Easy Coconut Rice Recipe

Imagine a plate of rice so fragrant, so perfectly creamy, and so utterly delicious that it transforms even the simplest meal into something extraordinary. That’s what you’ll get with this Easy Coconut Rice recipe! There’s something magical about the way coconut milk infuses regular rice with a subtle sweetness and rich texture that makes it completely irresistible. I first discovered coconut rice during a trip to Thailand years ago, and I’ve been perfecting this recipe ever since.

What makes this coconut rice special is how incredibly simple it is to prepare while delivering spectacular results every time. In just about 30 minutes, with minimal effort and everyday ingredients, you can create a side dish that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds. It’s family-friendly too – even picky eaters tend to love the gentle sweetness and creamy texture.

If you enjoyed my Cilantro Lime Rice recipe from last month, you’re going to absolutely adore this coconut version. It has the same foolproof cooking method but with a completely different flavor profile that pairs beautifully with so many main dishes. Trust me, once you try making rice with coconut milk, you might never go back to plain water again!

What is Coconut Rice?

Ever wondered what makes coconut rice so darn special? It’s that dreamy combination of fluffy rice grains infused with rich, creamy coconut milk that transforms an ordinary side dish into something that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite. Originating from tropical regions where coconut palms sway in the breeze, this dish has found its way onto tables worldwide—and for good reason! I like to joke that coconut rice is rice that decided to take a tropical vacation and came back wearing a Hawaiian shirt. They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but I firmly believe coconut rice is the express lane on that journey! Why not whip up a batch tonight and see the smiles it brings to your dinner table?

Why You’ll Love This Coconut Rice:

Perfectly Creamy Texture

The magic of this coconut rice lies in its incredible texture—fluffy yet creamy, with each grain maintaining its structure while being infused with rich coconut flavor. The coconut milk creates a velvety coating around each grain of rice, resulting in a dish that feels indulgent without being heavy. The subtle sweetness enhances everything you serve alongside it, making even the simplest grilled chicken or roasted vegetables feel special.

Budget-Friendly Elegance

Making restaurant-quality coconut rice at home is surprisingly economical. With just a few pantry staples—rice, coconut milk, and a touch of salt—you can create a side dish that tastes like it came from an upscale restaurant for a fraction of the cost. One can of coconut milk can transform multiple cups of inexpensive rice into something that feels truly special, stretching your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

Versatile Companion

The beauty of coconut rice lies in its incredible versatility. It pairs perfectly with spicy curries, balancing the heat with its gentle sweetness. It complements grilled seafood beautifully, enhancing the natural flavors without overwhelming them. You can dress it up with fresh herbs, toasted coconut flakes, or a squeeze of lime for endless variations. If you love how versatile my Garlic Butter Rice is, you’ll appreciate how this coconut version opens up even more pairing possibilities for your weekly menu planning.

Ready to elevate your dinner table with minimal effort? Let’s get cooking this amazing coconut rice that’s about to become your new go-to side dish!

How to Make Coconut Rice:

Quick Overview

This coconut rice comes together in just 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss. The combination of fragrant jasmine rice and rich coconut milk creates a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. The best part? It’s nearly foolproof—even novice cooks can achieve perfect results with this method. You’ll love how such a simple preparation yields such impressive results.

Key Ingredients for Coconut Rice:

2 cups jasmine rice
1 (14 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
1 cup water
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, but recommended)
1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter
Optional garnishes: toasted coconut flakes, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, lime wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Rinse the rice thoroughly – Place 2 cups of jasmine rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear, about 1-2 minutes. This removes excess starch and helps prevent the rice from becoming gummy.
Prepare the cooking liquid – In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, 1 can of coconut milk, 1 cup of water, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar (if using). Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or butter for extra richness and flavor.
Bring to a boil – Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
Reduce heat and simmer – Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for 15 minutes. Do not remove the lid during this time, as the steam is crucial for properly cooking the rice.
Let it rest – After 15 minutes, remove the pot from the heat but keep it covered. Let the rice rest undisturbed for an additional 10 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to finish absorbing the liquid and become perfectly tender.
Fluff and serve – Remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish as desired with toasted coconut flakes, sliced green onions, or chopped cilantro.

What to Serve Coconut Rice With:

Coconut rice pairs beautifully with a wide variety of main dishes, making it an incredibly versatile side. Here are some perfect pairings:

Curries and Stews: The creamy coconut rice is perfect for soaking up flavorful sauces from Thai curries, Indian curries, or Caribbean stews. Try it with my Red Thai Curry Chicken for a match made in heaven.
Grilled Proteins: The subtle sweetness of coconut rice complements the char of grilled foods wonderfully. Serve alongside grilled shrimp, chicken satay, or teriyaki salmon.
Tropical-Inspired Dishes: Enhance the island vibes with jerk chicken, pineapple glazed ham, or mango salsa topped fish.
Vegetarian Options: Pair with roasted vegetables, vegetable stir-fries, or black bean dishes for a satisfying plant-based meal.

For a complete meal, consider adding a crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the coconut rice.

Top Tips for Perfecting Coconut Rice:

Choose the right rice: Jasmine rice is traditional and works beautifully because of its natural fragrance and texture, but basmati is also excellent. Avoid short-grain or sushi rice, which can become too sticky when cooked with coconut milk.
Don’t skip the rinsing step: Thoroughly rinsing the rice removes excess starch that can make your coconut rice gummy or mushy. Rinse until the water runs clear for best results.
Use full-fat coconut milk: Light coconut milk simply doesn’t provide the same richness and flavor. For truly creamy coconut rice, stick with full-fat coconut milk. Shake the can well before opening to ensure the cream and liquid are properly combined.
Watch your heat level: Once the rice is simmering, keep the heat low. Too high heat can cause the bottom layer to scorch before the top is cooked through.
Let it rest: The 10-minute resting period after cooking is not optional! This allows the rice to finish absorbing moisture and helps achieve the perfect texture.
Add a flavor boost: For extra flavor, consider adding a kaffir lime leaf, a small piece of lemongrass, or a few cardamom pods to the rice while cooking. Just remember to remove these before serving.
Coconut milk substitutions: In a pinch, you can use 1½ cups of coconut cream diluted with ½ cup water instead of canned coconut milk. Avoid using sweetened cream of coconut (the kind used for piña coladas).

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Coconut rice stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or dealing with leftovers. Here’s how to keep it at its best:

Refrigerating: Allow the coconut rice to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The coconut oil in the rice may solidify slightly when cold, but this is normal and will disappear when reheated.

Freezing: Coconut rice freezes exceptionally well. Portion the cooled rice into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. For individual portions, freeze rice in muffin tins or ice cube trays first, then transfer the frozen portions to a larger container for convenient single servings.

Reheating from refrigerated: To reheat refrigerated coconut rice, add a tablespoon of water per cup of rice to restore moisture. You can reheat in the microwave (covered with a damp paper towel) for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, warm it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a small amount of water and stirring occasionally until heated through.

Reheating from frozen: For best results, thaw frozen coconut rice overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If reheating directly from frozen, use the microwave with a splash of water and a loose cover, stirring occasionally until heated through. This may take 3-4 minutes depending on the quantity.

Revitalizing leftovers: If your leftover coconut rice seems dry, a drizzle of coconut milk during reheating can restore its creamy texture. A squeeze of lime juice and some fresh herbs can also brighten up day-old rice.

With its creamy texture, subtle sweetness, and incredible versatility, this Easy Coconut Rice recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it alongside a complex curry or a simple grilled protein, it elevates every meal with minimal effort. The next time you’re looking to add something special to your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen, give this coconut rice a try – your family and friends will be impressed with both its flavor and your culinary skills!

Have you tried this coconut rice recipe? Let me know in the comments below how it turned out and what you served it with!