This easy coconut rice recipe will help you to make perfectly fluffy, light, fragrant Thai-inspired coconut rice every single time. It’s made in under 30 minutes and is gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan!

I have shared blog posts for every single coconut DIY that I could possibly think of, coconut milk included. So now, it’s time to share some of my favorite uses for these ingredients. Enter this Thai-inspired coconut rice!

It is light and fluffy, yet rich, and the perfect accompaniment to a wide array of dishes. Of course, it’s great with a lot of Thai and Asian dishes. But it also works as an alternative to “regular” rice for any meal – especially if you love coconut as much as I do.

Plus, all you need for this coconut milk rice is three base ingredients no special equipment or tools. I do add an “extra” for additional flavor but it’s completely optional. The final cooked rice is slightly sticky, deliciously creamy, and, of course, carries a wonderful coconut flavor.

The Ingredients

• Rice: It’s best to use Thai jasmine rice or basmati rice or other long-grain rice. Avoid using short-grain kinds of rice as they take different amounts of time to cook and won’t work perfectly with this method. 
• Coconut Milk:  I used homemade unsweetened coconut milk. It is made by blending coconut flesh with water and yields lighter results. You can also use canned coconut milk but will need to dilute it with water and it will still be more “decadent”.
• Coconut Oil: By lightly toasting your rice with a bit of coconut oil pre-boiling, you can bring out even more of the natural fragrance within the rice.
• Salt: A pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. 
• Kaffir Lime Leaves/Pandan Leaves: This ingredient is completely optional. However, it provides more of that “restaurant quality” feel. Simply tie the leaves in knots, which will help them to release flavor into the rice, and chuck them in the pan while cooking. 

Instead of the lime leaves/pandan leaves, you could squeeze some lime juice into the rice or serve it along with some lime slices. Alternatively, serve along with some chopped green onions.

How to Cook the Perfect Coconut Rice

The method for cooking rice with coconut milk is super simple and following it should lead to foolproof results every time.

Rinse the Rice

Rinsing the rice is an absolute must to get fluffy, grainy rice as this will remove the excess starch. If you don’t, then the thick coconut milk can turn your rice into a bit of a gooey mess. 

My preferred method for rinsing is to add the rice and some water to a large bowl and rub the rice between my fingers. I then drain the rice and repeat 3-4 times until the water runs “almost clear”. The discarded water can be used to water plants. 

You can also place the rice in a fine mesh sieve and rinse it under running water until it runs clear. However, this method uses a lot of water – so I tend to avoid it.

Toast the Rice

Next, toast (sauté) the rice. Add the coconut oil to a medium saucepan and allow it to melt over medium heat. Add the rice and saute lightly for a minute or two. You’re not trying to “cook” the rice or “brown” it in any way, but the heat will lightly toast it to add extra flavor. 

Cook the Rice

It’s time to cook the rice. In the same saucepan, add the coconut milk and salt (and optionally the knotted pandan leaves/kaffir lime leaves). Mix lightly and then place the lid on the pot. 

Chef’s Tip: If using canned coconut milk, then add the milk along with water.

Bring to a boil over high heat, stir once, and then quickly reduce the heat. Allow to simmer with the lid on until the liquid has (almost) fully absorbed. This usually takes around 15 minutes but may vary depending on your pot and heat level.

Leave It Alone

The secret to fluffy coconut rice is steaming it once it’s done cooking. Remove the pan from the heat and leave it covered to steam for a further 10 minutes. This will allow the rice to absorb any excess moisture and become fluffy. 

I like to add a towel between the lid and pot during this process. The towel will capture the condensation to stop it from gathering on the lid and then falling back down onto the top of the rice.

Fluff the Rice

Finally, fluff the rice. Use a fork to fluff up the rice and add any further seasonings – salt, pepper, lime juice, or even a little sugar. Top with herbs like green onions or chopped cilantro, if preferred, and serve immediately.

How to Serve Coconut Rice

My favorite way to serve this rice with coconut milk is alongside Thai Green Curry or Thai Red Curry. It can also be your go-to side dish to other Thai and Jamaican dishes. 

It also makes for a perfect side dish alternative to your “usual rice” for tons of meals:

• Serve alongside skewers, grilled chicken, fish, curry dishes, or stir-fried vegetables. The creamy coconut flavor will pair well with the savory dishes.
• Use it to create a one-bowl meal, like this Salmon Rice Bowl. Just add your favorite protein and veggies.
• Stuff bell peppers or other vegetables (tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant) with it.
• Use it to make spring rolls.

More Simple Rice Recipes

• Instant Pot Jasmine Rice
• Egg Fried Rice
• Garlic Fried Rice

If you try this jasmine coconut rice recipe, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!