Luscious Island-Inspired Coconut Rice Recipe

Fragrant jasmine rice dancing with coconut milk creates a side dish that transports you straight to tropical paradise.

Each fluffy grain absorbs the rich, creamy essence of coconut, promising an explosion of delicate flavor.

This coconut rice recipe turns an ordinary meal into something extraordinary with minimal effort.

coconut lovers will swoon over the silky texture and subtle sweetness that permeates every bite.

The recipe demands just a few simple ingredients and delivers maximum satisfaction.

Simple yet elegant, this dish pairs perfectly with grilled proteins or stands beautifully on its own.

Dive into this culinary journey and let your taste buds explore a world of smooth, aromatic delight.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 20 mins

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients List for Coconut Rice

• White Jasmine Rice: Fragrant and delicate rice that provides the perfect foundation for a creamy, tropical-inspired dish, choose high-quality, fresh grains for the best texture.
• Coconut Milk: Creamy, rich liquid that infuses the rice with a luxurious tropical flavor, select unsweetened variety for pure, clean taste.

• Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile, balancing the sweetness of coconut and bringing out the rice's natural taste.

• Water: Helps achieve the ideal rice consistency and supports even cooking, use filtered water for the cleanest taste.

Tools Needed for Coconut Rice

• Large Saucepan: Essential for cooking and combining rice and liquid ingredients.
• Fine-Mesh Strainer: Perfect for rinsing rice and draining water effectively.
• Fork: Needed for fluffing rice after cooking to create light, separated grains.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure rice, water, and coconut milk.
• Measuring Spoon: Precisely measures salt for balanced flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Coconut Rice

• Rice Preparation

Rinse white jasmine rice thoroughly in cold water, swirling and draining multiple times to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy texture.

• Liquid Combination

Pour coconut milk and water into the saucepan with the clean rice, adding a pinch of salt for enhanced flavor.

• Cooking Process

Bring the rice mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to low. Cover the pot and let the rice simmer quietly until liquid disappears and grains become tender.

• Resting Period

Remove from heat and allow rice to rest, covered, for several minutes. This final steaming helps create perfectly soft and separated grains.

• Serving

Uncover and gently separate rice with a fork, creating light and airy texture ready for enjoying alongside your favorite dishes.

Cooking Tips & Variations for Coconut Rice

• Wash rice multiple times to remove excess starch, creating fluffy and separate grains that won't clump together.
• Choose full-fat coconut milk for richer, more intense coconut flavor and creamy texture that elevates the entire dish.
• Toss in fresh ginger, lemongrass, or garlic during cooking to infuse additional layers of aromatic complexity into the rice.
• Lightly toast rice in a dry pan before adding liquids to enhance nutty undertones and develop deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
• Fold chopped cilantro, green onions, or toasted coconut flakes into the finished rice for fresh, vibrant garnish and added texture.

Serving Suggestions for Coconut Rice

• Island Feast Companion: Pair this creamy coconut rice with grilled tropical seafood like shrimp or mahi-mahi for a delightful Caribbean-inspired meal.
• Protein Perfect Plate: Top the rice with succulent teriyaki chicken, crispy tofu, or spicy pulled pork to create a satisfying and balanced dinner.
• Veggie Celebration Bowl: Transform the coconut rice into a vibrant vegetable bowl by adding roasted colorful bell peppers, grilled zucchini, and fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for extra brightness and nutrition.
• Breakfast Transformation: Drizzle the warm rice with a touch of honey, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes, and serve alongside fresh mango slices for a luxurious morning treat that feels like a tropical vacation.

Meal Prep Advice for Coconut Rice

• Quick Refrigeration Snapshot: Store leftover coconut rice in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Cooling Technique: Spread rice on a flat plate to cool down quickly before refrigerating, helping retain its fluffy texture and preventing moisture buildup.
• Refreshing Leftover Strategy: Revive chilled rice by sprinkling a few tablespoons of water and gently reheating in microwave or steamer, ensuring it stays moist and delicious.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Pack cooled rice in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze up to 1 month for convenient future meals.

Silky Coconut Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 20 mins
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Simmering with tropical charm, coconut rice brings creamy Indonesian flavors to your plate. Fragrant jasmine rice combines with rich coconut milk, creating a simple yet luxurious side dish perfect for pairing with spicy or grilled meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 cups white jasmine rice
• 1 can (13 oz / 370 ml) unsweetened coconut milk
• 1 cup water (240 ml)
• 0.5 tsp kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Cleanse jasmine rice thoroughly under cold water, gently agitating to eliminate starch and impurities, ensuring pristine grains.
2. Liquid Combination: Merge rinsed rice with unsweetened coconut milk, water, and kosher salt in a robust saucepan, distributing ingredients uniformly for optimal flavor infusion.
3. Heat Activation: Escalate temperature to medium-high, bringing liquid to a vigorous boil while intermittently stirring to prevent grain adherence to pan bottom.
4. Simmering Phase: Reduce heat to minimum, seal saucepan with snug lid, and allow rice to gently simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes until liquid absorbs completely.
5. Resting and Fluffing: Remove from heat, let rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes to complete steam cooking, then delicately separate grains with a fork, creating a light, aerated texture.
6. Serving: Present aromatic coconut rice immediately as a sublime accompaniment to your culinary creation, showcasing its rich, creamy essence.

Notes

• Rinse Thoroughly: Remove excess starch by gently swirling rice under cold water to prevent clumpy, sticky textures.
• Use Quality Coconut Milk: Select full-fat, unsweetened coconut milk for richer, more authentic flavor and creamy consistency.
• Steam Rest Matters: Allow rice to sit covered after cooking to ensure perfectly tender grains and optimal moisture absorption.
• Fluff with Care: Use a fork to delicately separate rice grains, creating a light, fluffy texture that enhances the overall dining experience.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg