Description
Thai Coconut Lemongrass Rice Cakes are a fragrant and flavorful dish made with jasmine rice cooked in rich coconut milk and infused with the fresh aroma of lemongrass. These rice cakes are lightly sweetened, topped with grated coconut, and served as delightful bite-sized treats that showcase traditional Thai flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice Mixture
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1 tablespoon grated coconut
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the jasmine rice under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy rice.
- Combine Ingredients: In a pot, combine the rinsed jasmine rice, coconut milk, water, finely chopped lemongrass, sugar, and salt. Stir gently to mix.
- Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
- Simmer: Let the rice cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed by the grains.
- Rest the Rice: Remove the pot from heat and keep it covered. Allow the rice to sit for an additional 10 minutes to finish steaming and settle.
- Fluff and Transfer: Fluff the cooked rice gently with a fork to separate grains, then transfer it into a greased cake pan to shape the rice cakes.
- Press and Shape: Firmly press the rice mixture down and smooth the surface to form a compact cake layer.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the grated coconut evenly on top of the rice cake for added flavor and texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the rice cake to cool completely at room temperature so it can firm up. Once cooled, cut into squares or wedges and serve as a delightful snack or side dish.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh lemongrass stalks finely chopped to release maximum flavor.
- The grated coconut topping adds a pleasant texture and slight sweetness; toasted coconut can be used for a nuttier flavor.
- This dish is best served at room temperature but can be lightly warmed if preferred.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Jasmine rice is preferred for its fragrance, but you can substitute with other long-grain rice varieties.
