Coconut Crab Rice

Im ready!

Im ready for summer lunches with pink wine and dark sunglasses. Im ready to be almost annoyed by the big, bright sun in my face. My love affair with Spring always makes me think of my absolute love-obsession with Summer.

This tropical rice dish totally has me ready to go sandal shopping and wear tie dye.

Perhaps Im also considering a henna tattoo. I dunno. This rice has cast a spell.

Rice begins in this fashion with onion and garlic, fresh green onions, a spicy red pepper, and a mixture of cumin and coriander.

The cumin and coriander get sauteed with the onions, garlic, and pepper. The heat really brings out the flavors and helps the spices to incorporate beautifully throughout the whole dish.

If rice is the little black summer dress then these ingredients can definitely be considered beachy sandals, bright scarves, and a classic handbag.

Essentials.

Coconut milk and lime add a big kick of happiness to this rice. Big coconut flakes add a toothsome crunch and cilantro should not be skipped.

With so few ingredients, they all become important.

Toss into steaming basmati rice.

Crab meat feels like such a luxury.

Crab makes this rice dish feel like an indulgent summer vacation.

If you dont have crab meat on hand, you can certainly add cooked shrimp, marinated and cooked chicken, even a fried tofu in peanut sauce.

This dish is totally a rice for all seasons. Top it with a small handful of extra toasted coconut for an awesome supper or throw on a fried egg and call it breakfast.

Its delicious! Toasted coconut, crab and fresh cilantro!? These are summer flavors in early spring. I can feel it! Its totally almost time to bust out the short skirts and tank tops. Were close! Were so so close!

Coconut Crab Rice

recipe adapted from Very Fond of Food

serves 4

Print this Recipe!

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small yellow onion, peeled and finely chopped

1 small red chili, seeded and finely chopped

1 garlic clove, peeled and minced

1 teaspoon grou! nd coria nder

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 cup coconut milk

6 cups cooked basmati rice

salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup chopped scallions

1 cup cooked crab meat

1 cup toasted unsweetened coconut, plus more for topping

zest and juice of 1 lime

small handful of fresh cilantro, chopped

Cook rice according to the package instructions. Fluff and set aside.

In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add yellow onion and cook until translucent and slightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add pepper, garlic, coriander, and cumin, and cook for another 2 minute. Add coconut milk and scrape the bottom of the pan to bring up any cooked bits of flavor. Reduce heat to low and add the rice and stir to coat rice in coconut milk. Taste and add salt and pepper as necessary. Sprinkle the rice with scallions, crab meat, toasted coconut, lime zest and juice, and fresh cilantro. Toss all of these toppings into the rice and cook until the the mixture is well incorporated and the coconut milk is absorbed. To serve, top rice with more toasted coconut and spicy chili sauce. Rice dish is also delicious when served with a fried egg on top.