This creamy coconut rice is a simple yet indulgent side dish that elevates any meal with its rich, naturally sweet flavor.
Made with wholesome ingredients, it’s high in plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it both nourishing and satisfying.
Quick to prepare and perfect for everyday meals or meal prep, it’s a versatile recipe everyone will love.
Creamy Coconut Rice
Equipment
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 Whisk
- (1) Fork
Ingredients
- 1 14-ounce can unsweetened coconut milk
- 1 ¼ cups water
- 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ½ cups uncooked Jasmine rice
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Shake the can of unsweetened coconut milk well before opening to ensure the creamy coconut solids and liquid are fully combined. Measure 1 1/4 cups of water, 1 1/2 teaspoons of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 1/2 cups of uncooked Jasmine rice. Having everything ready at your workstation ensures a smooth cooking process and prevents mistakes.
- Rinse the Jasmine Rice: Place the Jasmine rice in a fine-mesh sieve or bowl and rinse under cold running water. Swirl the rice gently with your fingers while draining the water several times until it runs mostly clear. This step removes excess starch, prevents the rice from becoming gummy, and results in light, fluffy grains once cooked.
- Combine Liquids and Seasonings: In a medium saucepan, pour in the coconut milk and measured water. Add the sugar and kosher salt. Whisk these together thoroughly until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth and uniform. This ensures every grain of rice will be evenly seasoned and infused with creamy coconut flavor.
- Add the Rice to the Mixture: Carefully add the rinsed Jasmine rice to the saucepan with the coconut liquid. Stir gently just once or twice to distribute the rice evenly, making sure it’s fully submerged. Avoid vigorous stirring, as this can break the delicate grains and make the rice mushy.
- Bring to a Gentle Boil: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil. You’ll notice small bubbles rising and steam forming from the surface. Watch carefully to avoid the liquid boiling over. Boiling evenly ensures that the rice starts absorbing the liquid consistently.
- Reduce Heat and Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Let the rice simmer gently for about 20 minutes without lifting the lid. The steam trapped inside will cook the rice evenly, making it tender while allowing it to absorb all the flavorful coconut liquid.
- Check for Doneness: After 20 minutes, remove the lid and inspect the rice. All the liquid should be absorbed, and the grains should be soft and tender. If there is still a small amount of liquid remaining, cover the pot again and let it cook for an additional 2–3 minutes. Avoid stirring too much to maintain the fluffy texture.
- Fluff the Rice: Using a fork, gently fluff the rice by lifting and separating the grains. This step aerates the rice and ensures that it remains light and tender rather than compacted. Avoid using a spoon, as it can mash the grains and reduce the creamy, fluffy texture.
- Serve Immediately or Store: Transfer the coconut rice to a serving bowl, or serve directly alongside your favorite main dishes. For meal prep, let the rice cool slightly before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, fresh herbs, or a squeeze of lime for added flavor if desired.
- Optional Enhancements: For extra flavor, consider folding in a small pat of vegan butter or a sprinkle of shredded coconut just before serving. You can also experiment with a few aromatic spices like a cinnamon stick, cardamom pod, or a thin slice of ginger during simmering for a subtle, fragrant twist.
Notes
- Always use unsweetened coconut milk for a naturally creamy texture without added sugar.
- Rinse Jasmine rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- Keep the lid on during simmering to allow the rice to cook evenly.
- Gently fluff the rice with a fork instead of stirring to maintain a light, airy texture.
- Adjust sugar according to taste or dietary preference.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a small cinnamon stick or a cardamom pod while cooking.
- Use a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid for best results.
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Results
The key to creamy, fluffy coconut rice lies in preparation and gentle cooking.
Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, preventing stickiness, while combining coconut milk with water and sugar before adding the rice ensures even flavor throughout.
Avoid stirring while simmering—this helps maintain the delicate texture of the grains.
A tight-fitting lid traps steam and allows the rice to absorb the liquid fully.
For an extra-rich flavor, consider lightly toasting the rice in the saucepan for a minute before adding the liquids.
Serving Suggestions To Impress Guests
Coconut rice is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide range of dishes.
Serve it alongside curries, grilled fish, shrimp, or roasted vegetables for a subtly sweet and creamy contrast.
Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, or a light squeeze of lime for extra freshness.
It also works as a base for grain bowls—add roasted tofu, avocado, and sautéed greens for a satisfying, plant-based meal.
For a festive touch, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top just before serving.
Storage Tips For Freshness And Quality
Store leftover coconut rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
When reheating, sprinkle a small amount of water over the rice and cover to steam it back to a fluffy texture.
Coconut rice can also be frozen in portioned containers for up to two months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Avoid overheating, as this can dry out the rice and reduce its creamy consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other rice types?
Yes, Basmati or long-grain rice work well, though cooking times may vary slightly. Short-grain rice will yield a stickier texture, which may change the final consistency.
2. Is this recipe vegan and dairy-free?
Absolutely. Using unsweetened coconut milk makes the dish plant-based and dairy-free, perfect for vegan diets.
3. How can I make the rice sweeter?
You can increase the sugar slightly or drizzle maple syrup or honey after cooking. Taste gradually to avoid overpowering the natural coconut flavor.
4. Can I prepare this rice in advance?
Yes, the rice can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy, fluffy texture, and avoid stirring too much while reheating.
5. Can I add extra flavorings while cooking?
Yes! Aromatics like a cinnamon stick, cardamom pod, or a thin slice of ginger add subtle fragrance and depth without altering the creamy texture of the rice.
