Easy coconut rice is light, fluffy, delicious, and flavorful. It's quick and easy to make restaurant quality coconut rice at home with just a handful of ingredients in under 30 minutes!

It's our go-to side dish that pairs well across so many different cuisines including Thai entrees, South Asian curries, tropical dishes, and more. This rich coconut milk rice is loaded with natural coconut flavors and is a favorite amongst our readers with over 52 five-star reviews!

Why You'll Love Coconut Rice

• It's a classic across many cuisines. Coconut flavours are the prevalent ingredient in almost every Thai, South Asian, or tropical entree. You rarely come across an entree that doesn't call for a can of coconut milk or cream. And almost every Thai dish (for example) 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 recipe, you will see how quickly it will turn into the option of choice.
• It is quick and easy to make. One of the best things about this recipe is that super simple and easy to make with just 5 pantry staple ingredients (one of which is water!) in under 30 minutes. So you will likely already have these ingredients at home.
• The best coconut flavor. This coconut rice has the best coconut flavor that you can taste in every bite, but it is not overpowering. So if you are like me and don't typically like strong coconut flavor (you know, the one found in coconut water or shredded coconut), then you will love this recipe. Coconut milk adds the right amount of subtle flavour and amazing creaminess.
• It smells so good. 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. Trust me on this one - I've been there.

Ingredient Notes

To make easy coconut rice, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

• jasmine rice - jasmine rice is the most traditional rice to use in coconut rice and adds the best flavor. You can easily substitute it with other types of white rice that you have on hand especially long grain rice such as Basmati rice. Note that the texture could be slightly different, but the taste will be on point.
• coconut milk - I used one can of full-fat coconut milk. You can substitute it with a can of light coconut milk instead, but note the rice will not be as rich (but still delicious!).
• sugar - a pinch of sugar helps to balance out the flavor of the coconut milk. You can add more or less to taste.
• salt

You will also need measuring cups and spoons and a medium saucepan.

How to Customize

You can also add some toppings or garnishes to the rice once it has been cooked or toss them in. Some of my favorites to add are:

• chopped fresh cilantro
• diced pineapple
• diced mango
• sliced bell peppers (sauté them first)
• diced avocado

How to Cook Coconut Rice

Cooking coconut milk rice is really not any different from cooking any other rice side dish (such as Steamed Rice). The only difference is the addition of coconut milk and a pinch of sugar.

1. Rinse the rice. Rinse the rice in several changes of cold water until the water runs clear. Drain any excess water in a large fine-mesh sieve and place the rice into the cooking pot.
2. Add ingredients. Add coconut milk, water, salt, and sugar.
3. Boil. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
4. Turn down heat and cover. Once it starts to boil, turn the heat down to low and cook covered for 20 minutes.
5. Uncover. Uncover and continue to cook for 5 minutes.
6. Serve. Fluff and serve with some chopped cilantro on top (optional). 

How to Serve Coconut Rice

Easy coconut rice is the perfect rice dish to compliment a variety of different cuisines such as Thai, South Asian, Caribbean, and Hawaiian (or any tropical cuisine). But just because it can be paired so well with these cuisines, do not be fooled! This side dish can be paired with any type of cuisine at all that needs a little coconut flair.

Serve it hot and pour a curry on top (or any meat or vegetable dish) and enjoy!

What does Coconut Rice pair well with?

• Thai Turkey Meatballs in Coconut Curry
• Indian Butter Chicken
• Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Pineapple
• Thai Coconut Red Curry with Shrimp
• Instant Pot Beef Curry
• Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry
• Thai Basil Chicken
• Lemongrass Chicken
• One Pot Lentils
• Coconut Curry Salmon

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