If you’ve ever dreamed of a rice dish that’s creamy, fragrant, and comforting all at once, then you’re about to fall in love with this Coconut Milk Rice Recipe. It takes the everyday humble rice and elevates it with rich, velvety coconut milk, creating a perfect harmony of subtle sweetness and luxurious texture. Whether you’re planning a simple weeknight dinner or an exotic side for a special occasion, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for something both quick and unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Coconut Milk Rice Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building a dish that’s not only flavorful but also perfectly textured and aromatic.
- Full-fat coconut milk: This brings a creamy richness and a tropical aroma that defines the dish’s character.
- Basmati rice: Its long grains cook up fluffy and separate, soaking up coconut milk beautifully for that perfect bite.
- Salt: Just a touch to balance and enhance the subtle sweetness of the coconut milk.
How to Make Coconut Milk Rice Recipe
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Begin by rinsing the basmati rice in a fine mesh strainer under cool running water until the water runs clear. This step is essential as it removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming sticky and ensuring that each grain stays light and fluffy.
Step 2: Prepare the Coconut Milk
Shake your can of full-fat coconut milk vigorously to mix the cream and liquid together evenly. Pour it into a medium-sized pot and bring to a gentle boil over high heat. This step helps infuse the coconut flavor right into the cooking liquid.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
Once the coconut milk is boiling, add your rinsed rice and salt. Stir briefly to combine, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Let it simmer for about 18 to 20 minutes until the rice has fully absorbed the coconut milk and is tender to the bite. Finally, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains without crushing them.
How to Serve Coconut Milk Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or chopped fresh cilantro adds a lovely crunch and a pop of color, enhancing both the texture and visual appeal of the rice. A few toasted cashews also bring in a delicious nutty contrast.
Side Dishes
This rice pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes—from spicy curries and grilled seafood to fresh vegetable stir-fries and tangy pickles. Its mild richness serves as the perfect counterpoint to bold, vibrant flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a beautiful presentation, shape the steamed rice into neat mounds using a small bowl or mold on each plate. You can also layer it in a vibrant bowl with colorful vegetables and protein, turning it into a stunning one-bowl meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Coconut Milk Rice keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Keep it chilled promptly to maintain freshness and prevent any off flavors.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover coconut milk rice by placing it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Freezing might slightly change the texture, but it remains delicious and convenient.
Reheating
Reheat the rice gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to warm evenly without drying out the rice.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?
Yes! While basmati rice is preferred for its fragrance and fluffiness, you can use long-grain white rice as a substitute. Avoid short-grain or sticky rice as they absorb liquid differently and may alter the texture.
Is full-fat coconut milk necessary?
Using full-fat coconut milk gives the rice its rich, creamy texture and deep coconut flavor. Light or diluted coconut milk might make the rice less creamy and affect the taste.
Do I need to soak the rice before cooking?
Rinsing the rice is sufficient for this recipe; soaking is not necessary. Rinsing removes excess starch and ensures the rice cooks up light and fluffy without stickiness.
Can I add spices or herbs to the recipe?
Absolutely! Adding a cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, or a few pandan leaves while cooking can elevate the flavor beautifully. Just remove any whole spices before serving.
How can I make the rice creamier?
If you prefer an even creamier texture, you can slightly reduce the amount of water or coconut milk and add a bit more coconut milk toward the end of cooking, stirring gently to incorporate.
Final Thoughts
This Coconut Milk Rice Recipe is such a delight to prepare and enjoy. Its simplicity belies the wonderful comfort it brings to any meal. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone looking to add a touch of tropical warmth and creaminess to their dinner table. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how such a simple recipe can feel so special!
Print
Coconut Milk Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southeast Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Coconut Milk Rice recipe is a rich and creamy take on classic basmati rice, cooked gently in full-fat coconut milk for a subtly sweet and aromatic dish. Perfect as a comforting side or a base for tropical-inspired meals, it combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful and tender rice with a lush texture.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 (13.5-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup basmati rice (or long grain white rice)
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice in a fine mesh strainer under cool running water for 1-2 minutes until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps the rice cook fluffy and separate.
- Prepare Coconut Milk: Shake the can of coconut milk well to mix the cream and liquid evenly. Pour the coconut milk into a medium pot and bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Cook the Rice: Once the coconut milk boils, add the rinsed and drained rice along with ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir to combine, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- Fluff and Serve: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for a few minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving to separate the grains.
Notes
- For best results, use basmati rice as it absorbs the coconut milk well and has a fragrant aroma.
- Adjust salt to taste depending on your preference.
- This rice pairs beautifully with tropical dishes like curries, grilled seafood, or sautéed vegetables.
- You can substitute full-fat coconut milk with light coconut milk for a lower fat option, but the texture will be less creamy.
- Make sure not to stir too much while cooking to prevent the rice from becoming mushy.
