Name: Coconut Rice Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 cup jasmine rice; 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat); 1 cup water; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon shredded coconut for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Coconut Rice is a dreamy, aromatic side that instantly transports you someplace blissfully tropical with every spoonful. Creamy coconut milk melds with soft, fragrant jasmine rice for an irresistible combination—sweet and salty, rich and delicate—all ready in just about half an hour. Whether you’re planning a leisurely weekend spread or need a simple weeknight upgrade, Coconut Rice comes together effortlessly and pairs beautifully with just about anything. This is one of those comforting staples you’ll crave over and over!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Coconut Rice is in its simplicity. With just a handful of easily-accessible ingredients, each one brings its own special touch—from the gentle floral notes of jasmine rice to the lush creaminess of coconut milk, every addition is intentional. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each component matters:

Jasmine rice: The long-grain, slightly sticky texture and subtle fragrance make this the perfect base for Coconut Rice.
Coconut milk (full-fat): Delivers creamy, velvety richness and that unmistakable tropical aroma. Go for full-fat for the best flavor!
Water: Helps balance the richness of the coconut milk and ensures the rice is perfectly cooked and fluffy.
Sugar: Just a spoonful enhances the natural sweetness of the coconut milk without making the dish overtly sweet.
Salt: Brings out all the flavors and provides a gentle counterpoint to the sweetness—the key to a perfect balance.
Shredded coconut (optional, for garnish): Adds an extra nutty crunch and a pretty finishing touch if you want to dress things up!

How to Make Coconut Rice

Step 1: Rinse the Jasmine Rice

Pour the jasmine rice into a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water, gently swishing the grains with your hand. This helps remove excess starch, so your Coconut Rice turns out fluffy instead of gummy. Continue rinsing until the water runs mostly clear—it’s worth the extra minute!

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Saucepan

In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed jasmine rice, coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt. Give everything a good stir to combine. You’ll notice the coconut milk start to melt into the mixture creating a luscious, velvety base that promises flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. This is where the kitchen starts to smell absolutely magical—the sweet coconut aroma will have everyone peeking in to ask what’s cooking!

Step 4: Simmer and Cover

Once the mixture reaches a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Let it simmer for 15 minutes. Keeping the lid on traps the steam and allows the rice to soak up all that creamy coconut flavor.

Step 5: Let Rest Off Heat

Remove the saucepan from the heat, but keep it covered. Let the Coconut Rice sit undisturbed for another 10 minutes. This resting time lets any remaining moisture get absorbed and makes the rice extra fluffy.

Step 6: Fluff and Garnish

Lift the lid and use a fork to gently fluff the rice, separating the grains and releasing any trapped steam. If you’d like, sprinkle shredded coconut over the top for a lovely finish—both visually inviting and delicious!

How to Serve Coconut Rice

Garnishes

A handful of toasted shredded coconut is classic, but you can really have fun here! Scatter fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or even a few roasted cashews on top to add flavor, color, and a little crunch. A squeeze of lime can also brighten up the entire Coconut Rice experience.

Side Dishes

Coconut Rice offers a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with spicy curries, stir-fried vegetables, or grilled proteins like shrimp, chicken, or tofu. If you’re making a Southeast Asian or Caribbean-inspired meal, you’ll find Coconut Rice is the perfect base for soaking up sauces and juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive presentation, try packing the Coconut Rice into a small bowl or ramekin, then unmolding onto plates for a neat, dome-shaped mound. Serving it inside a hollowed coconut shell is always a showstopper at parties! For a casual yet pretty family meal, scoop it into a large bowl and garnish generously for everyone to help themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Coconut Rice cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. When stored properly, the rice retains its flavor and stays perfectly moist.

Freezing

Coconut Rice freezes beautifully! Scoop cooled rice into freezer-safe bags or containers (press out as much air as possible), then stash it away. It will stay fresh for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat Coconut Rice, sprinkle a tablespoon or two of water over the rice and warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, covered, until steaming hot. This helps restore its creamy, fluffy texture. Stir well and serve right away.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Side Dish

You can use other long-grain rices, such as basmati, but jasmine rice gives Coconut Rice its signature aroma and slightly sticky texture. If using basmati or another type, check the water-to-rice ratio, as you might need to adjust it for the best result.

Is light coconut milk okay instead of full-fat?

Light coconut milk will absolutely work if you’re aiming for a lighter version, but you’ll miss out on some creaminess and richness. The flavor will still be lovely, just a bit more subtle than traditional Coconut Rice.

How do I make Coconut Rice extra fragrant?

For a real boost, add a pandan leaf to the pot while the rice simmers, then remove it before serving. This leaf, common in Southeast Asian desserts, infuses Coconut Rice with incredible floral and vanilla-like notes.

Can I make Coconut Rice in a rice cooker?

Yes, Coconut Rice comes out beautifully in a rice cooker! Just rinse the rice, combine all the ingredients in the cooker, and set it to the “white rice” or regular rice setting. Let it stand a few minutes before fluffing and serving.

Is Coconut Rice vegan and gluten-free?

Absolutely! This Coconut Rice recipe contains only plant-based ingredients and is naturally gluten-free, so it’s perfect for just about any dietary need. Just make sure to double-check your coconut milk for any unwanted additives.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Coconut Rice at home, I can’t recommend it enough. The process is simple, the rewards are enormous, and the results are guaranteed to impress friends and family. Whether you enjoy it as a side, a base for curries, or even enjoy a few spoonfuls straight from the pot, this Coconut Rice will become a crave-worthy favorite in your kitchen. Treat yourself and give it a try soon!

Coconut Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and fragrant coconut rice made with jasmine rice, coconut milk, and a hint of sweetness. This easy recipe yields fluffy, flavorful rice that pairs perfectly with Asian-inspired dishes.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 cup jasmine rice
1 cup coconut milk (full-fat)
1 cup water
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

Garnish:

1 tablespoon shredded coconut for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Rinse the rice: Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Let it sit covered for an additional 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and garnish with shredded coconut.