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Easy Pineapple Coconut Cashew Rice Recipe

Easy Pineapple Coconut Cashew Rice

Fluffy long-grain rice is simmered in unsweetened coconut milk and pineapple juice, then finished with pineapple chunks, roasted cashews, green onions, cilantro, and lime. This tropical sweet-savory side dish serves 4–6 people.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Rice and Cooking Liquid
  • 1 1/2 cups Long-grain white rice, preferably jasmine or basmati
  • 1 cup Unsweetened full-fat coconut milk, well shaken
  • 1 cup Unsweetened pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup Water or low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
Finishing Ingredients
  • 1 cup Pineapple chunks, drained if canned and cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1/2 cup Roasted unsalted cashews, roughly chopped
  • 2 whole Green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh lime juice
Optional
  • 1 tablespoon Neutral oil or coconut oil, for sautéing

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear, then drain it well.
  2. If using raw cashews, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until lightly golden. Set them aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine the coconut milk, pineapple juice, water or broth, and kosher salt. Bring the mixture just to a simmer.
  4. Stir in the rinsed rice, return the liquid to a gentle simmer, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 18–20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
  6. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, then fold in the pineapple, cashews, green onions, cilantro, and lime juice. Taste and adjust the salt before serving warm.

Notes

Add the cashews after cooking so they stay crisp. Use unsweetened coconut milk rather than sweetened coconut cream. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a small splash of water or broth.