Coconut Rice Recipe
This easy Coconut Rice Recipe offers a creamy, fragrant side dish combining the tropical richness of coconut milk with fluffy, tender long-grain rice. Perfectly balanced with subtle sweetness and a pinch of salt, it’s a versatile accompaniment to curries, grilled meats, and stir-fries. Quick to prepare and kid-friendly, it’s a delightful addition to any meal that brings comforting and exotic flavors to your table.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tropical/Asian Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice (jasmine or basmati)
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions (optional)
- Cinnamon stick or cardamom pods (optional for spiced variation)
- Toasted shredded coconut or slivered almonds (optional for nutty addition)
- Fresh basil, parsley, or mint (optional herb boost)
- Juice or zest of 1 lime (optional for lemony zest)
- Rinse the Rice: Thoroughly rinse your rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy, ensuring a perfect fluffy texture.
- Combine Ingredients in Pot: In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, salt, and sugar if using. Stir gently to combine everything evenly for uniform cooking and taste.
- Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes until the rice absorbs all the liquid.
- Let It Rest: Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, still covered, for another 10 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to steam gently and finish cooking perfectly.
- Fluff and Serve: Using a fork, fluff the rice gently to separate the grains. Stir in optional fresh herbs or toppings if desired. Your creamy, fragrant Coconut Rice is ready to brighten up any dish!
Notes
- Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer taste and creamier texture.
- Don’t skip rinsing the rice to avoid mushy or sticky results.
- Cook on low heat to ensure even absorption of coconut milk without burning.
- Let the rice rest off heat to steam and achieve ideal fluffiness.
- If adding spices like cinnamon or cardamom, toast them in the pot first for deeper flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup cooked
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: coconut rice, coconut milk rice, creamy rice, side dish, vegan rice, gluten free rice, tropical rice