Coconut Rice Recipe: 3 Cooking Methods to Try at Home

Cooking coconut rice on the stove is simple and gives you control over the texture. It is perfect for those who prefer traditional cooking methods.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups jasmine rice (or your preferred rice)

- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk

- 1 1/2 cups water

- 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice in cold water several times until the water runs clear. 

2. In a medium pot, add the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, and salt. Stir gently so the coconut milk blends evenly with the water.

3. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, making sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t boil over.

4. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot tightly with a lid.

5. Let it cook for 15-18 minutes without lifting the lid, so the steam stays trapped inside.

6. Remove the pot from the heat and keep it covered for another 5 minutes to finish steaming.

7. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving to separate the grains.

Using a rice cooker makes this dish almost effortless. It ensures evenly cooked rice with minimal attention.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups jasmine rice

- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk

- 1 1/2 cups water

- 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water becomes clear. 

2. Place the rinsed rice into the rice cooker pot.

3. Add the coconut milk, water, and salt. Stir gently so all the grains are coated with the liquid.

4. Level the rice evenly in the pot so it cooks uniformly.

5. Close the lid and set the rice cooker to the normal or white rice cooking setting.

6. When the cooking cycle ends, let the rice sit inside the cooker for 5 more minutes to allow the steam to settle.

7. Open the lid carefully, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve warm.

The Instant Pot method is fast and produces soft, flavorful rice in less time.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups jasmine rice

- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk

- 1 1/4 cups water

- 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice well under cold water until the water runs clear. 

2. Add the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, and salt to the Instant Pot. Stir gently to mix without breaking the grains.

3. Close the lid and turn the valve to the “Sealing” position.

4. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and cook for 4 minutes on high pressure.

5. When the cooking ends, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before switching the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining steam.

6. Open the lid carefully and fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Making perfect coconut rice is easy when you follow a few simple tips:

1. Rinse the rice well – Wash the rice several times until the water runs completely clear to remove excess starch, which helps keep the grains separate and gives the final dish a light, fluffy texture.

2. Use full-fat coconut milk – Select a can of rich, full-fat coconut milk for a creamy, luxurious texture and deep flavor that coats each grain without making the rice heavy or greasy.

3. Adjust water levels – Measure liquids precisely, as too much will make the rice soft and mushy, while too little can leave it undercooked and dry in certain spots.

4. Don’t stir while cooking – Resist stirring during the cooking process, as it can break the rice grains and cause the dish to develop a gluey, overly sticky texture.

5. Let it rest – After cooking, keep the pot covered for 5-10 minutes to allow the steam to distribute evenly and finish cooking the rice perfectly.

6. Taste before serving – Try a small portion before serving to check seasoning. Add more salt or other seasonings if needed so the flavor is balanced.

7. Avoid high heat – Use steady, gentle heat to avoid scorching the bottom while ensuring the rice cooks evenly from top to bottom.

8. Use a tight-fitting lid – Make sure that the lid seals well to trap steam, which is essential for even cooking and preventing the rice from drying out.

9. Add aromatics – Boost the flavor by adding pandan leaves, ginger, lemongrass, or even a cinnamon stick while the rice cooks for a subtle fragrance.

10. Fluff with a fork – After resting, gently run a fork through the rice to separate the grains without crushing them, keeping the texture light and airy.

Coconut rice is versatile and pairs well with many dishes. Here are 20 delicious ideas, each with a short explanation:

- Chicken curry – Rich and aromatic, chicken curry’s spices blend perfectly with the mild sweetness of coconut rice. The sauce soaks into the rice, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.

- Beef rendang – This slow-cooked Indonesian beef dish has deep, spicy flavors. The creamy coconut rice helps balance the heat and richness of the meat.

- Grilled salmon – Light and healthy, grilled salmon pairs well with coconut rice’s soft texture. The mild fish flavor lets the rice’s coconut aroma shine.

- Spicy shrimp stir-fry – Juicy shrimp cooked with chili and vegetables adds a fiery kick. Coconut rice cools the heat and complements the seafood taste.

- Thai green curry – Fragrant and slightly sweet, green curry sauce blends beautifully with coconut rice. Together they create a comforting, tropical meal.

- Vegetable stir-fry – Colorful vegetables with light seasoning make a fresh, healthy side. The coconut rice adds creaminess to each forkful.

- Fried plantains – Sweet and soft fried plantains are a perfect contrast to the savory coconut rice. They add a Caribbean touch to the plate.

- Sweet and sour chicken – The tangy-sweet sauce mixes well with coconut rice. It adds brightness and balances the rice’s creamy taste.

- Tandoori chicken – Smoky and spiced tandoori chicken matches coconut rice beautifully. The cooling rice softens the heat from the spices.

- Mango salad – Fresh mango, herbs, and light dressing give a refreshing bite. The salad’s sweet-tart flavor works well with coconut rice.

- Peanut sauce tofu – Soft tofu in creamy peanut sauce is full of protein and flavor. Coconut rice absorbs the sauce for a satisfying bite.

- Garlic butter prawns – Rich, garlicky prawns bring a savory kick. The coconut rice makes each mouthful smooth and delicious.

- Teriyaki chicken – Sweet and savory teriyaki glaze complements coconut rice well. The rice soaks up the sauce for extra flavor.

- BBQ pork ribs – Smoky, tender ribs pair perfectly with creamy coconut rice. The rice balances the strong barbecue taste.

- Eggplant in coconut sauce – Soft eggplant in a coconut-based sauce doubles the tropical taste. It makes a rich, meat-free pairing.

- Chilli crab – Spicy, saucy crab is bold and flavorful. Coconut rice soothes the heat and adds a creamy texture.

- Satay skewers – Grilled meat skewers with peanut sauce are tasty and fragrant. Coconut rice complements both the smokiness and the sauce.

- Lamb stew – Tender lamb in a hearty sauce is a warming option. Coconut rice lightens the dish and adds subtle sweetness.

- Papaya salad – Crisp, tangy, and refreshing, papaya salad cleanses the palate. It pairs well with the richness of coconut rice.

- Grilled pineapple – Sweet, caramelized pineapple brings a tropical touch. Its juicy flavor is a bright contrast to creamy rice.