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Creamy Coconut Rice Recipe

4.9 from 68 reviews

This Coconut Rice recipe combines fragrant jasmine rice with creamy coconut milk, creating a rich yet light dish perfect as a side or base for many meals. The rice is cooked gently on the stovetop to achieve a fluffy texture infused with subtle sweetness and a hint of saltiness. Optional garnishes like toasted shredded coconut and chopped nuts add extra flavor and crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1½ cups jasmine rice
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 13.5 ounce can coconut milk
  • 1 cup water (or reduced sodium vegetable broth for more depth of savory flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Optional Garnishes

  • Toasted shredded coconut (to taste)
  • Finely minced fresh cilantro or parsley (to taste)
  • Chopped peanuts or cashews (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Rinse Rice: Place the uncooked jasmine rice in a colander and rinse under cold running water for one to two minutes, or until the water runs mostly clear. This removes excess surface starch, ensuring a fluffier cooked texture. Set aside after rinsing.
  2. Melt Coconut Oil: Heat a large, high-sided saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the coconut oil and allow it to melt fully, coating the bottom of the pan.
  3. Coat Rice with Oil: Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir, making sure all the grains are evenly coated with the melted coconut oil. This step helps toasting and flavor.
  4. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the coconut milk and water (or vegetable broth), then add sugar and salt. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
  5. Simmer Covered: Once boiling, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the rice to simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  6. Rest Off Heat: Turn off the heat and leave the saucepan covered for an additional 10 minutes. This steaming period tenderizes the rice and allows the liquid to absorb fully. After resting, remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork to avoid gumminess.
  7. Adjust Texture if Needed: If the rice is too wet or soupy, return to low heat uncovered for one to two minutes to steam off excess liquid. Add extra water or coconut milk if a looser, brothy consistency is preferred. For firmer rice, add a few tablespoons of water, cover, and steam for about 5 more minutes on low heat.
  8. Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust sugar or salt as desired. Optionally garnish with toasted shredded coconut, fresh herbs, or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor, then serve warm.

Notes

  • Rinsing the rice is essential for achieving a fluffy texture by removing excess starch.
  • Use a tight-fitting lid to trap steam and evenly cook the rice.
  • Adjust liquid quantities and resting times depending on your stove and pot as rice cooking can vary slightly.
  • Vegetable broth can be used instead of water for a savory depth.
  • Garnishes like toasted shredded coconut, fresh herbs, or nuts enhance flavor and presentation.

Keywords: coconut rice, jasmine rice, coconut milk rice, side dish, stovetop rice, Southeast Asian rice, coconut rice recipe