Welcome to Rice Cookers 101, where you can find easy and delicious recipes for your favorite rice dishes. Today, we introduce you to the flavorful and healthy Thai Spinach Rice recipe. This dish is a tasty combination of fresh spinach, fragrant jasmine rice, and aromatic Thai spices that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s the perfect meal that’s nutritious, easy to make, and will leave you feeling satisfied. So, let’s get started on this Thai rice adventure! We’ve made this thai spinach rice recipe easy to follow 👨🍳. If you’re looking for our favorite rice cookers to make this recipe, check out our list of top rice cookers here.
Ingredients
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 bunch spinach, chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- First, rinse 2 cups of jasmine rice in water until the water runs clear. Then, drain the rice well.
- Next, in a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water, 1 cup of coconut milk, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
- While the rice is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Stir-fry the mixture for 1-2 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Next, add 1 sliced red bell pepper to the skillet, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Add 1 bunch of chopped spinach to the skillet, and continue to stir-fry until the spinach has wilted.
- Now, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, and the cooked rice to the skillet.
- Stir everything together until well-combined and heated through.
- Serve hot and garnish with 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro.
How long does thai spinach rice last in the fridge?
Thai spinach rice can be stored in the fridge after cooking for up to four days. It is recommended to store it in an airtight container or a covered bowl to prevent it from drying out and absorbing other odors in the fridge. When reheating, it is best to add a splash of water or vegetable broth to prevent it from becoming too dry. If you are not planning to consume it within four days, it is recommended to freeze it for longer storage. When freezing, let the rice cool to room temperature and store it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to six months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Low calorie thai spinach rice recipe substitutions
To make this Thai Spinach Rice recipe lower in calorie, there are a few substitutions that can be made. Instead of jasmine rice, replace it with cauliflower rice or brown rice for a healthier option. Use light coconut milk instead of regular coconut milk to cut down on the calorie intake. Replace vegetable oil with a healthier oil option such as olive oil or avocado oil. Instead of soy sauce, use a low-sodium alternative such as liquid aminos. To reduce the overall calorie count, consider reducing the amount of coconut milk and oil used in the recipe. Increasing the amount of vegetable ingredients and reducing the amount of rice can also help to make this dish lower in calorie.
What to serve with a thai spinach rice?
Thai spinach rice is a delicious dish on its own, but if you’re looking to add some complementary flavors, there are plenty of options. Grilled chicken marinated in a flavorful Thai sauce or coconut curry shrimp are both excellent options. You can also serve it with some stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Adding a side of sliced fresh cucumber, sprinkled with lime and chili flakes, would provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced rice. Finally, a Thai salad with peanuts, cilantro, and a spicy peanut dressing would be a perfect complement to the rice.
Whats the best sauce for a thai spinach rice?
There are several options for sauces that would complement Thai spinach rice, but one of the best is a peanut sauce. With its slightly sweet and nutty flavor, peanut sauce pairs perfectly with the fresh and vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine. To make a simple peanut sauce, start by combining peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and garlic in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Adjust the consistency with a little bit of water until you get the desired thickness. Drizzle the sauce over your Thai spinach rice and enjoy! Another possible alternative could be a spicy green chili sauce or a sweet and tangy tamarind sauce.
Thai spinach rice health benefits
Thai spinach rice is a healthy dish that packs a ton of nutrients and health benefits. The spinach in the dish contains high levels of iron, which helps in the production of hemoglobin, the protein that helps carry oxygen in the blood. Spinach is also rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. The rice in the dish is a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy to the body. The combination of spinach and rice in the dish makes it a complete meal that is both nutritious and delicious.If you are looking for an even healthier option, I would recommend a quinoa and vegetable stir-fry. Quinoa is a superfood that is rich in protein, fiber, and essential amino acids. Combined with a variety of vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots, this dish provides a range of nutrients and health benefits. Additionally, it is low in calories and can be easily customized to fit various dietary needs or preferences.