My first experience with coconut rice was in Belize, where it was served alongside black beans and chicken. The coconut added a surprising amount of nuance to the rice, which normally feels like a blank-canvas side dish! It wasn’t so sweet that it would be considered a dessert, and the creamy coconut milk brought out the rice’s naturally nutty flavors.
Since then, I’ve sought out the dish wherever I’ve gone—and learned that there are different versions of coconut rice found all over the world.
Where can you find coconut rice?
Coconut rice is popular throughout Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. The specific recipe varies with the region. In Indonesia, it’s made with lemongrass and pandan leaves, while in Malaysia it’s served with boiled eggs, cucumbers and anchovy-spiced peanuts. Nigerian coconut rice often contains spicy habanero or Scotch bonnet peppers—as do many Caribbean versions—giving the rice a sweet heat.
In Latin American, arroz con coco is made by reducing the coconut milk first, then toasting the rice in the coconut solids to give the dish a deep brown color and nutty aroma. Finally, some variations don’t use coconut milk at all, like South Indian coconut rice that’s made by combining cooked rice, flaked coconut, dal, curry leaves, chilies and spices.
Coconut Rice Ingredients
- Jasmine rice
- Canned coconut milk
- Water
- Sugar
- Salt
- Optional: Toasted sweetened shredded coconut and black sesame seeds
Directions
Step 1: Rinse the rice
Place the rice in a mesh strainer and rinse the grains several times until the water runs clear. Rinsing the rice is the only way to produce perfectly fluffy rice, so don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Add the coconut milk
In a large saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with the coconut milk, water, sugar and salt.
Editor’s Tip:Â We recommend using the stovetop instead of another rice cooking method like a rice cooker or the microwave. The fat-rich coconut milk reacts differently to heat than water, so you may find the rice turns out undercooked when using other methods.
Step 3: Simmer the coconut rice
Bring the coconut milk to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer the rice for 10 to 12 minutes, covered, until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Step 4: Fluff the rice
Remove the pot from the heat. Fluff the grains gently with a fork before serving.
Editor’s Tip: For the best results, allow the rice to rest, covered, for 10 minutes before removing the lid and fluffing the rice.
How to Serve Coconut Rice
Coconut rice tastes sweet and rich on its own, but you can give it a comforting, savory spin by garnishing it with pickled chilies, black sesame seeds, citrus zest, chopped herbs or nuts. For more of a sweet, dessert-like version, serve the rice with fresh tropical fruit (like mango slices), toasted sweetened shredded coconut and a dollop of coconut cream.
If you’re serving coconut rice as a side dish, pair it with foods seasoned with citrus, ginger, chilies, warming spices or herbs like cilantro or basil. It’s heartier than regular rice, so it goes particularly well with simple grilled dinners or seafood like sauteed shrimp. That said, it’s light enough to balance out rich braised meat or vegetable dishes, and it’s a great option for something like skillet chicken stew. Any leftovers taste great the next morning, topped with a fried egg.
How do I store leftover coconut rice?
Leftover rice made with coconut milk should be cooled and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s good for about three to four days, so you’ll want to make a plan for reusing it pretty quickly. Reheat the rice in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the grains and restore the original consistency.
Coconut Rice Tips
Can I use coconut cream instead of coconut milk?
No, we don’t recommend using coconut cream. There’s a notable difference between coconut cream and coconut milk, with the former containing less water. Rice and other grains cook by absorbing water, so you may experience issues when cooking rice with coconut cream.
Do I have to rinse the rice?
Yes! Rice is a starchy product, and rinsing the grains removes excess starch, helping them become light and fluffy as they cook. Failing to rinse rice is a common rice mistake—one that can leave you with rice that clumps together. Coconut milk is heavier than water, so unrinsed rice can turn your coconut rice into a sticky and gluey mess. You’ll have much better results if you rinse the grains until the water runs clear.
