Description
This Coconut Rice Recipe offers a creamy, fragrant side or main dish featuring fluffy long-grain rice gently cooked in rich coconut milk. It’s simple to prepare, naturally vegan, and pairs beautifully with spicy curries, grilled seafood, or sautéed vegetables. Ready in under 30 minutes, it transforms ordinary rice into a luscious tropical delight that’s easy to customize with herbs, nuts, or spices for added flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice (such as Jasmine or Basmati)
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup water or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon oil or butter (such as coconut oil or unsalted butter)
Optional Aromatics and Add-ins
- 1 bay leaf or pandan leaf (optional)
- 1 cinnamon stick, 2 cloves, or 2 cardamom pods (optional, for spiced twist)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, mint, or basil (optional, for herb infusion)
- 1/4 cup toasted cashews or sliced almonds (optional, for nutty crunch)
- 1/2 cup peas, finely diced carrots, or corn (optional, for vegetarian boost)
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Thoroughly rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, helping the rice grains stay fluffy and separate without clumping.
- Prepare the Cooking Liquid: In a saucepan, combine the coconut milk, water or vegetable broth, salt, and any optional aromatics such as a bay leaf or pandan leaf. Stir gently to blend and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to infuse the liquid with rich coconut flavor.
- Add Rice and Cook: Add the rinsed rice to the simmering liquid. Stir once to distribute evenly, cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to low, and cook gently for 18-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed.
- Let It Rest: Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows steam to finish cooking the rice, making it tender and fluffy.
- Fluff and Serve: Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Add any desired mix-ins like herbs, toasted nuts, or vegetables before serving.
Notes
- Drain the rice well after rinsing to avoid sogginess.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for the richest, creamiest texture and flavor.
- Cook on low heat to prevent burning or sticking.
- Add aromatics or spices early in the cooking for enhanced flavor depth.
- Do not skip the resting step; it is essential for perfect texture.
- Can be prepared in a rice cooker by combining all ingredients and using the standard white rice setting.
- Reheat with a splash of water or coconut milk to restore moisture and creaminess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tropical / Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup cooked
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg