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This Coconut Rice is a recipe to use when you need to add a little tropical twist to your weeknight dinner!
Coconut rice is a simple way to jazz up your regular rice and bring some tasty natural coconut flavors to your meal.
Boom! Flavor explosion! I’m a huge fan of coconut flavour and this rice brings all of it. Ha!
The creamy texture and subtle sweetness perfectly complement so many foods as a delicious side dish.
I’ve experimented a bit and found that it’s surprisingly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. We’re gonna go through some quick tips later on!
Whether you’re serving it with jerk chicken, stir-fry, or any Asian dishes, this coconut rice is the perfect side dish that will have your whole family asking for seconds.
Heck! You can eat this stuff all by itself. No meal required! It serves as an easy and flavorful snack any time of the day.
Plus, this coconut rice is so easy that even on busy nights, you can whip it up without breaking a sweat!
Some of our other favorite RECIPES WITH RICE we have on our site include: Creamy Chocolate Rice Pudding Recipe, Easy Sausage Rice Recipe (Cajun Dirty Rice), and Easy Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Simple Ingredients: You only need three basic ingredients—rice, water, and a can of coconut milk—all easily found at your grocery store.
- Versatile Pairing: It pairs well with a variety of tropical dishes, making it a go-to side dish for many meals.
- Rich Flavor and Texture: The full-fat coconut milk adds a creamy richness that transforms plain rice into something special.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Coconut milk
- Water
- Jasmine rice
HOW TO MAKE COCONUT RICE:
- Rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
- Boil water and coconut milk in a medium saucepan.
- When water and coconut milk is at a full boil, add rice.
- Cover and turn to medium-low heat for 15 minutes.
- Remove from the heat for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
WHAT KIND OF RICE IS THE BEST TO USE?
For the best coconut rice, I recommend using Jasmine rice or long grain Jasmine rice.
Its fragrant aroma and soft texture complement the coconut milk perfectly.
While you can use other types like basmati or even brown rice, keep in mind that cooking times and liquid ratios might need adjustment.
I’ve got no problem with you using whatever rice you have on hand.
CAN I MAKE THIS IN A RICE COOKER?
Absolutely! A rice cooker is a great option for this recipe.
Simply add the rinsed rice, coconut milk, and water to the rice cooker, and let it work its magic.
It’s an easy way to ensure perfectly fluffy rice every time without any extra effort.
ANY ADDITIONS?
You better believe it! It’s a super basic recipe that you can add all kinds of things into.
- Lime juice: Squeeze some fresh lime juice over the rice for a zesty kick.
- Coconut flakes: Stir in toasted coconut flakes for extra texture and flavor.
- Green onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a pop of color.
- Sea salt: A pinch enhances the natural flavors.
- Black pepper: Add a dash for subtle spice.
- Cilantro: Mix in chopped cilantro for a fresh, herby taste.
- Pineapple chunks: For a sweet twist, add small pineapple pieces.
- Sesame seeds: Sprinkle on top for added crunch.
- Ginger: Grate some fresh ginger into the cooking liquid for warmth.
- Turmeric: A pinch adds color and earthy flavor.
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
Just a few, since there are so few ingredients. Feel free to mix and match though.
- Light coconut milk: Use light coconut milk instead of full-fat for a lighter version.
- Brown rice: Substitute with brown rice for more fiber; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Coconut water: Replace water with coconut water for enhanced coconut flavor.
- Basmati rice: Can be used if Jasmine rice isn’t available.
- Chicken broth: Use instead of water for a savory touch.
- Coconut cream: For a richer taste, substitute coconut milk with coconut cream.
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator
- Let the rice cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water.
Freezer
- Allow the rice to cool completely.
- Place in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse under cool running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch for fluffy rice.
- Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: It provides the best coconut flavor and creaminess.
- Watch the Heat: Keep at medium heat to prevent the coconut milk from scorching.
- Don’t Skip Resting: Let the rice sit off the heat for 10 minutes to finish steaming.
- Adjust Liquid Ratios: If you find the rice too sticky, use a little less water next time.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to get creative with spices or herbs to make it your own recipe.
There you have it—a simple and delicious Coconut Rice that’s sure to become a family favorite.
It’s an easy recipe that brings a taste of the tropics right to your table.
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
Easy Coconut Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Jasmine rice
- ¾ cups water
- 14 ounces coconut milk
Instructions
- Rinse the rice until the water runs clear.1 cup Jasmine rice
- Boil water and coconut milk in a medium saucepan.¾ cups water, 14 ounces coconut milk
- When water and coconut milk is at a full boil, add rice.
- Cover and turn to medium-low heat for 15 minutes.
- Remove from the heat for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Notes
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse under cool running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch for fluffy rice.
- Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: It provides the best coconut flavor and creaminess.
- Watch the Heat: Keep at medium heat to prevent the coconut milk from scorching.
- Don’t Skip Resting: Let the rice sit off the heat for 10 minutes to finish steaming.
- Adjust Liquid Ratios: If you find the rice too sticky, use a little less water next time.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to get creative with spices or herbs to make it your own recipe.
Nutrition
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