COCONUT RICE

Imagine the creamy, tropical goodness of coconut blending with perfectly cooked rice. Each bite is a fragrant, savory escape. Whether you're craving a unique side dish or a new twist on a weeknight favorite, coconut rice is the answer. Ready to add some sunshine to your plate? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!

Coconut rice might just be your new favorite side dish. With its creamy, aromatic flavor and subtle sweetness, this simple recipe elevates any meal—whether you're pairing it with grilled chicken, seafood, or a fresh veggie stir-fry. Ready to take your tastebuds on a tropical escape? It's time to dive into the delicious world of coconut rice!

(Instagram Video)

Why we love Coconut Rice:

Despite its luxurious taste, coconut rice is incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients—coconut milk, rice, and a few seasonings—you can transform a basic side dish into something extraordinary.

Coconut rice pairs perfectly with nearly any dish. From savory curries to grilled meats, tropical and fruit based dishes, or even vegetables, it enhances flavors without overpowering them. It's as much at home in an Asian-inspired stir-fry as it is with Caribbean jerk chicken. 

Coconut rice is a great option for those with dietary restrictions. It’s gluten free, dairy free, and  vegan, making it accessible to a wide range of eaters.

There’s something incredibly comforting about rice, but when it’s cooked in coconut milk, it takes on an extra layer of decadence. It’s the perfect balance of hearty and indulgent without being too heavy.

Ingredients 

• Jasmine Rice - Jasmine rice is easy on the stomach and is often recommended for people with digestive issues. It is a low-fiber grain compared to brown rice, making it gentler for individuals with sensitive stomachs or digestive problems. Jasmine rice also contains small amounts of iron.
• Coconut milk - Lite coconut milk still delivers the signature coconut flavor and slight sweetness, but with less heaviness compared to regular coconut milk. This allows the rice to maintain its fluffy texture and prevents it from becoming too rich or greasy. Coconut milk  gives a creamy yet lighter texture with minimal effort.
• Water - Water keeps the rice moist without contributing additional fat, which can be helpful if you’re trying to maintain a lighter, healthier meal. The water helps the rice cook evenly while keeping the texture just right.
• Sea Salt - Salt helps bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients. In coconut rice, it enhances the subtle sweetness of the coconut milk while complementing the savory notes, creating a more balanced and harmonious taste. My favorite and recommended salt is from Redmond. Redmond Sea Salt is unrefined, meaning it retains the natural trace minerals found in seawater, such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium. (code GFMACROS)
• Vinegar - Adding vinegar to the cooking liquid can help the rice cook more evenly, preventing it from becoming too sticky or clumpy. The slight acidity can help the rice grains stay separated, resulting in a fluffier and more desirable texture.
• Sugar - Coconut milk has a natural mild sweetness, but adding granulated sugar intensifies this sweetness, giving it a richer, more well-rounded flavor. 

Want to use your Instant Pot?

To make coconut rice in an Instant Pot rather than on the stove top you will need to adjust the liquid and cooking ti

I have successfully made this in my Instant Pot by doing the following:

1) Add rinsed rice to the Instant Pot. 

2) Place the Instant Pot over a kitchen scale and turn it on.

3) Add coconut milk, then adding water until you have 600mL of liquid (just over 3/4 cup of water).

4) Add salt, vinegar and sugar

5) Return the Instant Pot bowl to the unit. Close the lid and set the valve to "sealing."

6) Set your Instant Pot to Manual/Pressure Cook on High Pressure for 7 minutes.

7) Once the cooking cycle finishes, release the pressure by turning the valve to "venting."

8) Open the lid, fluff the rice and enjoy.

Notes:

Enjoy this rice as is or dress it up with seasonings. Try coconut lime rice. Coconut Lime and Cilantro. Or even different fresh herbs such as mint or basil.  You can also turn it into a tropical dessert by adding mangos or other fruits. 

Toasting coconut flakes in a pan until golden adds a lovely crunch and intensifies the coconut flavor.

My favorite is to sprinkle FeastMode Hawaiian BBQ seasoning. 

You can mix and match these ideas depending on the flavor profile you're aiming for, whether it's tropical, savory, spicy, or a bit of everything!

{COCONUT RICE}

Serves 12

136 Cal | 2g F | 26g C | 2g P

2 c (400g) Jasmine rice

1 can coconut milk, lite 

2 c (480mL) water

1 tsp. Kosher salt

splash of white vinegar

2-3 tsp. (8-12g) granulated sugar

1) Combine rinsed Jasmine rice, coconut milk, water, salt, vinegar and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil.

2) Turn heat to low and cover for 15-20 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed. Adding more liquid (water) if needed.

*See notes for Instant Pot variation

3) Fluff the rice and enjoy! 

*also good with @FeastMode Hawaiian BBQ seasoning, diced mango's or as a coconut lime rice. 

If you try this recipe, leave a comment and let me know what you think! I also love seeing what you make, please tag me on Instagram! This helps me to create more for each of you!