Creamy Coconut Rice
This creamy coconut rice is a fragrant and rich side dish, perfect for complementing spicy curries or grilled proteins. Cooked with full-fat coconut milk, it offers a delightful balance of savory and subtly sweet flavors.
For 4 servings
Rinse the jasmine rice under cold running water in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming too sticky. Drain well.
In a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, combine the rinsed jasmine rice, full-fat coconut milk, water, salt, and the optional granulated sugar. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Cover the saucepan tightly with its lid and simmer for 15-18 minutes without lifting the lid. Do not peek!
After 15-18 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it rest, still covered, for an additional 5-10 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the rice to steam further and absorb any remaining liquid, resulting in perfectly fluffy grains.
Uncover the saucepan, gently fluff the creamy coconut rice with a fork, separating the grains. If using, stir in the optional lime zest for a burst of fresh aroma.
Serve immediately as a delightful accompaniment to your favorite curries, stir-fries, or grilled dishes.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Do not lift the lid during the simmering or resting phases. This traps the steam, which is essential for cooking the rice evenly and achieving a tender texture.
- 2Use good quality full-fat coconut milk for the best flavor and creaminess. Shake the can well before opening to ensure the cream and liquid are combined.
- 3Adjust the liquid-to-rice ratio slightly if you prefer your rice softer or firmer. For 1 cup of jasmine rice, a total of 1.5 cups of liquid (coconut milk + water) is standard.
- 4If you find the rice is too wet after resting, uncover it for a few minutes on low heat, stirring gently, to allow excess moisture to evaporate. If it's too dry, add a tablespoon or two of hot water, cover, and let it steam for another 2-3 minutes.
Adapt it for your goals.
Sweet Coconut Rice
Increase the granulated sugar to 2-3 tablespoons and add a pandan leaf or a few drops of pandan extract during cooking for a dessert-like version, often served with fresh mango.
Spicy Coconut RiceSpicy Coconut Rice
Add a thinly sliced bird's eye chili or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pot along with the other ingredients for a subtle kick.
Aromatic Coconut RiceAromatic Coconut Rice
Infuse with aromatics by adding a bruised stalk of lemongrass, a few slices of fresh ginger, or a couple of kaffir lime leaves to the pot while cooking. Remove before serving.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Energy Source
Jasmine rice provides complex carbohydrates, offering a sustained source of energy for daily activities.
Healthy Fats
Coconut milk contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily digestible and can be used by the body for quick energy.
Gluten-Free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Frequently asked questions
While you can, brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time (typically 40-45 minutes). The texture will also be chewier and less creamy than with jasmine rice.
