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This simple coconut rice recipe results in fluffy, flavorful, and slightly sweet rice that can be used in a variety of dishes. Try it with easy fried plantains for a Caribbean flair, or in a sweet and spicy Thai Curry, or a Hawaiian poke bowl. Made with coconut milk, a little salt, and jasmine rice, it’s naturally gluten free, dairy, free, and vegan.

coconut rice

Tips For The Best Coconut Rice

This recipe can be made on the stovetop, in a rice cooker, or in an instant pot. Use whatever you have on hand. The stovetop method requires a little bit more effort, but it also gives you control of the fluffiness and how much water the rice absorbs to get the right texture.

Make sure to use full-fat coconut milk to get the best, creamy, slightly sweet flavor. The rice absorbs the fat in the milk and it results in a more tender rice grain that has a light coconut taste.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. You can also freeze this rice for up to three months. Add a little water to a saucepan and steam the rice from frozen to reheat it.

steamed coconut rice

Coconut Rice Ingredients

This recipe only requires a few ingredients and very little effort! For added flavor, you can use coconut water instead of tap water. You can also omit the salt to make this sodium-free. The salt does enhance the sweetness of the coconut milk, but it can be left out.

Note: If you are making this in a rice cooker or instant pot, reduce the water to 1/2 cup.

  • 2 cups jasmine rice
  • 1 cup water, plus extra if needed, or sub for coconut water
  • 1 can full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 pinch salt, optional
coconut rice

Instructions

On The Stove:

  1. Rinse the Jasmine rice in a strainer until the water runs clear. This will remove excess starch and make the rice fluffier and not as sticky.
  2. Heat the water, salt, and coconut milk over medium-high heat until boiling.
  3. Add the rice and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.
  4. If it is not tender enough, add a small amount of water and continue to simmer until the desired tenderness is achieved.
  5. Fluff with a fork and serve warm or store in the fridge for up to five days.

In a Rice Cooker or Instant Pot:

  1. Rinse the Jasmine rice in a strainer until the water runs clear. This will remove excess starch and make the rice fluffier and not as sticky.
  2. Add all the ingredients to the rice cooker or instant pot and set to a white rice setting. You will likely only need about half a cup of water instead of the full cup used for the stovetop method.
  3. Fluff with a fork and serve warm or store in the fridge for up to five days.
fried plantains and rice

Dietary Information:

Vegan✓  
Gluten Free✓
Dairy Free✓  
Vegetarian✓
jasmine rice

Try these related recipes:

Pineapple Forbidden Rice

Black Bean Sweet Potato Quesadillas

Perfect Black Beans

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coconut rice

Coconut Rice

Allison Crawford at The Hungry Carrot
A super simple recipe for perfectly fluffy and flavorful coconut rice with only a few ingredients. Make this on the stove or in a rice cooker or instant pot.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Caribbean, Hawaiian, Indian, Thai
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups jasmine rice
  • 1 cup water, plus extra if needed
  • 1 can full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 pinch salt, optional

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the Jasmine rice in a strainer until the water runs clear. This will remove excess starch and make the rice fluffier and not as sticky.
  • Heat the water, salt, and coconut milk over medium-high heat until boiling.
  • Add the rice and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.
  • If it is not tender enough, add a small amount of water and continue to simmer until the desired tenderness is acheived.
  • Fluff with a fork and serve warm or store in the fridge for up to five days.

Notes

To cook in a rice cooker or instant pot, add the rinsed rice, 1/2 cup of water, coconut milk, and salt, and cook on the rice setting. Fluff with a fork and serve warm.
Keyword coconut rice