Try Our Fluffy Coconut Rice Recipe Today

Creamy coconut rice refines ordinary grains into a tropical culinary experience that whispers of island breezes and sunny landscapes.

Home cooks appreciate how this simple side dish elevates meals with its luxurious texture and subtle sweetness.

rice becomes a canvas for rich, aromatic flavors that dance between comfort and exotic elegance.

coconut milk infuses each grain with a silky, smooth character that tingles taste buds and sparks curiosity.

The technique requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum satisfaction through careful preparation and balanced seasoning.

Subtle nuances emerge when cooking, turning a basic staple into something extraordinary and memorable.

You’ll find this recipe offers a delightful journey into global cuisine that feels both familiar and adventurous.

Coconut Rice Flavor Notes

• Boost Tropical Flavors: Infuse your meal with a rich, creamy coconut essence that transforms ordinary rice into an exotic side dish bursting with island-inspired taste.
• Simplify Cooking Process: Master a foolproof method that requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making this recipe accessible for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Create Versatile Accompaniment: Pair this luxurious coconut rice with various proteins like grilled chicken, seafood, or vegetarian curries, elevating any main course with its subtle, sweet undertones.
• Achieve Perfect Texture: Enjoy fluffy, tender rice grains that are individually separated and coated with a smooth, silky coconut milk finish, promising a delightful eating experience every time.

What Goes into Coconut Rice

• White Jasmine Rice: Fragrant and soft rice that forms the foundation of the dish, best when fresh and dry.
• Unsweetened Coconut Milk: Creamy liquid that adds rich tropical flavor and helps cook the rice evenly.

• Water: Helps cook the rice and creates proper moisture for tender grains.

• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the coconut milk's sweetness, provides gentle seasoning.

Steps to Make Coconut Rice

Step 1: Rinse The Rice

Grab white jasmine rice and place it in a large saucepan. Fill with cold water, gently swirl the grains with your hands. Carefully pour through a fine-mesh strainer. Return rice to the pan and repeat the rinsing process.

Step 2: Prepare Coconut Liquid Base

• Unsweetened coconut milk
• Water
• Kosher salt

Stir ingredients until well combined.

Step 3: Cook The Rice

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Lower the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the rice simmer until liquid is fully absorbed and rice becomes tender, around 15 minutes.

Step 4: Rest And Fluff

Remove the pan from heat. Keep the lid on and let the rice rest for 5 minutes. Open the lid and gently separate the rice grains using a fork, creating a light and fluffy texture.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer the coconut rice to a serving dish. The rice will have a creamy, fragrant flavor with a soft, delicate consistency perfect for accompanying various main dishes.

Best Tips for Coconut Rice Success

• Rinse Thoroughly: Wash rice multiple times to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains that won't become sticky.
• Use Fresh Coconut Milk: Select high-quality, full-fat unsweetened coconut milk for rich, authentic tropical flavor and creamy texture.
• Control Heat Carefully: Maintain low heat after initial boiling to prevent burning and achieve evenly cooked, tender rice.
• Rest and Steam: Allow rice to sit covered after cooking, letting it absorb remaining moisture and develop a soft, perfect consistency.
• Fluff Gently: Use a fork to separate rice grains delicately, creating a light and airy final texture without mashing the rice.

Reheating and Storing Coconut Rice

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store coconut rice in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Transfer cooled rice to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheating: Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons water over rice before microwaving. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warm and fluffy. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet with a splash of water, stirring gently to restore moisture and prevent sticking.

Delicious Matches for Coconut Rice

• Pair with Tropical Grilled Proteins: Enhance the coconut rice's creamy texture by serving it alongside grilled shrimp, chicken, or fish marinated in lime and ginger for a bright, zesty complement.
• Match with Spicy Southeast Asian Dishes: The mild, smooth coconut rice perfectly balances fiery curries, Thai green curry, or Indonesian rendang, creating a harmonious flavor profile that cools and satisfies.
• Serve with Crisp Tropical Cocktails: Elevate the dining experience by pairing the rice with a refreshing mojito, coconut martini, or passion fruit daiquiri that echoes the rice's tropical undertones and provides a light, tangy contrast.
• Complement with Fresh Herb Garnishes: Sprinkle chopped cilantro, mint, or green onions on top to add a fresh, vibrant layer that cuts through the rice's richness and introduces a bright, aromatic element.

Coconut Rice Recipe Tweaks

• Tropical Herb Infusion: Stir in chopped fresh cilantro, mint, or lemongrass during the final steaming stage for an aromatic herb-enhanced coconut rice.
• Spicy Coconut Kick: Add 1-2 finely minced red chili peppers or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes while cooking to create a zesty, spicy version of the rice.
• Toasted Nut Crunch: Lightly toast shredded coconut or chopped almonds in a dry pan, then sprinkle over the finished rice for added texture and nutty flavor.
• Lime Zest Boost: Grate fresh lime zest into the rice before serving, which adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the creamy coconut profile.

Coconut Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Coconut rice brings tropical paradise to your plate with creamy, fragrant grains infused with rich coconut milk. Luxurious and simple, this Caribbean-inspired side dish elevates meals with its silky texture and delicate sweetness you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Coconut Rice

Main Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups white jasmine rice

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 can (about 13 ounces / 370 milliliters) unsweetened coconut milk
• 1 cup water (240 milliliters)

Seasoning:

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly rinse jasmine rice in a fine-mesh strainer, gently swirling the grains under cold running water to remove excess starch and debris.
2. Transfer the rinsed rice to a large saucepan with unsweetened coconut milk, water, and kosher salt, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Position the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the liquid to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally to prevent rice from sticking to the bottom.
4. Reduce heat to the lowest setting, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and allow the rice to simmer quietly for approximately 15 minutes.
5. After cooking time has elapsed, remove the pan from the heat source and let the rice rest, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow steam to complete the cooking process.
6. Gently uncover the saucepan and use a fork to delicately separate and fluff the rice grains, creating a light and airy texture.
7. Serve the fragrant coconut rice immediately as a delightful accompaniment to your favorite main course.

Notes

• Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, creating fluffier and less sticky coconut rice with clearer grains.
• Use full-fat unsweetened coconut milk for richest flavor and creamy texture that enhances the overall dish.
• Cook rice on low heat after boiling to prevent burning and ensure even, gentle cooking throughout the grains.
• Allow rice to steam for 5 minutes after cooking, helping moisture distribute evenly and creating perfect rice consistency.
• Fluff rice with a fork instead of stirring to maintain delicate grain structure and prevent mushy texture.
• Serve immediately for best taste and temperature, pairing wonderfully with tropical or Asian-inspired main courses.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 125mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg