Life as a mom of three feels like a beautiful, chaotic whirlwind most days. Between soccer practices, homework help, and the endless laundry piles, I always look for ways to bring my family back to the table. For me, food is more than just fuel; food is love.

I remember the first time I whipped up this easy coconut rice recipe on a particularly frantic Tuesday. The tropical, sweet aroma drifted through the hallways, instantly calming the mood. My oldest son, who usually avoids anything “different,” asked for seconds before I even sat down.

Since then, this dish has become a staple in our home. It transforms a basic meal into something special without requiring hours in the kitchen. If you need a reliable, nourishing side dish that pleases even the pickiest eaters, you have found it with this easy coconut rice recipe. This simple dish brings a little bit of island sunshine to our suburban dinner table, and I know your family will feel that same warmth.

Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I return to recipes that offer maximum comfort with minimal effort. This easy coconut rice recipe fits that description perfectly. You only need a few pantry staples to create a side dish that tastes like a luxury.

We often pair it with grilled chicken or spicy stir-fry, but the kids sometimes eat it plain because it tastes so rich and creamy. Using coconut milk instead of just water adds healthy fats and a velvety texture that plain white rice simply cannot match. Because I prioritize nourishing my family with whole ingredients, I love that this easy coconut rice recipe avoids processed additives.

You control the sweetness and the salt, ensuring a healthy balance for your little ones. Let’s dive into why this easy coconut rice recipe deserves a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Coconut Rice Recipe

You will absolutely adore this easy coconut rice recipe for several reasons. First, it requires very little active prep time. As a busy mom, I value recipes that allow me to “set it and forget it” while I manage other household tasks.

Furthermore, the flavor profile is incredibly versatile. While some coconut rice recipes lean too heavy on the sugar, this easy coconut rice recipe strikes a perfect savory-sweet balance. It complements spicy Thai curries just as well as it pairs with Caribbean jerk chicken or simple roasted salmon. Consequently, you can use this one recipe for a dozen different meal types.

Another reason to love this easy coconut rice recipe is the texture. The coconut milk creates a subtle creaminess that feels indulgent but remains light enough for a daily side dish. Additionally, this recipe works well for meal prep.

I often make a double batch on Sundays. Throughout the week, I reheat portions for quick lunches or add them to Buddha bowls. Because it stays moist longer than traditional rice, it tastes just as good on Thursday as it did on Monday.

This easy coconut rice recipe truly simplifies healthy eating for the entire family. Finally, it uses budget-friendly ingredients that you likely already have in your cupboard. You don’t need fancy equipment or expensive imports to make this easy coconut rice recipe shine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward success. For this easy coconut rice recipe, I recommend using high-quality jasmine rice. Jasmine rice provides a natural floral scent that pairs beautifully with coconut.

However, you can use other long-grain white rice varieties if that is what you have on hand. Always choose full-fat canned coconut milk for the creamiest results. Light coconut milk works, but the final dish will lack that signature richness that makes this easy coconut rice recipe so famous in our house.

Below is a quick reference table for the ingredients you need for this easy coconut rice recipe. I always keep these items stocked so I can make this dish at a moment’s notice.

easy coconut rice recipe

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A reliable, nourishing side dish that brings island sunshine to the dinner table with its tropical, sweet aroma and velvety texture using jasmine rice and full-fat coconut milk.

• Author: Salma Tahiri
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Tropical
• Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 Cups Jasmine Rice
1 Can (13.5 oz) Full-Fat Canned Coconut Milk
1 1/4 Cups Water
1 Tablespoon Granulated Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt
2 Tablespoons Unsweetened Shredded Coconut

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Instructions

1. Place the jasmine rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water for at least 60 seconds until the water runs clear
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, full-fat coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt
3. Stir the mixture well to ensure the coconut milk is fully incorporated with the water
4. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the liquid to a gentle boil
5. Once boiling, immediately turn the heat down to the lowest setting and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid
6. Simmer undisturbed for 18 to 20 minutes without lifting the lid
7. Remove the pan from the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for an additional 10 minutes
8. Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Sprinkle with toasted shredded coconut if desired before serving

Notes

Always shake the can of coconut milk before opening to mix the cream and liquid.

Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent the coconut milk sugars from scorching at the bottom.

If using an electric stove, move the pot to a cool burner during the resting phase to prevent overcooking.

For extra tropical flavor, substitute the water with coconut water.

To store, cool to room temperature and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to four days.

Substitutions & Variations

While I love this easy coconut rice recipe exactly as written, I know that sometimes we have to work with what is in the pantry. If you prefer a whole-grain option, you can substitute brown jasmine rice. Just remember that brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time.

You will need to adjust the water ratio accordingly to ensure the rice cooks through without burning. This variation of the easy coconut rice recipe adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber, which I often choose when I want a more filling meal.

If you want to reduce the calorie count, you can use light coconut milk. However, the rice will lose some of its creamy decadence. For a savory twist on this easy coconut rice recipe, try adding a crushed clove of garlic or a slice of fresh ginger to the pot while it simmers.

Remove them before serving to leave behind a subtle, aromatic depth. For a tropical flair, stir in some toasted coconut flakes or chopped cilantro at the very end. These small changes keep the easy coconut rice recipe feeling fresh and exciting every time you serve it. Some of my friends even add a splash of lime juice to brighten the flavors, which tastes incredible with seafood.

Once you have mastered the art of grain substitutions, you can focus on building a full menu that your whole family will love. This hearty rice pairs beautifully with a protein-packed Easy chicken meatloaf recipe for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to achieve perfect results with your easy coconut rice recipe every single time. Precision matters when it comes to the liquid-to-rice ratio, so use standard measuring cups. First, place your jasmine rice in a fine-mesh sieve.

Rinse the rice under cold running water for at least 60 seconds. Rinsing removes excess surface starch, which prevents the rice from becoming overly gummy or sticky. This step is vital for a fluffy easy coconut rice recipe.

Note: This video is for demonstration purposes and may use a slightly different method.

Next, combine the rinsed rice, the full-fat coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan. Stir the mixture well to ensure the coconut milk incorporates fully with the water. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the liquid to a gentle boil.

Once it reaches a boil, immediately turn the heat down to the lowest setting. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. This trapped steam cooks the rice perfectly in this easy coconut rice recipe.

Let the rice simmer undisturbed for 18 to 20 minutes. Resist the urge to lift the lid! Lifting the lid releases the steam and interrupts the cooking process.

After 20 minutes, remove the pan from the heat. Keep the lid on and let the rice rest for another 10 minutes. This resting period allows the moisture to redistribute evenly through the grains.

Finally, remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. You will see beautiful, glistening grains that smell divine. Your easy coconut rice recipe is now ready to serve. If you want a bit of crunch, sprinkle the toasted shredded coconut over the top right before bringing it to the table.

Pro Tips for Success

Achieving the perfect texture in an easy coconut rice recipe requires a few “mom secrets” that I’ve learned over the years. First, always shake your can of coconut milk before you open it. The fat often separates and rises to the top.

Shaking ensures you get an even distribution of cream and liquid. If the coconut milk remains solid, simply whisk it in a bowl before adding it to the pot. This ensures your easy coconut rice recipe turns out smooth rather than patchy.

Secondly, use a heavy-bottomed pot if possible. Thinner pots often have “hot spots” that can scorch the coconut milk at the bottom of the pan. Because coconut milk contains natural sugars, it burns more easily than plain water.

If you notice a slight crust at the bottom, don’t worry! In many cultures, that crispy bottom layer is considered the best part. However, for a standard easy coconut rice recipe, a low heat setting is your best friend.

Lastly, if you use an electric stove, remember that the burners retain heat. Move the pot to a cool burner once the cooking time ends to prevent overcooking during the resting phase. These small adjustments ensure your easy coconut rice recipe comes out restaurant-quality every time.

These small preparation tips ensure that your grains are perfectly separated and never mushy. For a truly effortless meal prep day, serve this fluffy rice alongside an Easy family recipes crock pot turkey tenderloin.

Storage & Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers from your easy coconut rice recipe, you can store them easily. Allow the rice to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Because of the coconut milk content, the rice might firm up significantly when cold. Do not worry; it softens beautifully once you apply heat. I often use leftovers for my kids’ school lunches because they enjoy it even at room temperature.

To reheat your easy coconut rice recipe, I recommend using the microwave or the stovetop. If using a microwave, place the rice in a microwave-safe bowl and add a teaspoon of water or a splash of coconut milk. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel.

Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it becomes hot and fluffy again. On the stovetop, place the rice in a small pan with a tiny bit of liquid over low heat. Cover the pan and let it steam for a few minutes.

This method preserves the original texture of the easy coconut rice recipe. You can also freeze this rice for up to two months. Simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

What to Serve With This Recipe

The beauty of this easy coconut rice recipe lies in its ability to complement so many different flavors. In our home, we love serving it alongside a vibrant Mango Chicken Stir-fry. The sweetness of the mango echoes the coconut notes in the rice.

Additionally, this rice serves as the perfect cooling base for a spicy Red Thai Curry. The fats in the coconut milk help mellow out the heat of the chili peppers, making the meal more enjoyable for the kids.

For a simpler weeknight dinner, pair this easy coconut rice recipe with grilled shrimp skewers brushed with a lime-garlic butter. The citrusy shrimp cuts through the richness of the rice beautifully. We also enjoy it with slow-cooked pulled pork or even as a base for a tropical grain bowl topped with black beans, avocado, and fresh pineapple salsa.

Truly, the options remain endless. No matter what you choose, this easy coconut rice recipe elevates the entire plate from ordinary to extraordinary. It turns a simple protein into a cohesive, nourishing meal that feels like a big hug on a plate.

Finding the right balance of sweet and savory is the key to a memorable meal that feels gourmet yet accessible. You might also enjoy serving this tropical side with these easy keto chicken leg recipes to satisfy everyone at the table.

FAQs

Can I make this easy coconut rice recipe in a rice cooker?

Yes, you absolutely can! Simply add the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, salt, and sugar into your rice cooker bowl. Stir the ingredients together and set the machine to the “standard” or “white rice” setting.

The rice cooker handles the temperature regulation perfectly for this easy coconut rice recipe. However, make sure to wipe the bottom of the inner pot to prevent any burning.

Is this easy coconut rice recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Indeed, it is! This easy coconut rice recipe naturally meets both vegan and gluten-free dietary requirements. It contains no animal products and no wheat-based ingredients.

This makes it an excellent choice for potlucks or family gatherings where guests might have various dietary restrictions. Everyone can enjoy the delicious, creamy flavors without worry.

Why did my coconut rice turn out mushy?

Mushy rice usually results from two things: failing to rinse the rice or using too much liquid. If you skip the rinsing step, the extra starch causes the grains to stick together. Furthermore, ensure you measure the coconut milk and water accurately.

If your easy coconut rice recipe turns out mushy, try reducing the water by a quarter cup next time. Also, ensure you let it rest for 10 minutes after cooking to firm up the grains.

Can I use desiccated coconut instead of coconut milk?

I do not recommend substituting desiccated coconut for the coconut milk. The canned coconut milk provides both the essential moisture and the creamy fats needed for the texture of this easy coconut rice recipe. Desiccated coconut is dry and will not cook the rice properly. However, you can certainly add desiccated coconut as a topping once the rice finishes cooking for extra flavor and crunch.

Many traditional versions of this dish utilize Jasmine rice because of its natural floral aroma and slightly sticky texture when steamed. This fragrant grain serves as the foundation for many beloved dishes throughout Southeast Asia, providing a perfect canvas for rich coconut flavors.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

This easy coconut rice recipe provides a good source of energy and healthy fats. Below is the approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving (about 3/4 cup cooked rice).

I hope your family enjoys this easy coconut rice recipe as much as mine does. Remember, cooking for your loved ones is a beautiful way to show you care. Happy cooking!