If you need a super easy side dish to have with all those grilled chicken recipes you have going on, this Easy Coconut Rice needs to be on your “to-make” list.
Rice that has been cooked in coconut milk has a slightly different flavor than rice cooked in water or chicken broth. It is light in taste and pairs well with dishes like my Huli Huli Chicken.
This rice dish is fragrant and aromatic, with subtle coconut tones. It comes out tender and soft – it’s not mushy or sticky at all. Check out this Wild Rice with Cranberries or Fried Sweet Rice with Chinese Sausage.
How to Make Coconut Rice
The first and most important thing when making this dish is choosing coconut milk. My favorite is the Thai-style coconut milk found in the Asian food aisle. I like this one because it is canned and full-fat. Lighter coconut milk lacks flavor. Do not use the coconut milk in the dairy section or the squeeze bottles of coconut cream.
If you can’t find Thai-style coconut milk, feel free to use the regular kind, usually found in the baking aisle.
When you open the can, the coconut milk may look separated. That’s normal. Just stir it with a spoon until evenly combined.
Rinse uncooked rice through a sieve with cold water, using your hands to gently swirl it around. Rinsing the rice will remove extra starch and improve the texture, so it won’t be sticky, starchy, or too wet.
I prefer to use Jasmine rice for this dish, but you can also use basmati or long-grain rice.
Combine the coconut milk, rice, salt, and water in a saucepan and turn on high until it comes to a boil.
Once it comes to a boil, reduce to a simmer and place a lid on top. Cook for 18-20 minutes. Once it is done, remove it from the heat and let it sit for an additional 8 minutes. Remove the lid and fluff with a fork.
You can use this rice as a side dish for a lot of meals like my Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles or my Chicken Yakitori Bowls.
You can also serve this rice for dishes like my California Roll Sushi Bowl or Easy Pork Burrito Bowl.
Love rice dishes? Check out these recipes!
- Homemade Mexican Rice
- Rice Pilaf
- How to Make Sushi Rice at Home
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- Thai Coconut Sticky Rice with Mangoes
Easy Coconut Rice
This easy coconut rice comes together in just 30 minutes. It's fragrant, tender, aromatic, and so delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz) can unsweetened coconut milk (full fat)
- 2 cups uncooked jasmine rice
- 1 ½ cups water
- ¾ teaspoons Kosher salt
Instructions
Rinse rice thoroughly with cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
Stir the coconut milk with a spoon, if needed: When you open the can, it may look separated, and that’s normal. Simply stir it with a spoon until evenly combined.
In a medium saucepan, combine coconut milk, water, rice, and salt. Over high heat, bring to a boil.
Reduce to a low simmer. Cover with the lid and simmer for 18-20 minutes until water has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 8 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 76Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 162mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 2g
Christie
Saturday 23rd of September 2023
I make coconut rice all the time! The hubs sees it on the menu and turns his nose up. He doesn't like coconut. But it doesn't taste like coconut. It's just creamy and delicious.
Jennifer Sikora
Sunday 24th of September 2023
Right? I used to do the same thing until I finally ate some. It is MY FAVORITE!
Radha
Friday 22nd of September 2023
I was looking for an easy side and this recipe seems to fit perfectly. This sounds SO delicious that my family would love to have it often.
Jennifer Sikora
Sunday 24th of September 2023
It really is good.
Karen @karenskitchenstories
Sunday 17th of September 2023
This definitely sounds super easy. Nice rice!
Jennifer Sikora
Monday 18th of September 2023
Thank you!