Coconut Rice Recipe

Introduction

Coconut rice is a fragrant and creamy side dish that pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet meals. Using jasmine rice and rich coconut milk, this recipe is simple yet adds a tropical touch to your dinner table.

Ingredients

• 2 cups jasmine rice
• 13.5 ounce can full-fat coconut milk
• 1 ½ cups water (or coconut water)
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the jasmine rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the coconut milk and water. Place over high heat and bring to a boil.
3. Step 3: Add the salt and rinsed rice to the boiling liquid, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Step 4: Cover the pot and simmer on low for 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
5. Step 5: Remove the saucepan from heat but keep it covered. Let the rice rest for 15 minutes to finish cooking gently.
6. Step 6: Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately, or transfer to an airtight container for storage.

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, toast the rice lightly in a dry pan before rinsing.
• Use coconut water instead of plain water for a sweeter, more pronounced coconut taste.
• Garnish with toasted shredded coconut or fresh herbs like cilantro for extra texture and aroma.

Storage

Store leftover coconut rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of rice for this recipe?

Jasmine rice works best because of its fragrant aroma and soft texture, but you can experiment with basmati or long-grain white rice. Cooking times and liquid amounts may vary slightly.

Is coconut milk necessary or can I substitute it?

Coconut milk gives this rice its signature creaminess and flavor. You can use light coconut milk for a lighter dish, but substituting with regular milk or broth will change the taste and texture significantly.

Coconut Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 79 reviews

This creamy and fragrant Coconut Rice is a delightful twist on traditional jasmine rice, cooked with full-fat coconut milk and water to infuse it with rich tropical flavors. Perfect as a side dish for Asian, Caribbean, or any exotic inspired meals, it offers a subtly sweet and savory taste that complements a variety of main courses.

• Author: Viktoria
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice Mixture

• 2 cups jasmine rice
• 13.5 ounce can full-fat coconut milk
• 1 ½ cups water (or coconut water)
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice: Rinse the jasmine rice thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer under cold running water until the water runs clear, removing excess starch for fluffier cooked rice.
2. Combine liquids: In a medium saucepan, pour the full-fat coconut milk and water, and place over high heat on the stove.
3. Boil the liquid: Bring the coconut milk and water mixture to a rolling boil to prepare for cooking the rice.
4. Add rice and salt: Stir in the rinsed rice and salt into the boiling liquid and bring the mixture down to a gentle simmer.
5. Simmer covered: Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer the rice for 15-20 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
6. Rest the rice: Remove the pot from heat but keep it covered, allowing the rice to rest for 15 minutes to finish steaming and achieve the perfect texture.
7. Fluff and serve: Uncover the pot and gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains, then serve immediately or cool and store as desired.
8. Storage: For leftovers, transfer the rice to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 7 days.

Notes

• Use coconut water instead of plain water for additional subtle sweetness and coconut flavor.
• Adjust salt to taste depending on preference or dietary restrictions.
• Fluff the rice carefully to avoid breaking the grains for the best texture.
• Make sure to use full-fat coconut milk for creaminess; light coconut milk will result in less rich flavor and texture.
• This rice pairs well with grilled meats, curries, and tropical-inspired dishes.

Keywords: coconut rice, jasmine rice, coconut milk rice, fragrant rice, side dish, Asian cuisine, tropical rice