Coconut flavours are the prevailant ingredient in almost every Thai or South Asian entree. You rarely come across an entree that doesn’t call for a can of coconut milk or cream. And almost every Thai entree is served with a bowl of long-grained Jasmine rice. But sometimes plain Jasmine rice is just not enough. Once you try easy coconut rice, you will see how quickly it will turn into the option of choice.
If you aren’t already excited about this dish, wait until you start to smell that amazing, aromatic coconut scent emanating from your pot of rice! You will want to scoop out a spoonful of this stuff and try it right there, uncooked and all.
I have to be honest with you, in terms of coconut flavoured foods, I don’t particularly like too much direct coconut flavour, like that found in coconut water or shredded coconut. I know, CRAZY, right? But when coconut is presented in a recipe the form of coconut milk, cream or oil, I fall in love. It is really something else. I don’t really know why and I can’t describe it, but it just gives the right amount of subtle flavour and amazing creaminess that has me yearning for seconds!
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As I mentioned, this rice is the perfect compliment to a Thai curry. In particular, my recommended Thai dishes are:
But just because this rice can be paired perfectly with a Thai dish, do not be fooled! You really don’t have to limit yourself to making coconut rice to solely compliment your Thai dishes. This side dish can be paired with any Asian dish… or actually with type of cuisine at all. It tastes incredible paired with pan-fried garlic prawns with soy sauce, stir-fried lotus root with green onions, lentil stew with carrots and potatoes and even with indian butter chicken. Basically any meat or vegetable dish will go with this rice. Yup, my mouth is salivating just a little bit…
And best of all, this recipe is another super simple and easy one to make. It cooks in less than 30 minutes and only requires 4 ingredients, which you will most likely already have in your house: jasmine rice, coconut milk, sugar and salt. The way that you cook the rice is really no different than that of any other rice side dish (for example, see Basmati rice with saffron). The only difference is basically the substitution of most of the water with coconut milk and the addition of a pinch of sugar.
Serve it hot and pour some Thai curry (or any meat or vegetable dish) on top and devour!!
Easy Coconut Rice
Prep Time: 5 mins- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Side
Cuisine: Asian
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeDescription
Amazing, aromatic coconut flavours emanates from this perfect, easy coconut rice, making it the perfect side dish to almost all Thai and South Asian dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 and 1/2 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium sized pot, rinse the jasmine rice several times until the water runs clear. Drain any excess water and add the coconut milk, water, salt and sugar.
- On high heat, allow the mixture to boil. Once it starts to boil, turn the heat down to low and cook covered for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and continue to cook for 5 minutes. Fluff and serve. Garnish with some chopped cilantro.
I made this tonight with some Hawaiian Chicken. Yum! I actually used coconut water (instead of the plain water) in addition to the can of coconut milk. The jasmine rice I used needed additional liquid, so I ended up using more like 1 3/4 Cup – 2 Cups of coconut water. I also added coconut flakes to the pot of rice before cooking and it was quite good. I think the flakes were not needed. My 11 year old son really liked it (had more rice instead of dessert!) We both also agreed that the addition of lime zest made it even better.
I frequently end up with stick or burned rice, but this came out perfectly!! Thank you so very much for the recipe!!
You are so welcome!! So glad you liked our recipe 🙂
I used this recipe however additionally sauteed diced red and green peppers with a diced red onion along with the flavors together with the additional ingredients was really yummy. Thank you
I add a bit of dried lemon grass and Thai basil then garnish w a sprinkle of green onion. Have served leftovers mixed w scrambled egg like a Thai fried rice. Both were hits.
Quick question, did you use sweetened coconut milk?
Hi Denise, I used unsweetened coconut milk.
When adding the coconut milk, do I add the entire can (cream and liquid) or do I use the cream only?
Thanks, it looks delicious.
Thanks! Yes, add the whole can:)
So good!! I made this with bourbon glazed salmon and it was amazing! Just the perfect amount of sweet and salty. I followed the recipe exactly. My new favorite rice!
I’m making this tomorrow with Kahlua pork. My mouth is watering think about it. I may try it in my rice cooker
I have never tried making in the rice cooker. Let me know how it turns out!
Is this recipe the same for a rice cooker? I am planning to use one Sunday for a big group and want to make sure I do it right.
I made this rice last night to go with salmon…delicious! I will definitely make this rice again. I did not add the sugar, but
plan on adding coconut flakes to the rice next time! 🙂
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Glad you enjoyed it! Great idea about adding the coconut flakes! Tell me how it turns out 🙂
I’ve never had coconut rice, or even thought of it, but it sounds delicious! I’m a huge coconut fan!
Thanks, Anjali! You have got to give it a try then 🙂
Yum yum!! I’m a big fan of coconut rice and it is part of our staple diet 🙂
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Thanks, Priya! I am starting to learn that this is part of a lot of different cuisines 🙂
Wow, this is just so super cool and awesome. This looks absolutely easy and I can’t wait to see my family’s reaction when I serve them this rice
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Thanks, Fareeha! I think they will love it!! 🙂
I absolutely love ordering coconut rice when I eat out, but I’ve never made it at home. Your recipe looks super easy to make, I think I need to give it a try!
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Yes, it is actually very easy to make and way cheaper than ordering it at a restaurant!
Why have I never had coconut rice before now?? this looks wonderful thanks for sharing
I have no idea! 🙂 Enjoy!
Coconut rice is just one of my all time favorite side dish. It is so rich , luscious and enticing with cilantro in it I bet it tastes even better . Got to try it with sugar and Cilantro when I make it next . Love it!!!
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Thanks, Immaculate!! 🙂
This sounds fantastic. I really love coconut! I am making peanut chicken this week, this might be a nice rice option to go with!
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Absolutely!! Peanut chicken sounds like the perfect dish to go with this… you are tempting me to make some too!
I love coconut rice – but never started with an aromatic rice like jasmine! Layers and layers… sounds delicious!
Yes, you have got to give it a try, Anne! If you don’t have any jasmine rice, you can make this with basmati as well 🙂
Sounds delicious. I have never had coconut rice. I love coconut flavour, so I should try this soon. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks, Shihoko! If you love coconut flavour, then you will love this!! 🙂
We have similar rice dish that cooked in coconut milk too.
The aroma of coconut milk rice is heavenly 😀
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Yes, yes it is!! 🙂
This is seriously one of my favorite things at Vietnamese restaurant we go to.
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Isn’t it great? Now you can make it at home 🙂
I agree with you regarding the smell of coconut rice. It may not be the most exciting dish to look at but the smell is addicting!
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Hahha, yes it may look bland but once you take a bite…heavenly!!
Rice is a staple in Filipino cuisine too though we usually just do the normal rice sans coconut. I think this will pair really well though. And I agree, love the smell of coconut in the kitchen!
Thanks! 😀
Topped with mango, this might be a good breakfast.
Yumm!! I seriously never thought of this for breakfast but this is the second suggestion and I must say it sounds real appetizing! The mangos would just take it to a whole ‘nother level!
I’m with you on the coconut thing. I’m not a fan of coconut, but I love coconut milk in things, so this rice sounds amazing! And I love how simple this rice is to prepare. Pinning!
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Yup, you literally just put everything in the pot and let it do its thing! Enjoy, Tracy! 🙂
Mmm, this rice has me craving thai food! I love how the subtle sweetness of coconut in a savory dish helps balance out things like spicy and saltiness. 🙂
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It doesn’t get any easier than this! The coconut is so tasty in with the rice…I have to try this soon! xo, Catherine
I agree, it seriously doesn’t get easier!! Enjoy 🙂
I love this! I’m not a huge fan of rice dishes to be honest – I think it’s because I’m such a diehard pasta fanatic that I just can’t bring myself to love rice as much as pasta. But my fiancé absolutely loves rice, so I’ve been trying to make an effort to incorporate it into our meals more often. Maybe this is the perfect answer: I love coconut! Thanks for sharing!
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Yes, give this one a try!! It’s creaminess and fluffiness may likely make it something you will love 🙂
I have saved this wonderful dish’s ingredients and will pass the article to my cook.
Thanks
That’s great, Kathryn!! Enjoy 🙂
Oh my goodness, this looks so wonderful! I believe I could make a meal out of only this. Thank you for sharing!
Hahah, same! Thanks, Julie 🙂
Sooo yummy though. OMG And this is easy. I can eat this rice alone.. lol
Hahah, me too! 🙂
This is my idea of heaven, I could even eat this plain, for breakfast!
Haha, great idea Sue!
This sounds perfect for dinner tonight.
Enjoy 🙂
In Malaysia we call this nasi lemak. 🙂
Wow, thanks Christine! I never knew that! Learn something new every day 🙂
What a lovely way to flavor rice. I fell like it gets so boring.
Thanks, Maria! This sure is a way to spiff up the rice 🙂
Love this idea! I’ve never made coconut rice before… pinning for later!
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Thanks, Natasha! Enjoy 🙂
You’ve made it look so easy! The creamy coconut rice sounds divine.
Thanks, Kate! It is easy!!
You can’t beat sweet, slightly starchy, fluffy coconut rice! Great with everything and anything! It’s also good when you’ve not been feeling well and need something plain to line your stomach! Lovely post.
I agree!! I never thought of having when to cure stomach issues!! Great tip 🙂
We have this with thai red curry and it’s SO good.A really nice alternative to plain rice.
Agreed!! 🙂
I AM excited about this rice! LOVE coconut and rice.
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Thanks, Valentina! Enjoy 🙂
I love coconut rice. I too like to cut the coconut milk with water. It works so much better and is less overpowering.
Agreed 🙂