Coconut Rice

Coconut Rice is an easy side dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. All you need to do is cook Basmati rice with water and coconut milk, then sprinkle some basil and toasted coconut on top just before serving. This recipe is perfect with your favorite Thai, Caribbean, or Hawaiian dishes.

Easy Coconut Rice Recipe

We’re all guilty of it. Making your go-to side dishes again and again (like classic white rice).

Then one day you decide to try something new. And boy are you glad that you did!

Rice happens to be one of those side dishes for me. I’ve made Cilantro Lime Rice, and Mexican Rice, even Instant Pot Basmati Rice.

But it wasn’t until recently that I tried my hand at a super simple and flavor-packed Coconut Rice.

Just like other rice recipes, this one is quick to whip up in less than 30 minutes. It’s got a subtly sweet taste thanks to the coconut milk that pairs well with SO many dishes, too! Try it with this Easy Chicken Fried Rice or Teriyaki Shrimp Stir Fry. This foolproof recipe is full of natural coconut flavors, and only needs a handful of ingredients.

But don’t stop there. You can take that flavor game up ANOTHER notch by making this Coconut Mango Rice recipe next!

What is Coconut Rice?

Coconut rice is a creamy and savory dish made by cooking rice in a mixture of water and coconut milk. It’s often served with coconut flakes, as well. This dish is common in Southeast Asian and Thai restaurants.

Because rice is a staple in so many regions, along with coconut, this dish is widely popular in many different cuisines. It’s the perfect side dish.

Ingredients

The basic ingredients you need to make this fluffy coconut rice recipe include:

• Rice. The type of rice you use is important. You really need to use a white, long grain rice variety for that irresistible fluffy texture. Basmati is great, or a long grain Jasmine rice will work. Short or medium-grain rice might get mushy. Brown rice can be subbed, but it will take longer to cook.
• Coconut milk. Go with full fat coconut milk for the creamiest rice. Lite coconut milk won’t have as much flavor or be as creamy, but can be used, if needed.
• Toppings. Fresh chiffonaded basil and toasted coconut add the perfect flavor and texture to this rice. For a real treat, add in some chopped mango for this Mango Coconut Rice.

How to Make Coconut Rice

The basic steps for making the most delicious coconut rice are simple to follow:

Rinse the Rice

Rinsing the rice before cooking ensures any excess starch from the grains is removed. This lessens the chance the dish will end up clumpy or mushy.

To rinse, place the dried rice into a fine-mesh strainer under cool running water. Gently stir the rice with your finger or a spoon.

Rinse until the water turns clear. It might take a couple of minutes, depending on how much starch there is. Be sure the rice drips dry as much as possible before continuing.

Combine and Simmer

Pour both the water and the coconut milk into a medium-sized pot. Bring the mixture to a boil. Add the sea salt along with the rinsed rice. Give it a quick stir.

Bring the rice mixture back to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan tightly with a lid and simmer for 20-25 minutes. Check at 20 minutes for the texture of the rice.

The cook time will vary based on your personal preferences. If you like chewier rice, 20 minutes will be good. 25 minutes will get you a softer texture.

Finish and Serve

When the rice is fully cooked, remove the pan from the heat.

Stir in the basil chiffonade and toasted coconut just before serving.

Alternate Cooking Methods

Just like the process with Instant Pot White Rice and Instant Pot Mexican Rice, you can adapt this recipe to a pressure cooker.

Add the rice, coconut milk, water, and salt to a 6-quart Instant Pot. Gently stir the ingredients so they don’t settle.

Cook on high for 4 minutes. Allow a 10-minute natural release. This extra time lets the rice finish cooking.

Finish it off with a quick release of the remaining pressure and carefully remove the lid.

Stir in the basil and toasted coconut, then taste test for additional seasoning.

Meal Prep and Storage

• How to prep ahead of time: While rice is best right after cooking, you can make it up to 1 to 2 days early.
• How to store: Keep leftover coconut rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator, for up to 3-4 days.
• How to freeze: The coconut rice can be frozen in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3-4 months. Allow it to defrost completely before reheating.
• How to reheat: Place the rice to a skillet over medium-low heat with a little oil or some water. Stir frequently while cooking for 4-5 minutes until completely warm.

Is coconut rice healthy?

Rice is a healthy grain that makes a delicious side dish. This recipe also has coconut milk which adds some extra nutritional value, as well.

Why is my coconut rice mushy?

If you added too much water or failed to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking, your coconut rice might end up mushy. Make sure to accurately measure the water or coconut milk and completely rinse the rice first.

What cuisine is coconut rice?

Coconut rice can be found in both Thai and Indian cuisines. However, both the prevalence of rice and coconut milk mean you will find similar dishes in many other cultures, as well.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Rinse it first. Running the rice under water will remove any excess starch that will make the dish clumpy. 
• Full fat. Lite coconut milk will result in a less creamy and not as flavorful rice. However, it can be substituted.
• Fluff it up. Use a fork to stir the rice after cooking.
• Save time. Make this in an Instant Pot for a quick side.
• Top it off. Add the basil and toasted coconut just before you serve it up.

What to Serve with Coconut Rice

This coconut rice can be used just about anywhere you’d serve regular white rice.

Curries, like Indian Chicken Korma Curry and Thai Yellow Chicken Curry, are perfect for this rice side dish.

Try Chana Masala or Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala for a heartier meal.

You can also make this Beef Stir-Fry, Instant Pot Hawaiian Chicken, or Honey Sesame Chicken and Broccoli.

More Easy Rice Recipes

There are so many ways to change up your rice game. Try one of these healthy recipes soon.

Mexican Rice, or the quicker Instant Pot Mexican Rice, are delicious and easy to make.

For an Asian flair, stick with Chicken Fried Rice, Shrimp Fried Rice, or Sushi Rice.

Mediterranean Yellow Rice might make you think you’re on a Greek island!

Be sure to try Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice for a Cajun meal!