Coconut Rice (Printable)

Fragrant jasmine rice simmered in creamy coconut milk for a fluffy, aromatic side dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Rice

01 - 1 cup jasmine rice or long-grain white rice, rinsed

→ Liquids

02 - 1 cup unsweetened full-fat coconut milk
03 - 3/4 cup water

→ Seasonings

04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Optional Garnishes

05 - 2 tablespoons toasted coconut flakes
06 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
07 - 1 teaspoon lime zest

# How to Make It:

01 - Place the rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water, gently swirling with your hand, until the water runs completely clear. Shake off excess water and set aside to drain.
02 - In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, and salt. Stir gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
03 - Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the liquid to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
04 - Once the liquid reaches a boil, immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover tightly with a lid and simmer for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time to allow proper steam absorption.
05 - Remove the saucepan from the heat while keeping the lid firmly in place. Let the rice rest and continue steaming for 10 minutes, which allows the grains to finish cooking and firm up.
06 - Remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork, separating the grains without mashing them. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with toasted coconut flakes, chopped cilantro, and lime zest if desired. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The coconut milk does all the heavy lifting, so you get restaurant quality flavor with almost zero effort.
  • It pairs with literally everything from spicy curries to a plain piece of grilled fish on a Tuesday night.
02 -
  • Lifting the lid even once during the 15 minute simmer will give you crunchy, undercooked rice in the center of the pot.
  • Shaking the can of coconut milk before measuring prevents clumps of solid fat from ending up in your rice unevenly.
03 -
  • Toast the coconut flakes in a dry pan while the rice is resting so they are warm and golden at the exact moment you need them.
  • Let the cooked rice sit uncovered for two minutes after fluffing so excess steam escapes and the grains do not stick together when you serve.

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