This creamy coconut rice is a simple yet indulgent side that transforms everyday meals into something special.
Made with rich coconut milk and fragrant Jasmine rice, it’s naturally plant-based, providing healthy fats and fiber for sustained energy.
Quick, fuss-free, and satisfying, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or any time you want a comforting, nutrient-rich side.
Creamy Coconut Rice
Equipment
- 1 medium saucepan (about 2–3 qt)
- 1 Whisk
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Fork
Ingredients
- 1 14 oz can unsweetened coconut milk
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked Jasmine rice
Instructions
- Prepare the Coconut Liquid Base: Start by opening your can of unsweetened coconut milk and giving it a gentle shake. In a medium-sized saucepan (about 2–3 quarts), pour in the coconut milk along with 1 1/4 cups of water. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt. Using a whisk, mix the ingredients thoroughly until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved, forming a smooth, creamy liquid. This will serve as the flavor-packed base for your rice.
- Rinse the Jasmine Rice: Measure 1 1/2 cups of uncooked Jasmine rice into a fine-mesh strainer. Rinse the rice under cold running water, gently swishing it with your fingers. Rinse until the water runs mostly clear, which removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky. Drain well before adding it to the saucepan.
- Combine Rice with Coconut Mixture: Once the coconut liquid is well combined, gradually stir in the rinsed Jasmine rice. Make sure every grain is submerged in the liquid. Give it a gentle stir to evenly distribute the rice and ensure no grains are clumping together.
- Bring to a Gentle Boil: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Keep an eye on the pot and stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom. You should see small bubbles forming across the surface once it’s ready.
- Simmer and Cover: As soon as the liquid starts boiling, reduce the heat to low to allow the rice to simmer gently. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid to trap steam, which will cook the rice evenly. Avoid lifting the lid too frequently, as this can release steam and affect the creamy texture.
- Cook Until Tender: Let the rice simmer for approximately 20 minutes. During this time, the grains will absorb the coconut milk mixture, swell, and become tender. Check for doneness by lifting a small corner of the lid and tasting a few grains—they should be soft yet slightly firm in the center.
- Fluff the Rice: Once the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is cooked, remove the saucepan from heat. Using a fork, gently fluff the rice by lifting and separating the grains. This keeps the rice light and prevents it from clumping together while maintaining its creamy texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the fluffy coconut rice to a serving dish or serve directly from the pot. Optionally, garnish with toasted sesame seeds, chopped herbs, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor. Enjoy this versatile side with curries, stir-fries, grilled vegetables, or proteins of your choice.
Notes
- Use unsweetened coconut milk for a naturally creamy flavor without added sugar; canned coconut milk works best for richness.
- Rinsing Jasmine rice before cooking helps remove excess starch, keeping the grains light and fluffy.
- Keep the heat low while simmering to prevent the rice from sticking or burning.
- Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as trapped steam is key to a creamy texture.
- This recipe pairs well with both vegetarian and protein-based dishes, making it highly versatile.
- For a slightly sweeter rice, increase the sugar by 1 teaspoon, or add a pinch of salt to balance flavors if using sweetened coconut milk.
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Creaminess
Achieving perfectly creamy coconut rice starts with choosing the right ingredients.
Always use full-fat canned coconut milk, as it gives the rice a rich texture and natural sweetness.
Rinsing the rice thoroughly removes excess starch, preventing it from clumping while cooking.
Simmer gently on low heat with the lid on, allowing the rice to absorb the coconut liquid slowly.
Fluffing the rice with a fork at the end ensures each grain remains separate yet soft, enhancing both texture and presentation.
Optional flavor boosts like a few kaffir lime leaves or a pinch of cardamom can elevate the aroma without overpowering the dish.
Serving Suggestions For Everyday Meals
Creamy coconut rice is a versatile side dish that complements a wide range of main courses.
Serve it alongside vegetable stir-fries, curries, or grilled tofu for a plant-based meal, or pair it with chicken, fish, or shrimp for a protein-packed dinner.
You can also use it as a base for rice bowls or salads, adding roasted vegetables and your favorite sauces.
For an extra touch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or fresh herbs on top just before serving.
Its subtle sweetness balances spicy and savory flavors beautifully, making it ideal for family dinners or casual weeknight meals.
Storage Tips To Maintain Freshness
Leftover coconut rice stores very well.
Transfer cooled rice to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To reheat, sprinkle a small amount of water over the rice and microwave or steam it to restore moisture and fluffiness.
For longer storage, you can freeze the rice in portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Avoid reheating multiple times, as this can dry out the rice.
Using fresh, properly stored rice ensures it stays creamy and maintains its delicate coconut flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, long-grain white rice works best for this recipe. Avoid short-grain varieties, as they can become too sticky.
Jasmine rice is preferred for its natural fragrance and light texture.
2. Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Absolutely! This dish is naturally plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Reheat gently with a splash of water to maintain its creamy texture.
4. How can I make it richer or sweeter?
For a richer flavor, use full-fat coconut milk and a touch of coconut sugar or maple syrup. Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness if needed.
5. Can I add flavors or toppings?
Definitely! Try stirring in a teaspoon of vanilla extract, a pinch of cardamom, or garnishing with toasted nuts, sesame seeds, or fresh herbs.
These additions elevate both aroma and presentation.
