Chukuchuk (Marshallese Coconut Rice Balls)
In short: Soft sticky rice shaped into golf-ball-sized rounds and rolled in grated coconut, a simple Marshallese side for fish and grilled meat. It takes about 40 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Resting
- 10 min
- Total
- 40 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 275 kcal
Chukuchuk are rice-and-coconut balls, a simple Marshallese side that turns up on special occasions and alongside grilled fish or meat. Soft, sticky rice is shaped into rounds about the size of a golf ball and rolled in grated coconut, which adds a gentle sweetness and a little chew. Imported rice is a pantry staple on the atolls, and the coconut palm supplies the rest.
Instructions
- Rinse the rice until the water runs nearly clear. Put it in a saucepan with the water and salt, bring to a boil, then cover and cook on the lowest heat for 15 minutes. Leave covered for 10 minutes, until the rice is soft and sticky.
- Fold one third of the coconut and the coconut milk, if using, into the warm rice with a spatula.
- With damp hands, shape the rice into 24 balls of about 40 g (1 1/2 oz) each. Roll each one in the remaining coconut, pressing lightly so it sticks.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, with grilled fish, grilled meat or fresh fruit.
Tips
- Use short- or medium-grain rice, which turns sticky enough to hold its shape. Long-grain rice falls apart. Keep a bowl of water nearby to dampen your hands.
- Shape the balls while the rice is still warm, since cold rice will not stick together. Leftovers keep in the fridge for 2 days and taste best warmed for 20 seconds.
Questions and answers
What is chukuchuk?
Chukuchuk is a Marshallese dish of rice and coconut shaped into balls about the size of a golf ball. It is served on special occasions or as a side with grilled fish, meat or fruit.
Can I use fresh coconut?
Yes. Freshly grated coconut gives the best flavor and a moist texture. Frozen grated coconut, thawed, also works well.
Can I make chukuchuk sweeter?
Yes. Stir 1 to 2 tablespoons of sugar into the rice with the coconut, and taste before shaping.
How long does it take to make Chukuchuk (Marshallese Coconut Rice Balls)?
About 40 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Chukuchuk (Marshallese Coconut Rice Balls)?
About 275 kcal per serving, with 4 g of protein, 44 g of carbohydrates and 9 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 275 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 44 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 195 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
