This creamy, slightly sweet Coconut Rice adds a unique pop of flavor to every plate it touches. It’s quick and easy, too!
Rice is a beloved staple grain in many parts of the world, and it’s no wonder why. This fluffy grain makes a lovely bed for many main dishes, from beef stew to vegetarian curry. In Cajun country, where I’m from, rice is always on the plate (or in the bowl). If you’re hosting, you had better make a lot of rice, because nobody goes light on the rice down South.
Jasmine rice is a favorite in my family. The light floral fragrance and delicate texture make it a perfect complement to the meaty dishes that are often served in my parents’ kitchen. But you know what makes jasmine rice really shine, in my opinion? Pairing that delicate floral flavor with a rich coconut milk-based dish, like curry. Or, heck, just put the coconut milk directly in the pot of rice while it’s cooking!
This coconut rice recipe does exactly that. Here, we’re using light coconut milk for most of the cooking liquid, which imparts the rich tropical flavor of coconut into every grain of rice as it cooks. At the end, you have a pot of creamy, flavorful coconut rice, lightly sweetened by the bit of added sugar, and ready for grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or any type of curry you can imagine.
Is This Coconut Rice Healthy?
Coconut rice is a small indulgence. Jasmine rice is mostly carbohydrates and contains minimal amounts of other nutrients. This rice recipe contains a bit of extra sugar, along with creamy, light coconut milk, which has less fat than the regular version. It’s not sweet or rich enough to be a dessert, necessarily, but it’s richer than regular white rice, and it does have some saturated fat. All that being said, this isn’t an unhealthy dish, and it can be part of many healthy diets in moderation.
Overall, this recipe is vegan and gluten-free. For a slightly healthier variation, you can use honey or coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar.
Coconut Rice Additions Based On The Main Dish
Adding coconut milk to white rice is fun, but why stop there? This luxurious side dish can be whatever you need it to be with a few additional ingredients. Here are some tips for additions, based on what you’re going to serve alongside your coconut rice.
- For Thai curries: Add chopped cilantro and crushed red pepper (or Thai chili flakes) to the pot, and add chopped green onions. Add a squeeze of lime juice when the rice is done.
- For Indian curries: Add chopped cilantro, toasted cumin seeds (or ground cumin), and grated ginger to the pot.
- For Cuban-inspired mains: Add minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, and grated onion to the pot. Add a squeeze of lime juice when the rice is done.
- For a fresh fruit dessert: Add golden raisins and cinnamon to the pot. Add vanilla extract when the rice is done. Top with fresh fruit, such as mango or strawberries.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, do so over low heat while stirring. As the rice sits in the fridge, it might get more dry, so feel free to add a splash of coconut milk to it when reheating, if needed.
You can also freeze leftover coconut rice. Simply pack it into freezer-safe ziplock bags and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
This coconut rice recipe is creamy and dreamy. The best part: it is ready in under 30 minutes! It also goes well with just about anything you can think of, including stir-fries, curries, or grilled meat and vegetables.
I personally love pairing this coconut rice with a Creamy Chickpea Curry or this Thai Pumpkin Curry. Consider using this rice as a bed for Vietnamese Grilled Chicken or Indian Chicken Kebab, and definitely pair it with a veggie side, such as this Indian Roasted Cauliflower Recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1½ cups light coconut milk
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Transfer the jasmine rice to a mesh strainer. Rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the light coconut milk, water, granulated sugar, and salt, and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Stir in the rinsed rice and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam the rice. Then, fluff the rice with a fork and serve.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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