The first time I smelled jasmine rice hitting a warm pot of coconut milk, I was hooked. Creamy steam wrapped around the whole kitchen, like vacation in a bowl. This coconut rice recipe turns basic grains into something a little specialtropical and cozy all at once. It’s a favorite side dish lately, and it plays nice with everything from lime shrimp to roasted veggies.
It starts simplelong grain rice, full-fat coconut milk, and a pinch of salt. You stir, simmer, and wait while your kitchen slowly smells like a Thai restaurant. The flavor’s rich but not heavy, with a hint of sweetness tucked into the fluff. It’s like your usual white rice, but wearing a sundress and flip-flops. Best part? You can make it stove-top or try the crockpot method for a low-effort twist on cooking rice with coconut milk.
I started making this back in 2016 after a trip to Kauai left me chasing that beachy comfort food vibe. When I served it at a backyard dinner, someone actually ditched the chicken and went back for more ricetwice. The key I’ve learned? Rinse the rice really well; it keeps things light and separate, no clumps. After testing dozens of recipes over the years, this one earns its spot on the weeknight menu again and again.
Thomas Baker
Coconut Rice Recipe: Delicious and Easy How-To Guide
This Coconut Rice Recipe offers a wonderfully fragrant and fluffy side dish perfect for any Asian-inspired meal. Cooking Rice With Coconut Milk infuses the jasmine rice with a subtle sweetness and richness using simple ingredients. Whether you’re seeking a Coconut Cream Rice Recipe or an easy Rice Recipes Asian Simple option, this guide walks you through How To Cook Rice With Coconut Milk effortlessly.
Rinse the jasmine rice under running water until it runs clear to remove excess starch.
Place the rinsed rice into a medium pot and add the coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt.
Heat the mixture over medium heat until it comes to a rolling boil, then cover and lower the heat to a gentle simmer.
Let the rice cook with the lid on for 18 minutes without lifting it, then peek to see if the liquid has fully absorbed; extend cooking up to 4 more minutes if needed.
Once the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, take the pot off the heat and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
After resting, fluff the rice gently with a fork and serve warm.
Notes
Store any leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For reheating, you can warm the rice in the oven at 300°F covered with foil after adding a few tablespoons of water, microwave with a damp paper towel over it, or gently reheat it on the stovetop with a little water added.
Why You’ll Love This Coconut Rice Recipe
This coconut rice recipe hits all the cozy, feel-good notes while keeping things delightfully simple:
Flavorful yet fuss-free: It’s rich and fragrant, thanks to creamy coconut milk and just the right touch of sweetness.
Beginner-friendly: No fancy gadgets neededjust a pot and your stove.
Perfectly versatile: This rice pairs beautifully with fresh veggies, grilled meats, or saucy Asian-inspired dishes.
Light with tropical vibes: Like your everyday rice taking a relaxing beach getaway.
If you’ve been searching for easy coconut milk recipes that still feel special, this one could become a regular favorite.
Key Ingredients & Tools
The charm of this recipe lies in its simplicityjust a few pantry staples and one trusty pot. Here’s what you need:
Jasmine Rice: This fragrant long-grain rice provides the perfect light, fluffy texture.
Unsweetened Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk is the star, delivering creamy richness and signature coconut flavor.
Water: Balances the richness of the coconut milk and ensures consistent cooking.
Pinch of Sugar & Salt: These simple additions round out the flavor beautifullyjust a touch sweet and savory.
Pro Tip: Rinse the rice until the water runs clear to achieve fluffy, separate grains. Don’t skip this essential step!
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Rice with Coconut Milk
This recipe comes together in four easy steps:
Rinse the Jasmine Rice: Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh sieve under cold running water until clear. This removes excess starch and prevents clumping.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium pot, stir together the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt. Cover with a lid.
Simmer Away: Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then lower the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 18 minutes. Note: Avoid removing the lid during cooking!
Check & Rest: Check if the liquid is fully absorbed. If not, cook 2–4 minutes more. When done, let the rice rest covered off heat for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Pro Tip: Resist stirring the rice while cookingstirring releases starch and can make the rice gummy!
Quick Step Summary
Step
Action
Timing
1
Rinse jasmine rice
2–3 minutes
2
Combine all ingredients in a pot
2 minutes
3
Simmer covered
18–22 minutes
4
Rest and fluff with fork
10 minutes
Troubleshooting & Easy Tweaks
Even the simplest recipes can present a few challenges. Here’s how to handle common issues:
Rice seems too wet: Cover and cook a bit longer, checking every 2 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
Sticky or clumpy rice: Usually caused by insufficient rinsing. Be thorough with the rinse next time!
Want it sweeter or less sweet? Adjust the sugar slightly to suit your taste.
For a hands-off approach, this recipe also works well in a crockpot. Just use the same ingredients and cook low and slow for a no-fuss version!
Serving & Storage Tips
This recipe yields about 8 generous servings, so leftovers are likelyand they reheat beautifully! Here’s how:
Fridge Storage: Store leftover rice in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Microwave Reheating: Add 1–2 tablespoons of water per serving, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave in 30-second intervals.
Oven Reheating: Heat at 300°F. Add a splash of water, cover with foil, and bake for 15–20 minutes until warmed through.
Stovetop Reheating: Stir in a bit of water and warm gently on low, stirring occasionally.
Pro Tip: Serve coconut rice alongside spicy curries, tangy lime shrimp, or roasted veggies for a comforting tropical flair.
Expert Says
This coconut rice recipe blends starch-rich rice with healthy fats from coconut milk, enhancing both flavor and texture. The fat content slows digestion, providing steady energy, while the natural oils help unlock fat-soluble vitamins. Cooking rice with coconut milk creates a creamier, more aromatic dish.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Reddit!
The Journey to My Perfect Coconut Rice Recipe
Perfecting this coconut rice recipe took a few triesI remember once adding too much coconut milk, which made it mushy. After learning to balance the liquid just right, I finally mastered that fluffy texture paired with a gentle coconut aromaa recipe shaped by patience and plenty of tasting.
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
In under 30 minutes, this coconut rice recipe delivers fluffy, fragrant grains that feel like a mini kitchen getaway. You’ll love how the creamy aroma fills your home and how well it pairs with everything from weeknight dinners to slow-cooked meals.
Feel free to swap in coconut cream for an even richer version or stir in fresh herbs for a bright touch. Leftovers? Just reheat gently with a splash of water to maintain that lovely texturemy trusted tip from years of family cooking.
I’d love to see how your version turns outsnap a photo or share if this recipe brings back any cozy food memories. Save it for yourself or pass it along to someone who deserves a taste of simple, homemade comfort.
