I love rice — it’s soft, tender and endlessly versatile. This Coconut Mango Rice takes plain rice to another level by cooking it in coconut milk and folding in fresh mango puree at the end. The result is a rich, creamy, slightly sweet rice with a bright, fresh mango flavor and a luxurious mouthfeel from the coconut milk. Even without butter, the coconut milk gives a buttery richness that makes every bite feel indulgent.
This recipe is remarkably simple: simmer rice in coconut milk (thinned with water to the right volume), then stir in fresh mango puree once the rice is cooked and fluffy. It’s an easy way to elevate a basic bowl of rice into a memorable side or light main.
What pairs best with this rice? Because it’s creamy and a touch sweet, it’s not ideal as a base for very saucy dishes that need to be absorbed, like heavy curries. The best match is bold, smoky, or spicy flavors. Blackened proteins — chicken, fish, shrimp or vegetables — are a perfect contrast. The heat and char of blackened spices cut through the creaminess and make a satisfying flavor balance.
One of my favorite ways to serve this is topped with blackened chickpeas and a dollop of plain yogurt. To make the chickpeas: heat a little olive oil in a skillet, add a drained can of chickpeas, season with salt and pepper and let them sear until golden. Stir in bold spices — cumin, cayenne, coriander, curry powder, garlic and onion powder — and a pinch of cinnamon to balance the heat. Let the spices char into the chickpeas briefly, then pile them over a steaming bowl of Coconut Mango Rice. Finish with plain yogurt and fresh cilantro for a simple, fast, and utterly delicious meal.
This combination is my ideal, fuss-free meal: creamy rice, spiced chickpeas, a cooling spoonful of yogurt and bright cilantro. The chickpea topping takes less than ten minutes to prepare, which makes this a great weeknight option when you want bold flavor without a big time commitment.
On a personal note: I was pregnant when I developed this recipe and needed meals that came together quickly. This dish fit the bill — comforting, easy, and satisfying — even on low-energy days.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see it — tag it on social media with the hashtag #thegarlicdiaries!
Coconut Mango Rice
5 from 1 review
- Author: Annie Chesson
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice
- 1 13 oz (approximately) can coconut milk (light or regular both work)
- 2 mangoes, flesh removed from seed and peels
Instructions
- Shake the can of coconut milk, open it, and pour into a measuring cup. Add enough water to the coconut milk to reach 2 3/4 cups of liquid total.
- Pour the liquid into a medium pot and bring it to a boil.
- When boiling, add the jasmine rice, season with salt, stir, and return to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 15–17 minutes, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- While the rice cooks, add the mango flesh to a blender with a splash of water and puree until smooth. Add just enough water to allow the mango to blend — two mangoes plus a little water should yield just under 1 cup of puree.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and gently fold in the mango puree until evenly combined.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm.
Notes
My favorite way to enjoy this is topped with spiced, sautéed chickpeas and a dollop of plain yogurt for contrast. The chickpeas add texture and savory spice to the sweet, creamy rice.
Nutrition info assumes full-fat coconut milk was used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 222
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 19 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
If you enjoyed this Coconut Mango Rice, you might also like other flavorful rice recipes such as Instant Pot curry rice with almonds, creamy baked French onion rice, or Thai pineapple fried rice. These variations showcase how rice can adapt to sweet, savory, and spiced flavor profiles, making it a reliable foundation for quick, satisfying meals.
More rice recipe ideas: Instant Pot Curry Rice with Almonds; Creamy Baked French Onion Rice; Thai Pineapple Fried Rice.