The first time I smelled coconut rice bubbling away in the rice cooker, I stopped mid-laundry-fold and just stood there, breathing. It’s buttery, sweet, and a little tropicallike vacation hugged a bowl. This coconut rice recipe has been popping up on TikTok and Pinterest lately, and for good reason.
It’s made with just jasmine rice, coconut milk, and the tiniest pinch of salt. That’s it. It’s creamy like risotto but so much simpler. Perfect with curry, grilled shrimp, or straight off the spoon. A total easy recipe, pantry-friendly, and kinda magic. Full details in the blog!
I started making this after burning a plain pot of ricetwice. My daughter said, “Let’s just try it with the coconut stuff,” and honestly? Game changer. I’ve tested it every possible way (including a tasty Crockpot version!). I’ll show you my favesyou’ll love the secret!
This Coconut Rice Recipe offers a fragrant and fluffy side dish made by Cooking Rice With Coconut Milk. Perfect for an Asian-inspired meal, it shows how to make Coconut Cream Rice Recipe simply and deliciously.
Ingredients
Scale
1½ cups jasmine rice rinsed
1 15-ounce can unsweetened coconut milk full fat
3/4 cup water
2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Thoroughly rinse the jasmine rice until the water is clear.
Pour the rinsed rice into a pot and add coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt.
Heat the pot over medium flame until it boils, then cover and lower the heat to simmer gently for 18 minutes.
After 18 minutes, check if the liquid is fully absorbed without stirring; continue cooking up to 4 more minutes if needed.
Once the rice is tender and liquid absorbed, remove from heat and let it rest covered for 10 minutes before fluffing it with a fork and serving.
Notes
Storing leftovers: Leftover rice keeps well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days
To reheat in the oven, warm at 300 degrees F covered with foil and a little water for 15-20 minutes
For microwave reheating, add 1-2 tablespoons water, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short intervals until hot
On the stovetop, warm the rice with a splash of water on low heat, stirring occasionally
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Category:Side Dish
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Thai
Nutrition
Calories:131kcal
Sugar:1g
Sodium:76mg
Fat:1g
Saturated Fat:1g
Carbohydrates:29g
Fiber:1g
Protein:2g
Why It’s a Family Favorite
This coconut rice recipe feels like a warm hug in the world of side dishessimple, fragrant, and a little bit magical. It’s a perfect fusion of creamy coconut milk and fluffy jasmine rice, lightly sweetened with just a pinch of salt. Whether paired with Thai curry, grilled veggies, teriyaki chicken, or enjoyed straight from the pot (no judgment here), it strikes that balance of feeling special yet effortless. It’s a reliable choice for everything from busy weeknights to cozy weekend dinners.
What really makes it stand out is its universal appeal. Kids love it, adults go back for seconds, and it even earns compliments at potlucks. Best of all, it’s foolproof! No one enjoys mushy or burnt rice, and this method ensures perfectly fluffy results every single time.
Ingredients Breakdown
You only need five pantry-friendly ingredients to make this delightful dish:
Jasmine rice: Use jasmine rice for that signature light, floral aroma. Rinsing thoroughly is crucial to prevent stickiness.
Coconut milk: Full-fat coconut milk gives the rice a rich, velvety texture. There’s no need for coconut cream here.
Water: Balances the richness of the coconut milk and ensures the right cooking consistency.
Sugar: A small amount enhances the natural sweetness of the coconut milk.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Pro Tip: Always rinse your rice until the water runs clear. This washes off excess starch and helps prevent gummy textures.
Simple Steps to Make It
Follow these easy, foolproof stepsperfect even for kitchen beginners:
Rinse the rice: Rinse jasmine rice under cold water in a sieve until the water is clear. This quick step makes a big difference in texture.
Combine ingredients: In a medium pot, stir together the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a snug-fitting lid and let simmer for 18 minutes without lifting the lidresist the urge to peek!
Check & cook more if needed: After 18 minutes, check if the liquid is absorbed. If not, cook for a few more minutes, keeping the lid on.
Rest & fluff: Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Then fluff gently with a forkperfection!
Step
Estimated Time
Rinse rice
2 minutes
Combine and boil
5 minutes
Simmer
18–22 minutes
Rest & fluff
10 minutes
Total time? Just 35 minutes to delicious coconut rice!
Easy Customizations
Looking to mix it up? Here are some fun ways to customize this recipe:
More coconut flavor: Replace the water with extra coconut milk for an even creamier texture.
Add aromatics: Toss in a smashed garlic clove or a slice of ginger while it simmers for added fragrance.
Make it savory: Skip the sugar and add a splash of soy sauce or sprinkle chopped green onions when serving.
Go tropical: Stir in toasted coconut flakes or diced pineapple before serving for a fun twist.
How to Serve & Store
This coconut rice pairs beautifully with Thai curries, teriyaki salmon, stir-fries, or crispy tofu. It’s also wonderful topped with a fried egg for a quick weekday breakfast.
If you have leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh:
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze portions in small bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating Method
Steps
Microwave
Add 1–2 tablespoons of water, cover with a damp paper towel, and reheat in 30-second bursts.
Stovetop
Heat with a spoonful of water on low, stirring gently until warm.
Oven
Transfer to a baking dish, cover with foil, add a splash of water, and warm at 300°F for 15–20 minutes.
There you have itfluffy, versatile, and totally foolproof coconut rice ready to brighten any meal!
Expert Says
This coconut rice recipe benefits from cooking rice with coconut milk, which adds richness and subtle sweetness while contributing healthy medium-chain triglycerides. The fats in coconut milk also help release flavor compounds, enhancing aroma and texture, making the dish both satisfying and interesting.
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The Journey to My Perfect Coconut Rice Recipe
It took several coconut milk spills and a few undercooked batches before this coconut rice recipe truly clicked. With each attempt, I learned how to balance creamy coconut flavor without sogginess. Now, it’s a comforting side that’s tender, fragrant, and perfect for any family meal.
FAQs ( Coconut Rice Recipe )
How do I prevent coconut rice from becoming too soggy?
To avoid soggy rice, use the right rice-to-liquid ratiotypically 1 cup rice to 1 1/2 cups liquid for this recipe. Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch. Cook over low heat with a tight lid and avoid lifting it until fully done to keep moisture balanced.
Can I use canned coconut milk instead of fresh?
Canned coconut milk works great and adds rich flavor and creaminess. Shake or stir the can well before measuring to mix the cream and liquid. It’s convenient and reliable for consistent texture in this meal.
What type of rice is best for this dish?
Long-grain white rice is ideal as it stays fluffy and separate when cooked with coconut milk. Jasmine rice is popular for its fragrant aroma and texture, enhancing the dish’s flavor. Avoid short-grain varieties that tend to be stickier.
Can I make this recipe in a crockpot?
Yes, slow cooker coconut rice is possible but requires cautious liquid control. Use less coconut milk and add water as needed. Cook on low for 2-3 hours and check moisture to avoid overcooking or dryness.
How do I store and reheat leftover rice?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little water on the rice and cover loosely, then warm in the microwave or on the stovetop to restore moisture and avoid dryness.
Conclusion
After about 35 minutes, this coconut rice recipe yields fluffy, tender grains with a hint of coconut creaminess that instantly warms the soul. You’ll love how its aroma fills your kitchen and how perfectly it complements whatever you’re servingwhether a spicy curry or simply eaten straight from the pot. It’s cozy, reliable, and wonderfully simple, making every meal feel a bit more special.
Here’s a little trick I learned from my aunt’s kitchen: swap half the water for extra coconut milk to intensify the tropical flavor. Want to make it savory? Skip the sugar and add a splash of soy sauce when serving. Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of water on the stovetopno mush, no fuss. These easy tweaks and storage tips keep your cooking rice with coconut milk experience fuss-free and enjoyable.
Have you tried this recipe yet? I’d love to see your photos or hear about your family’s favorite rice memoriesdid a similar dish grace your dinner table growing up? Save this post or share it with a friend who needs a simple, soulful side. Here’s to many cozy meals and happy, full bellies!
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
