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This Coconut Jasmine Rice recipe has a slight sweetness but packs an incredible flavor! It will bring the Caribbean to your dinner table. It's easy, fast, and healthy—what's not to love?
Here are some main options to serve with your rice: Sous-Vide Jerk Chicken, Jerk Salmon Cakes, Old Fashion Salmon Patties, Jerk Oxtails, Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata, and Lemon Pepper Glazed Salmon.
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You're in for a treat if you've never had coconut jasmine rice. Traditionally, you'll only find this dish in Thai cuisine since jasmine rice is a product of Thailand. You'll also find coconuts all over because of the tropical-style climate.
Although the origin of this recipe is on the other side of the world, I love to add my influence from Jamaican rice and peas.
It is a great way to add new flavors to your dinner. It's easy to make and takes only 25 minutes to cook on the stove top. First, you start by cooking some onions in butter, then cook rice so you can add some toasted notes to the jasmine rice. Then add coconut milk, chicken stock, salt, and pepper. Let it cook until the rice is fluffy, and finish it off with some toasted coconut.
You'll impress everybody who takes a bite with this simple and delicious recipe.
Different Cooking Methods
Instant Pot: Follow the recipe as is, but after you add the chicken stock and coconut milk, close the lid and cook under high pressure for 5 minutes, then let it naturally release for 10 minutes.
Rice cooker: I have never had success cooking rice in a rice cooker, but all of my friends on the West Coast swear by it. You follow the same cooking method, but you will need to saute your onions before adding them to the rice; however, use less liquid by ½ cup.
Stovetop: This is my preferred method of cooking rice. It is how I learned to cook the perfect fluffy and separated rice. It only takes 20-25 minutes to cook rice with this method.
Key Ingredients
Here are the star ingredients you'll need to make fluffy coconut rice.
Jasmine rice
This long-grain rice variety is naturally light, fluffy, and aromatic and pairs beautifully with coconut milk. If you use a different type of rice, adjust the liquid amounts accordingly.
Canned coconut milk
The subtle coconut flavor and irresistible creaminess pair brilliantly with the naturally nutty jasmine rice we're mixing. Trust me, it's amazing! Use Thai-style coconut milk—that's full-fat coconut milk. Avoid light coconut milk, coconut cream, or unsweetened coconut milk. We want all the flavor!
Chicken stock
Why only use coconut milk and water if you can use a stock to add more flavor? Use a low-sodium version to avoid making coconut rice that's too salty.
Onion
Adding onion is a great way to spice up your coconut jasmine rice. The savory, sweet notes of onion pair very well with jasmine rice.
How To Make Coconut Jasmine Rice
When making coconut rice, be patient. Once you cover it, let it do its thing—no peeking!
Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add butter. Once the butter has melted, add onions and cook for 2 minutes. Then add rinsed rice and cook for 1 minute until it smells nutty.
Stir in coconut milk, chicken stock, kosher salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, cover, and turn the heat low; simmer for 15-20 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork and fold in toasted shredded coconut. Serve immediately with some honey-glazed carrots and your choice of protein.
How to Store Leftover Coconut Jasmine Rice
Leftover coconut rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, transfer it to the refrigerator 48 hours ahead of time. To reheat, bring a small amount of stock, water, or milk to a boil, stir in the rice, and cook until hot. (¼ cup of liquid for every 1 cup of rice.)
Pro Recipe Substitutions, Tips & Tricks
Feel free to adjust this when preparing your coconut jasmine rice recipe.
- The key to fluffy coconut rice is to wash your rice until the starch is no longer visible. Washing your uncooked rice will remove excess starch, which can make your rice mushy. There are two ways to do this: Add your jasmine rice to a fine mesh strainer and stir with your hand under cold water. After a few minutes, the water will go from cloudy to clear. You can also do this in a bowl of cold water and dump the water after each wash.
- If you're using brown jasmine rice, it's essential to rinse it thoroughly. The bran on brown rice releases starch during cooking, which can affect the texture. You can use brown rice, long-grain white rice, or basmati rice instead of jasmine rice. Remember that only basmati has a similar fragrance that makes this dish magical.
- Add more coconut flavor by using coconut oil instead of butter.
- My preferred coconut milk is Chaokoh, which is known for its authentic Thai richness. While other brands will suffice, if you come across Chaokoh, I recommend stocking up with at least three cans. Avoid using fat-free coconut milk or coconut cream for this recipe, as they won't deliver the desired flavor and texture.
- Feel free to use vegetable instead of chicken stock to keep it vegan-friendly.
- Always use a fork to stir the rice. This one tip will help you have fluffy coconut rice.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, or chives.
FAQ
Here are the top questions readers have about making coconut jasmine rice.
Is coconut jasmine rice good for you?
Yes, coconut jasmine rice can be good for you when consumed in moderation. Jasmine rice, especially brown rice, is rich in nutrients such as vitamins B1 and B6, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, and manganese. The coconut milk used in the recipe adds healthy fats, which can contribute to a balanced diet.
What does coconut rice taste like?
Coconut rice has a creamy texture and a subtle, naturally sweet flavor from the coconut milk. The coconut milk enhances the richness of the rice, making it a delightful accompaniment to various dishes.
How to spice up plain jasmine rice?
To spice up plain jasmine rice, you can add ingredients like:
Sauté onions, bell peppers, carrots, and garlic, then incorporate fresh herbs such as cilantro, parsley, or green onions. For added depth, enhance the dish with spices like turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, or even a pinch of brown sugar. A splash of soy sauce or a sesame oil drizzle will elevate your jasmine rice's flavor to new heights.
Is coconut rice made from coconut milk or cream?
Coconut rice should be made with coconut milk, not coconut cream. Coconut milk is more commonly used as it provides a balance of creaminess without being overly rich, while coconut cream is too thick to cook rice in.
Can you use coconut milk instead of water when cooking rice?
Yes, you can use coconut milk instead of water when cooking rice. This method will infuse the rice with a rich, creamy texture and a subtle coconut flavor. You can also try using vegetable, beef, or chicken stock instead of water to add more flavor.
More Rice Recipes
You'll want to try these out if you're a rice lover!
- Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
- Louisiana Dirty Rice
- Calas (New Orleans Rice Fritters)
- Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice
- Soul Chicken Fried Rice
- Mexican Red Rice
Before You Begin
To begin, here are the steps I follow to get organized.
Step 1: Read the recipe before you start, and rinse the rice before chopping your onion.
Step 2: Measure your everything out.
Step 3: Follow the recipe and prepare the most delicious coconut jasmine rice you've ever made.
If you want to make yummy coconut jasmine rice, start by rinsing the rice, cooking down your onion, and toast the rice to bring out a more fragrant flavor. Then pour in your rich coconut milk and stock, cover, and cook. Fluff the rice and stir in toasted coconut to solidify that fantastic coconut flavor.
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📖 Recipe
Coconut Jasmine Rice
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion chopped medium
- 2 cups jasmine rice rinsed
- 2 cups full fat coconut milk
- 2 cups low sodium chicken stock
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup toasted unsweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
Coconut Jasmine Rice
- In a sauce pot over medium heat add butter once hot sauté onions for 2 minutes add jasmine rice and cook for 1 minute, stir in coconut milk, stock, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover and turn heat to low simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Toasted Coconut
- While, the rice cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat add shredded coconut, stir occasionally, until toasted about 8-10 minutes.
- Fluff rice with a fork and fold in toasted shredded coconut. Serve immediately.
Notes
- The key to fluffy coconut rice is to wash your rice until the starch is no longer visible. Washing your uncooked rice will remove excess starch, which can make your rice mushy. There are two ways to do this: Add your jasmine rice to a fine mesh strainer and stir with your hand under cold water. After a few minutes, the water will go from cloudy to clear. You can also do this in a bowl of cold water and dump the water after each wash.
- If you're using brown jasmine rice, it's essential to rinse it thoroughly. The bran on brown rice releases starch during cooking, which can affect the texture. You can use brown rice, long-grain white rice, or basmati rice instead of jasmine rice. Remember that only basmati has a similar fragrance that makes this dish magical.
- Add more coconut flavor by using coconut oil instead of butter.
- My preferred coconut milk is Chaokoh, which is known for its authentic Thai richness. While other brands will suffice, if you come across Chaokoh, I recommend stocking up with at least three cans. Avoid using fat-free coconut milk or coconut cream for this recipe, as they won't deliver the desired flavor and texture.
- Feel free to use vegetable instead of chicken stock to keep it vegan-friendly.
- Always use a fork to stir the rice. This one tip will help you have fluffy coconut rice.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, or chives.
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