How to Make Coconut Rice

How to Make Coconut Rice ~ coconut rice is rich and creamy with a subtle tropical flavor that is so much more than a side dish for chicken or fish.  It instantly upgrades stir frys, rice bowls, and curries.  Kids love it plain, and it’s good for them!

This creamy, tropical rice is subtly flavored and has a dreamy texture ~ it’s wonderful with Asian and Southeast Asian foods, as well as Hawaiian and Polynesian recipes.  It’s definitely something you want to have in your recipe file, in fact, why not memorize it, because after you’ve tasted it you’ll want to use it all the time.  (I always have a couple of cans of coconut milk and a bag of jasmine rice in my cupboard.)

What is coconut rice?

• Coconut rice is rice, either brown or white, that is cooked in a combination of water and coconut milk.

What does coconut rice taste like?

• You might be surprised to learn that coconut rice has a very subtle flavor, and it doesn’t taste like dessert!
• A dash of salt and a touch of sugar serves to bring out the coconut flavor, but it’s still a background note.
• Coconut rice will not overpower or compete with whatever you serve it with.
• Coconut rice has a very appealing moist creamy texture which is just as important as the flavor.

What are the ingredients in coconut rice?

• You can use your favorite white or brown rice, but I use jasmine rice.  Jasmine rice is a long grain rice with a natural floral fragrance that I love.  Jasmine rice can be used like any white rice, but it’s especially lovely in Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese dishes.  Basmati rice is also perfect for making coconut rice.

• Unsweetened coconut milk.   I like to use full fat coconut milk for the best flavor, but if you’re cutting calories you can use the lite version.  Coconut milk is a staple in my kitchen because it works in both sweet and savory dishes; I’ll can use it in everything from Coconut Rice Pudding to Thai Coconut Lime Soup.  Shake the can first before using.

How to make coconut rice

Making coconut rice is easy, you’ll cook it just like regular rice, except that some of the cooking water will be replaced with coconut milk.  As the rice cooks it absorbs the rich coconut milk.

• Measure out your rice and put into a pot.
• Take the amount of water your package or recipe requires, and replace at least half of it with coconut milk.  You can use more or less depending on your taste.  Be sure to shake your can of coconut milk to blend the water and coconut fat together.
• Add a pinch of salt and a touch of sugar to bring out the coconut flavor.  
• Cook as usual.

Is coconut rice healthy?

• Yes! Many people are surprised to learn that coconut milk is quite healthy and can add to the nutrient value of already healthy rice.
• The saturated fat in coconut milk does not seem to raise bad cholesterol levels and it can help raise the good kind.
• Coconut milk has been shown to help in weight loss, and regulating insulin levels. 

Garnishes for coconut rice

• sliced or chopped jalapeño peppers
• chopped cilantro
• toasted coconut
• lime wedges
• sliced green onions

What to serve with coconut rice

• Rainbow Salmon Skewers
• Grilled Chicken with Peach Salsa  
• Salmon with Pineapple Salsa,
• Mojito Mahi Mahi 
• add an egg, a drizzle of sriracha, and call it breakfast!