Make fluffy, fragrant coconut rice in under 30 minutes! With just a few simple ingredients, this easy recipe transforms everyday rice into a flavorful, restaurant-style side dish.

Cooked coconut rice in white pot.

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Coconut Rice Recipe

This coconut rice like my yellow rice recipe is simple way to elevate white rice into a fluffy, flavorful side dish. Cooked on the stovetop with just four ingredients, it has a delicate buttery coconut flavor that’s lightly sweet and fills the kitchen with the best aroma.

The result is creamy, restaurant-style rice that pairs perfectly with Asian-inspired dishes like kung pao shrimp or pineapple fried rice.

It’s so easy and budget-friendly! With just a few pantry staples, this side dish tastes like it came from your favorite takeout spot. It’s light, fluffy, and never mushy when you follow my tips!

Recipe Ingredients

Rice and coconut milk on table.

Find the full printable recipe with measurements below.

  • Jasmine rice: Native to Thailand, this long-grain rice provides a buttery backdrop to the tropical coconut flavor.
  • Coconut milk: This rich milk adds a creaminess to the rice. One can of full fat coconut milk will add a more rich flavor than using reduced fat or light coconut milk.
  • Water: Very important to help the rice cook and soften.
  • Salt: A little bit of salt helps enhance the flavor of the rice and coconut milk.

How to Make Coconut Rice

The process of making coconut rice in a four step photo collage.
  1. Add ingredients to pot. Over medium heat, add water, coconut milk, and salt in a medium saucepan. Add in the rice, then stir one time.
  2. Bring to boil. Let set and bring to a boil. If you would like to sweeten your rice, add in 1 to 2 teaspoons of sugar.
  3. Cover and simmer. Once boiling, turn the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Simmer for about 17 to 20 minutes. During this time, do not remove the lid while it is cooking.
  4. Fluff the rice. Remove the lid and allow for the water to evaporate. This will take a few minutes. When ready to serve, use a fork and gently fluff the rice.
Cooked coconut rice in white pot.

Tips for the Best Coconut Rice

  • Rinse your rice well. The secret to a light and fluffy (and not clumpy) easy coconut rice recipe is getting rid of the extra starch that it comes with.
  • Cans of coconut milk can be found at your local grocery store, sometimes found in the “international food” section. Thai Kitchen is a great brand that doesn’t come with a bunch of unnecessary additives.
  • Fluff and season. After your rice is done cooking, fluff the rice gently with a fork and then place the lid back on for 1-2 minutes. Then season to taste.
  • Garnish. Chopped cilantro and lime are a nice addition and would be a vibrant balance to the otherwise sweet coconut. Stir in at end.
Cooked coconut rice in a white pot with wooden spoon.

Serving Recommendations

This easy, creamy coconut rice is one of our favorite side dishes!

Cooked coconut rice in white pot with coconut.

More Asian recipes to love include baked teriyaki chicken bowl, general Tso’s chicken or slow cooker honey garlic chicken!

More Rice Recipes

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Coconut rice in a white pot with cilantro garnish.

Coconut Rice

5 from 7 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Make fluffy, fragrant coconut rice in under 30 minutes! With just a few simple ingredients, this easy recipe transforms everyday rice into a flavorful, restaurant-style side dish.
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Ingredients 

  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt , plus more to taste
  • 1 (13.5-ounce) can coconut milk
  • 1-2 teaspoons granulated sugar , optional
  • 2 cups Jasmine rice , rinsed
  • Ground black pepper , to taste (optional)

Optional: Toasted coconut, Chopped parsley or cilantro

Instructions

  • Combine. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stir together 1 1/2 cups water, 1 can coconut milk, 1 teaspoon salt, and optional sugar, if using for added sweetness. Add 2 cups rice and then stir once. Bring to a boil.
  • Simmer. Cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer, without lifting the lid, for 17 to 20 minutes.
  • Fluff. Remove the lid and allow the water to evaporate a few minutes. Just before serving, gently fluff the rice with a fork. Salt and pepper, to taste. Top with coconut and herbs, if desired.

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Variations: You can use light coconut or full fat coconut milk. If you’d like extra coconut flavor, I recommend adding toasted coconut on top. 
Instant Pot coconut rice: To cook in the instant pot, only use 3/4 cup water. Then cook on high pressure for 3 minutes and natural release for 5-10 minutes (the longer the fluffier it will be).
Brown rice: If you prefer to use brown rice, only use 1 1/2 cups. You’ll also want to add an additional 8 minutes to the cooking time. I like to stir and then keep the lid on an additional 5-10 minutes as well to make it soft.
Storage: Store leftovers in a covered container up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 209kcal, Carbohydrates: 39g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Sodium: 335mg, Potassium: 53mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Calcium: 14mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Add-ins and Variations

  • If you like rice with coconut milk a little sweeter, add in sugar with the coconut and wate. Keep in mind, better quality coconut milk will always be a bit sweeter, so you may find you don’t need added sugar depending on the brand.
  • You can use full fat or light coconut milk, depending on your preference.
  • Jasmine rice is great for this recipe, but you can also use basmati or long-grain white rice.
  • Brown rice can be used in place of white, however, the cooking time will be longer.
  • Add-ins: Diced avocado, beans (black or kidney beans), diced bell pepper (probably red, orange, or yellow as they are the sweetest), or pineapple chunks.

Recipe FAQs

Can you make coconut rice in the rice cooker?

Yes! Place all ingredients together in the rice cooker. Stir with a wooden spoon until well combined. Cover the rice cooker with the lid and set it at COOK.

After it has cooked and setting is at WARM, let the coconut rice sit for 8 to 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork or using chopsticks to stir the rice.

Can you make coconut rice in an Instant Pot?

Yes! With an Instant Pot you only need to use 3/4 cup water. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes long. Then use the natural release for 5 to 10 minutes. The longer it sits, the fluffier the rice will become.

Why does my coconut rice come out mushy?

There could be two reasons. It is best to use only long grain white rice or Jasmine rice. Other rice varieties will cook at longer times. Don’t skip rinsing or soaking your rice. This will help remove starches that coat the grain and could cause your rice to turn out mushy or gooey.

How to store leftover rice?

Leftovers can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of liquid.

Can I freeze coconut rice?

Cool rice completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer safe bag. Freeze rice up to 3 months. To serve, thaw rice in the refrigerator then reheat in the microwave. If your rice seems dry, add a splash of water or reheat covered with a damp paper towel.