedee, will have to look out for it.
Rachel Catherine says
This looks delicious! I can't wait to try it at home. Looks like a great option for a weeknight meal.
Robin says
I'm a little confused about the 2 pkgs of rice. How much is that really? I am going to use the Basmati I have so how much cooked rice should I end up with to make the right mix with everything else.
Robin says
Never mind, got it.
Kori says
This sounds and looks delicious. I can't say that I'm a huge fan of basmati rice but for this, I might make an exception.
Kim says
Your recipes are always fool proof. I love that it's a one bowl meal. I'll try it for my Meatless Monday!
Heather says
I would never think to combine thai flavors with rice pilaf. I bet it is delicious!
Becca Wilson says
This looks so good! I am going to have to give this a try with one of my meals this week.
Suzanne Spiegoski-Decamps says
This looks so good, Wendy! I'm officially hungry! Bon appétit 🙂