Coconut Rice Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (2024)

Jump To Recipe

9 Comments »

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This coconut rice recipe is easy to make in about 30 minutes and perfectly fluffy with a lightly-sweet coconut flavor.

Coconut Rice Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (1)

One of those recipes that every sweet-and-savory-loving cook should have tucked away in their back pocket — the most delicious coconut rice! ♡

Coconut rice has long been a staple in many tropical culinary traditions around the world, from Southeast Asia to India, South America, Central America, East Africa, the Caribbean and beyond. It features a lightly-sweet creamy coconut flavor that pairs brilliantly with all sorts of savory dishes. It’s naturally gluten-free and vegan. And it’s practically just as easy to make as a batch of plain rice and comes together quickly in about 30 minutes — win-win!

Here in our home, we love serving coconut rice with everything from savory stir-fries to curries, grilled proteins, roasted vegetables, beans, stews, kabobs and more. Depending on the meal, I often love adding in a squeeze of lime juice or some chopped cilantro to brighten up the flavor too. And if you’re looking to add some extra texture, a sprinkling of toasted coconut flakes (or shredded coconut) is always a fabulous idea too.

Let’s make some coconut rice together!

How To Make Coconut Rice | 1-Minute Video

Coconut Rice Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (2)

Coconut Rice Ingredients

Here are the basic coconut rice ingredients that you will need to make this recipe:

  • Rice: I typically use jasmine rice when making coconut rice, but any long-grain white rice will work.
  • Coconut milk:I really recommend using full-fat coconut milk to make this rice perfectly coconut-y and creamy. You’re welcome to opt instead for light coconut milk, if you prefer, but please note that it will contribute significantly less coconut flavor.
  • Sugar:Most restaurant versions of coconut rice include a hint of extra sugar, which lightly sweetens the rice and really helps to bring out the flavor of the coconut. So feel free to add a teaspoon or two of granulated white sugar (or coconut sugar) if you’d like, or you can just skip the added sugar altogether.
  • Salt:A hint of fine sea salt is essential to bring out the best of these flavors.
  • Extra add-ins:See notes below about some fun extra ingredients that you’re welcome to add in too. (I’m partial to stirring in a handful of toasted coconut flakes, a hint of cilantro, and a squeeze of lime!)

Coconut Rice Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (3)

How To Make Coconut Rice

Detailed instructions for how to make coconut rice are included in the recipe below, but the basic method is simple:

  1. Rinse.Definitely do not skip this step when making coconut rice! It’s essential to rinse the extra starches off of the rice before cooking in order to prevent it from becoming gluey or mushy.
  2. Cook.Simply stir together the rice, coconut milk, water, salt and sugar (if using) in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Cover with a tightly-fitting lid, reduce heat to low, and cook undisturbed — don’t lift up the lid to peek! — for 15 minutes. Remove the pan, still covered, from the heat and allow the rice to steam for a final 10 minutes.
  3. Serve. Uncover the pan. Fluff the rice with a fork, serve and enjoy!

How To Store Coconut Rice

Let the cooked coconut rice cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or storage bag and refrigerate for up 3-4 days. To reheat in the microwave, place the rice in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals until the rice is warmed through. To reheat on the stove, add the rice to a non-stick sauté pan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding in a tablespoon or so of extra water if needed, until the rice is warmed through.

Coconut Rice Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (4)

Recipe Variations

Here are a few more variations to this coconut rice recipe that you’re welcome to try!

  • Add toasted coconut flakes: Stir in some toasted coconut flakes (or toasted shredded coconut works too) once the rice has finished cooking, or sprinkle them on top as a garnish.
  • Add fresh herbs: Stir in some finely-chopped fresh cilantro, Thai basil, or chives once the rice has finished cooking.
  • Add lime:Stir in a tablespoon or two of freshly-squeezed lime juice once the rice has finished cooking.
  • Add ginger:Stir up to 1 tablespoon grated ginger along with the rice in Step 2.
  • Add heat: Stir your favorite kind of hot sauce or chili oil in with the rice once it has finished cooking.

Coconut Rice Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (5)

What To Serve With Coconut Rice

I’m definitely partial to pairing coconut rice with with savory or spicy dishes, to balance out the sweetness, but there are countless ways that you can serve coconut rice! Here are a few of my favorite pairings:

  • Easy Chickpea Curry
  • Cashew Chicken and Broccoli
  • Salmon with Burst Tomato Sauce
  • Korean Steak Bowls
  • Sesame Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
  • Thai Chicken Curry
Print

Coconut Rice Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (6)

Coconut Rice

★★★★★5 from 5 reviews

  • Author: Ali
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 35 mins
  • Yield: About 5 cups 1x
Print Recipe

Description

This coconut rice recipe is easy to make and perfectly fluffy with a lightly-sweet coconut flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 cups jasmine or long-grain rice
  • 1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons white granulated sugar (optional*)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice. Thoroughly rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
  2. Cook. Add the rice, coconut milk, water, sea salt and sugar (if using) to a large saucepan and stir to combine. Cook over medium-high heat until the rice reaches a boil. Give the rice a quick stir, turn the heat to low, cover with a lid, and cook undisturbed for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat, and let the rice rest undisturbed for 10 minutes. Uncover and fluff the rice with a fork.
  3. Serve.Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Sugar:Adding extra sugar is completely optional here, but I recommend adding a teaspoon or two if you prefer a slightly sweet coconut rice. Basic white granulated sugar will work, or coconut sugar or honey would be lovely too.

posted on January 9, 2023 by Ali

Indian-Inspired, Side Dishes, Thai-Inspired

9 Comments »

Coconut Rice Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (2024)

FAQs

Can you use coconut milk instead of water when cooking rice? ›

rice is sort of our thing! And all you need to do is substitute a bit of unsweetened coconut milk for some of the water you'd normally use when cooking rice (check the recipe for exact measurements). Add a bit of shredded coconut before cooking as well.

Is coconut rice made from coconut milk or cream? ›

Coconut Rice Ingredients

Coconut milk: This rich coconut rice recipe starts with a can of coconut milk. Water: You'll need 1 ¼ cups of water. Sugar: Two teaspoons of sugar add sweetness. Salt: 1 ½ teaspoons of salt enhances the overall flavor of the coconut rice.

Why does my coconut rice come out mushy? ›

Do not add too much liquid. If you end up with mushy rice, it's probably because your water to rice ratio is off. Too much liquid means the rice has to absorb more which means it will have to cook longer and lead to overcooked rice. This ratio in this recipe will lead to perfect rice!

How do you make Chrissy Teigen coconut rice? ›

Chrissy Teigen's Sweet and Salty Coconut Rice

In a medium saucepan, combine all other ingredients including rice, coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to a barely bubbling simmer, cover, and simmer until rice is fully cooked and liquid absorbed.

Is rice milk or coconut milk better for you? ›

In terms of nutritional content, rice milk is lower in calories and saturated fat than coconut milk. One cup of rice milk contains roughly 120 calories, 2 grams of protein, and 2 grams of fat. In contrast, one cup of coconut milk contains around 550 calories, 5 grams of protein, and 57 grams of fat.

How healthy is coconut rice? ›

The Surprising Health Benefits of Coconut Rice. Coconut rice is made by cooking rice with coconut milk instead of water. The milk infuses the rice with healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It also performs wonders for your cholesterol, lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) and raising healthy cholesterol (HDL).

What culture eats coconut rice? ›

Colombians, especially those from the coast, enjoy rice dishes with a sweet touch. There are several ways to prepare it, but one of the best known is this recipe for salted coconut rice. Without a doubt, one of the most representative dishes of the Caribbean coast.

Is canned cream of coconut the same as coconut milk? ›

Coconut cream is the same thing as coconut milk—coconut meat blended with water—but it contains less water. While coconut milk is thin like cow's milk, coconut cream is thick like whipped cream. You can find this fat-rich cream floating on the top of any canned coconut milk, or you can buy it in a dedicated can.

How long is coconut rice good for? ›

Let coconut milk rice cool to room temperature then transfer to a tightly covered airtight container or to several small containers for meal prep. Store in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.

How do you fix undercooked coconut rice? ›

Add 1/4 cup boiling water to the pot, keep the flame low, and cook for another 5 minutes with the lid on. Then remove the pot from the stove and let it sit for another 10 minutes with the lid on.

How to serve coconut rice? ›

It is usually served without any side or accompaniment. However any curry goes really well with this. My mom always made this with a Vegetable kurma or Mix veg curry. Some papads, veg salad & plain yogurt on the side would make a great complete meal.

How to make coconut rice Jamie Oliver? ›

Toast the coconut in a pan until lightly golden, tossing regularly, then remove. Put the rice into the same pan, cover with boiling kettle water and boil for 6 minutes, then cool quickly under cold running water and drain well.

What happens when you cook rice with coconut oil? ›

As the fat molecules in coconut oil get cooked into the rice they become an extra barrier to digestion, turning even more of those starches into the resistant kind. So even though coconut oil adds some calories, the benefits from your body absorbing fewer calories overall makes up for it.

What happens when you put coconut oil in rice? ›

The researchers say this method causes the oil to enter in starch granules while it cooks and adds a protective layer, which ostensibly changes the structure of the rice granules so they becomes resistant to the digestive enzyme. Ultimately, this means that fewer calories from the rice are absorbed by the body.

What can I use instead of water to cook rice? ›

Instead of just using plain water, use chicken broth or home made chicken stock. If you have neither of those available, add one tablespoon of chicken powder or a chicken bullion cube per cup of uncooked rice. It will add something plain water does not: flavor.

What can I use instead of rice water? ›

Additionally, apple cider vinegar has been found to be an economical and safe alternative that will not strip your curls of much needed moisture.

Can you cook rice with milk instead of water? ›

Slowly drop the rice into the boiling milk. Lower the heat and add salt, vanilla bean, and sugar. Cover and simmer 15 - 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the milk is absorbed. Add more milk, if necessary for a tender rice.

Can I use coconut milk in cooking? ›

Coconut milk is incredibly versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory applications. In largely dairy-free Thai cuisine, explains Chongchitnant, it's used to add creaminess and fat to countless dishes, from sauces and dressings to curries and stews to puddings and dessert soups.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Allyn Kozey

Last Updated:

Views: 5856

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (43 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Allyn Kozey

Birthday: 1993-12-21

Address: Suite 454 40343 Larson Union, Port Melia, TX 16164

Phone: +2456904400762

Job: Investor Administrator

Hobby: Sketching, Puzzles, Pet, Mountaineering, Skydiving, Dowsing, Sports

Introduction: My name is Allyn Kozey, I am a outstanding, colorful, adventurous, encouraging, zealous, tender, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.