Searching for the ultimate coconut rice? This easy jasmine coconut rice is your answer. Light, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, it's the perfect side dish that brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen. Quick to make and incredibly delicious, you'll want to serve this with everything!
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WHY THIS WILL BY YOUR GO-TO COCONUT RICE RECIPE
If online recipes have failed you and are a gummy mess, look no further! This Perfect Jasmine Coconut Rice pairs well with Indonesian, Thai, South Asian, Caribbean, Hawaiian and even Latin entrees. Yes! It’s that versatile! Rich with coconut milk and loaded with natural coconut flavor and comes together in 25 quick minutes.
Jump to:
- WHY THIS WILL BY YOUR GO-TO COCONUT RICE RECIPE
- WHY THIS IS THE BEST COCONUT RICE RECIPE
- INGREDIENTS FOR PERFECT JASMINE COCONUT RICE
- HOW TO COOK JASMINE COCONUT RICE
- GREAT GARNISHES FOR THIS JASMINE COCONUT RICE RECIPE
- HOW TO MAKE COCONUT RICE IN THE RICE COOKER
- WHAT DOES JASMINE COCONUT RICE PAIR WELL WITH?
- FAQ AND RECIPE TIPS
- COCONUT RICE HAS A RICH HISTORY!
- Fluffy Jasmine Coconut Rice
WHY THIS IS THE BEST COCONUT RICE RECIPE
- Perfect coconut flavor and texture. Coconut milk and water add the right amount of subtle flavor and creaminess with just the right structure to each grain. Yeilding a perfect fluffy result. Many recipes produce a gummy, gluey mess, not this one! You can add toasted desiccated coconut on top as a garnish at serving time if you are looking for a stronger coconut delivery.
- Quick and easy to make. One of the best things about this recipe is that super simple and easy to make with just 4 pantry staples and water. Ready in under 30 minutes. You can prepare your main dish while the rice is steaming.
- It smells so good. I know that sounds funny to say, but I love the smell of rice! This coconut rice has an amazing, aromatic coconut scent steaming from your pot. I love skimming a fresh bite right off the top.
INGREDIENTS FOR PERFECT JASMINE COCONUT RICE
To make easy coconut rice, you will need the following ingredients:
- Jasmine Rice - Jasmine rice has a delicate, floral aroma with a slightly sweet, buttery flavor that enhances the taste of any dish. Its light, fluffy texture not only absorbs sauces beautifully but also provides a satisfying base that complements a wide range of cuisines.
- Coconut Milk - Full-fat coconut milk offers a rich, creamy texture with a mildly sweet, nutty flavor that adds depth to both savory and sweet dishes. Its high-fat content enhances the richness of recipes, making them more satisfying while also providing healthy fats that support energy and satiety.
- Sugar - A small amount of sugar in jasmine coconut rice enhances the natural sweetness of the coconut milk, creating a balanced, subtly sweet flavor that complements both savory and spicy dishes.
- Salt - A small amount of kosher or ancient mined sea bed salt in jasmine coconut rice accentuates the dish's flavors by balancing the sweetness of the coconut milk, while also adding essential minerals that enhance overall taste and nutritional value without a stingy metallic tastes of salts with iodine.
- Kaffir Lime Leave - Kaffir lime leaves infuse the rice with a bright, citrusy aroma and a hint of floral bitterness, enhancing the dish with a unique depth of flavor. The benefit is that they add a refreshing, aromatic layer to the rice, complementing rich or spicy dishes while providing natural antioxidants.
HOW TO COOK JASMINE COCONUT RICE
Cooking jasmine rice with coconut milk is slightly different from the standard rice cooking method. Follow these failproof steps for success, let’s find out how and why:
- Rinse the rice. Rinse the rice in several changes of cold water until the water runs clear to remove starches. About 4 times, on the 5th time, allow the rice to sit in the clear water while you move onto the next step. Resting in the water allows the grains to get a head start on absorbing water so the fat from the milk will not interfere.
- Why rinse? Rinsing jasmine rice before cooking removes excess surface starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming overly sticky or gummy. This step ensures that the rice cooks up light, fluffy, and separate, creating the perfect texture for coconut rice. Additionally, rinsing can remove any impurities or dust that might be present from the packaging process.
- Combine ingredients. Pour coconut milk, water, salt, and sugar into a pot and heat gently until the mixture starts to bubble, but avoid a rapid boil. This should take about 3 minutes, so stay attentive to prevent it from boiling over.
- Add the drained rinsed rice to the warm milk mixture. Now drain the soaking rice and add to the warm milk mixture. Make sure the added rice comes to a soft low boil, turn the heat down to low and cook covered for 20 minutes.
- Uncover. At 20 minutes, uncover and continue to cook over low for 5 minutes. There will be a skim of the coconut cream on top, that is normal.
- To Serve. Gently fluff with a fork or a rice paddle, garnish with cilantro, and serve with your favorite main dish. See other garnish ideas below.
GREAT GARNISHES FOR THIS JASMINE COCONUT RICE RECIPE
Once the jasmine rice has been cooked, try adding some flavorful garnishes:
- diced avocado
- grilled bell peppers
- chopped cilantro
- crunchy cucumber salad
- fruity salsas
- diced fresh mango
- diced fresh pineapple
- toasted desiccated coconut - Desiccated coconut is finely grated, dried coconut meat with most of its moisture removed. It has a light, slightly chewy texture and a sweet, nutty flavor, making it a versatile ingredient in baking, cooking, and as a topping for desserts.
HOW TO MAKE COCONUT RICE IN THE RICE COOKER
If using a rice cooker, reduce the water by ½ cup. Rinse the rice as directed, then add all the ingredients to the rice cooker and give them a quick stir. Set the rice cooker to the white rice setting. After cooking, keep the lid closed and let the rice steam for an additional 5-10 minutes. Finally, open the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve.
Recommended Rice Cooker: Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer
WHAT DOES JASMINE COCONUT RICE PAIR WELL WITH?
FAQ AND RECIPE TIPS
Do I need to rinse the rice? Yes, it is necessary. Do not skip this step. In fact it is so important that I have included why in the recipe card. Rinsing jasmine rice before cooking removes excess surface starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming overly sticky or gummy. This step ensures that the rice cooks up light, fluffy, and separate, creating the perfect texture for coconut rice. Additionally, rinsing can remove any impurities or dust that might be present from the packaging process.
Can I just add coconut milk with no water? No. Other recipes may call for two can of coconut milk with no water. The water is necessary to help the rice absorb the coconut milk, as the coconut milk alone is too thick.
How to Store: Let the coconut rice cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 to 5 days.
How to Freeze: After cooling to room temperature, place the rice in an airtight container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Coconut rice can be frozen for up to 3 months. To use, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Reheat: Reheat the rice on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if needed. Alternatively, microwave the rice for about 1 minute or until heated through.
COCONUT RICE HAS A RICH HISTORY!
Coconut rice has a rich history rooted in tropical regions, especially Southeast Asia, India, Thailand, the Caribbean, and the Tropics like Hawaii, where coconuts are abundant. Traditionally, the creamy, fragrant dish was a staple in celebrations and everyday meals alike, symbolizing prosperity and hospitality. In countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka, coconut rice often accompanies spicy curries and savory meats, balancing bold flavors with its subtle sweetness. As global cuisine evolved, coconut rice has become a beloved side dish worldwide, prized for its delicious taste and the exotic flair it adds to any meal.
Fluffy Jasmine Coconut Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 400 ml coconut milk
- 1 ½ cups water
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 dried kaffir lime leave
- Garnish: fresh cilantro chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cooking jasmine rice with coconut milk is slightly different from the standard rice cooking method. Follow these failproof steps for success, let’s find out how and why:
- Rinse the rice. Rinse the rice in several changes of cold water until the water runs clear to remove starches. About 4 times, on the 5th time, allow the rice to sit in the clear water while you move onto the next step. Resting in the water allows the grains to get a head start on absorbing water so the fat from the milk will not interfere.
- Why rinse? Rinsing jasmine rice before cooking removes excess surface starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming overly sticky or gummy. This step ensures that the rice cooks up light, fluffy, and separate, creating the perfect texture for coconut rice. Additionally, rinsing can remove any impurities or dust that might be present from the packaging process.
- Combine ingredients. Pour coconut milk, water, salt, and sugar into a pot and heat gently until the mixture starts to bubble, but avoid a rapid boil. This should take about 3 minutes, so stay attentive to prevent it from boiling over.
- Add the drained rinsed rice to the warm milk mixture. Now drain the soaking rice and add to the warm milk mixture. Make sure the added rice comes to a soft low boil, turn the heat down to low and cook covered for 20 minutes.
- Uncover. At 20 minutes, uncover and continue to cook over low for 5 minutes. There will be a skim of the coconut cream on top, that is normal.
- To Serve. Gently fluff with a fork or a rice paddle, garnish with cilantro, and serve with your favorite main dish. See other garnish ideas below.
Notes
- Do I need to rinse the rice? Yes, it is necessary. Do not skip this step. In fact it is so important that I have included why in the recipe card. Rinsing jasmine rice before cooking removes excess surface starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming overly sticky or gummy. This step ensures that the rice cooks up light, fluffy, and separate, creating the perfect texture for coconut rice. Additionally, rinsing can remove any impurities or dust that might be present from the packaging process.
- Can I just add coconut milk with no water? No. Other recipes may call for two can of coconut milk with no water. The water is necessary to help the rice absorb the coconut milk, as the coconut milk alone is too thick.
- How to Store: Let the coconut rice cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 to 5 days.
- How to Freeze: After cooling to room temperature, place the rice in an airtight container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Coconut rice can be frozen for up to 3 months. To use, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- How to Reheat: Reheat the rice on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if needed. Alternatively, microwave the rice for about 1 minute or until heated through.
- How to Make in a Rice Cooker: If using a rice cooker, reduce the water by ½ cup. Rinse the rice as directed, then add all the ingredients to the rice cooker and give them a quick stir. Set the rice cooker to the white rice setting. After cooking, keep the lid closed and let the rice steam for an additional 5-10 minutes. Finally, open the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve.
- Recommended Rice Cooker: Zojirushi NS-LGC05XB Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer
Nutrition
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