Coconut Rice

This savory Coconut Rice makes a deliciously fragrant side dish to any of your favorite Asian-inspired meals.  Jasmine rice is simmered in coconut milk with just a touch of sugar and salt, making the lightest and fluffiest Coconut Rice we have ever tried.  Serve plain, or topped with chopped cilantro, toasted coconut and lime wedges.

Easy Peasy Side Dish

Rice does not have to be boring!  In fact, it’s one of our favorite side dishes to make because, with just a few ingredients, you can magically turn it into something special.  Whether you use an Instant Pot, Rice Cooker, or a plain old stovetop, just follow our easy peasy step-by-step instructions to get perfectly fluffy and flavorful Coconut Rice every single time.

What To Serve With Coconut Rice

Coconut Rice is a great side dish for any Asian-inspired mains, curries, stir fries and more.  The flavor is sweet and slightly floral, lending itself perfectly to many different Thai, Vietnamese and other South Asian dishes.  It is also vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free so it satisfies all major special diets and allergies.

Here are a few of our favorites:

• Asian Beef Kabobs
• Basil Chicken Stir Fry
• Lemon Rosemary Chicken Kabobs
• Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
• Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

What’s the Best Rice To Use?

Long-grain white rice is preferred for Coconut Rice because it doesn’t get as sticky.  We love Jasmine rice because it has an amazing lightly floral flavor that goes perfectly with coconut, and other Thai flavors.  Texturally, Basmati rice makes an excellent substitute, although it doesn’t have quite the same flavor.

Avoid instant rice, or any short-grain rice as they will give you a sticky result.  If you want to try this using brown rice, keep in mind that the cooking time will increase, as will the amount of liquid you should use.  You can refer to the rice package for exact proportions and times.

Coconut Rice Ingredients

• Jasmine Rice - we prefer the naturally floral flavor in Jasmine rice, however any long-grain white rice will work.
• Coconut Milk - it’s important to use full fat, unsweetened coconut milk.  Avoid the lite version as it is full of water.  The fat will separate to the top so you’ll need to mix it all up once you open the can.
• Water - water balances nicely with the full-fat coconut milk, giving it a perfect texture and flavor that is not overly sweet or rich.
• Sugar - we like to use just a touch of sugar in this recipe to really enhance the flavor.
• Salt

How to Make Coconut Rice On the Stovetop

1. Rinse your rice over a sieve until the water runs clean.
2. In a medium pot over medium heat, combine rice, coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt. 
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer, covered, for 18 minutes without removing the lid.  After 18 minutes, lift the lid to check if all of the liquid has absorbed, but do not stir.    You may need to cook for up to 4 additional minutes.
4. Once all of the liquid has absorbed and the rice is tender, remove the pot from heat and let sit 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Enjoy!

How to Make Coconut Rice In An Instant Pot

1. Add the rinsed uncooked rice, coconut milk, water, sugar and salt into the Instant Pot and stir.  
2. Close and lock the lid, then turn the venting know to “Sealing” position.
3. Pressure cook on High Pressure for about 6 minutes.  Once finished cooking, switch to “Venting” position using a kitchen towel to release the remaining pressure.  
4. Lift the lid carefully, stir with a fork to fluff, then serve immediately.

How to Make Coconut Rice In A Rice Cooker

1. Add the rinsed uncooked rice, coconut milk, water, sugar and salt to the rice cooker and press the “White Rice” setting.
2. Once the rice has cooked completely, fluff using a fork, then serve immediately.

Garnishes to Add to Coconut Rice

• Sesame seeds
• Toasted coconut
• Chopped cilantro
• Thinly sliced or diced jalapeno peppers
• Sliced green onions

How to Reheat Cooked Rice

Leftover rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.  

To reheat in the oven, preheat your oven to 300 degrees F, and transfer rice to a baking dish.  Add a few tablespoons of water, then cover with foil and warm in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

To reheat in the microwave, simply combine the rice and a couple tablespoons of water in a microwave safe container and mix well.  Lay a wet paper towel over the rice and heat on high for about 30 seconds at a time until warmed through.

To reheat on the stovetop, transfer rice to a small pot and stir in a splash of water.  Mix well, then cover and turn heat to low.  Continue to cook on very low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Tips For Making the Best Coconut Rice

• Be sure to rinse your rice as it removes extra unwanted starches that can make the end result mushy and sticky.
• It’s important to use some water to dilute the coconut milk slightly.  This helps keep the rice fluffy, not sticky.
• Do not open the lid or stir the rice before the 18 minutes are up!  You want to trap all of that steam in for as long as possible.

Here are some other rice side dishes that we love!

• Homemade Rice Pilaf
• Easy Spanish Rice
• Lemon Herb Rice
• Cheesy Green Chili Rice Casserole
• Garlic Parmesan Rice
• Easy Ham Fried Rice

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