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Coconut Milk Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 77 reviews
  • Author: Diane
  • 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

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 (13.5-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 cup basmati rice (or long grain white rice)
  • ½ teaspoon salt


Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.