11 Types of Meat that Go Well with Coconut Rice
Coconut rice is a staple in many Asian countries, but it’s also enjoyed by people around the world.
It’s a great side dish that can complement almost any meal—whether you’re cooking up a quick stir-fry or planning a slow-cooked meal.
But what do you serve with coconut rice?
What meats go well with this tasty dish?
The best kinds of meat to go with coconut rice are chicken, beef, or fish. Chicken will give you a lighter flavor, but beef and fish both have strong enough flavors that they can stand up to the coconut rice.
Looking for more ideas?
Then keep scrolling!
11 Meats that Go Well with Coconut Rice
We’ve rounded up 11 of our favorite meats to eat alongside your coconut rice.
You’ll want to make sure you have these on hand before you cook up your next batch of rice!
1. Chicken
A good way to prepare chicken is to marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, lime juice and garlic powder for about an hour before cooking.
Once you’ve cooked the chicken, brush it with some oil or butter and sprinkle onion powder on top.
Then add some pineapple chunks and cook until they’re tender.
This dish goes well with coconut rice because it has a sweet flavor from the pineapple that pairs well with the savory taste of coconut rice.
2. Beef
Beef is another great choice for pairing with coconut rice because it adds a bolder flavor than chicken does—but still not too bold!
It also has a lot of vitamins and minerals (like vitamin B12).
You can grill or roast beef if you want to get a nice char on it; otherwise, sautéing or boiling are great options, too!
3. Fish
Coconut rice can be an excellent base for fish dishes, especially those that include curry or other spicy ingredients.
You can use any type of fish you like, but if you want something particularly flavorful, try tilapia or salmon.
Just cook your fish in a pan until it’s done, then serve it over the coconut rice.
4. Lamb
We love lamb because it goes so well with so many different kinds of vegetables and flavors—but it also pairs nicely with coconut rice!
Try roasting some lamb chops in the oven and serving them over a bed of coconut-scented rice.
Or if you’re feeling adventurous and want to mix things up even more, try making lamb kebabs on skewers instead!
5. Pork
Pork is an excellent choice for coconut rice because it’s a meat that’s relatively light and has a soft, mild flavor.
This means that it will soak up the flavors of the coconut rice without overpowering it.
We love pork because it’s easy to prepare in many different ways, so you can make your coconut rice with whatever cuts you have on hand.
6. Shrimp
Shrimp is another great choice for pairing with coconut rice because it’s super flavorful and versatile.
You can cook shrimp in any number of ways, including baking or frying, but one thing we also love about shrimp is how versatile it is as an ingredient in salads and other dishes.
7. Duck
Duck also pairs well with coconut rice because of its similar sweet-salty flavor profile.
Marinate duck in honey and ginger before cooking it to really bring out its flavor and enhance its natural sweetness.
Serve this dish over a bed of coconut rice, then garnish with chopped scallions and cilantro leaves to add some freshness to your meal.
8. Rabbit
Rabbit is a gamey meat that has a strong flavor.
When cooked, it can be tough and dry, so it’s important to make sure you cook it until it’s tender and juicy.
- Cut the meat into pieces, season with salt and pepper, then brown in a pan on both sides over medium-high heat.
- Remove from pan and set aside, then add coconut milk and curry paste to the pan.Stir until well combined.
- Place meat back in the pan and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly.
- Add lime juice before serving.
9. Quail
Quail is a small bird, typically served in pieces and grilled.
It has a rich flavor and tender texture, making it a great option for pairing with coconut rice.
The meat is often marinated in soy sauce or fish sauce to give it an added boost of flavor—just like our coconut rice!
- To prepare quail for cooking, place it on a plate and cover it with plastic wrap; microwave for 1 minute or until cooked through.
- The bird is done when its juices run clear when pricked with a fork or knife (don’t worry about overcooking!).
- Serve your quail alongside some coconut rice for an unforgettable meal!
10. Squid
Squid is versatile because it can be grilled, fried, pan-seared or even boiled—making it easy to prepare on any occasion (and budget).
This seafood has been enjoyed around the world since ancient times as both food and bait due to its high protein content (making it one of the best sources of protein).
It’s also incredibly low in fat so it’s perfect for those looking to maintain their weight while still enjoying delicious meals!
11. Mussels
Mussels are another meaty option that will go well with your coconut rice.
See Also: What Salad Goes With Mussels? 13 Best Salads
First, you’ll need to make sure you have mussels on hand.
If they’re frozen, thaw them out in a bowl of cold water until they’re thawed and ready to be cooked.
Next, heat up a pot of water on the stove with some salt in it.
When the water is boiling, add the mussels and cover the pot so that the mussels steam up nicely.
You can also add some garlic and spices (like pepper) for extra flavor!
Once all of your mussels are steamed up nicely, take them out of the pot and serve them on top of a bed of coconut rice!
11 Types of Meat that Go Well with Coconut Rice
Ingredients
- Chicken
- Beef
- Fish
- Lamb
- Pork
- Shrimp
- DuckRabbit
- Quail
- Squid
- Mussels
Instructions
- Pick your favorite meat from this list to serve along with your coconut rice.
- Prepare the rest of your meal.
- Be ready to munch in no time!
Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.