Easy Thai Coconut Rice

Fragrant jasmine rice is simmered with lush coconut milk to perfection in my Thai coconut rice recipe. The result is wonderfully fluffy and flavourful. This recipe is so easy to prepare and it makes such an impactful side dish. You will find that coconut rice is extremely versatile and compliments such a large variety of dishes.

this recipe

You will love the wonderful fragrance and flavour of this rice. And because it is so simple to make, this dish is easy to make a regular on your dinner table.

For another version of this dish, try my tropical rice with coconut milk recipe that infused with fresh ginger, sweet onion, nutmeg, and basil. It is a bit more effort, but the reward is so worth it. Cilantro lime rice also makes a fantastic side dish option.

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• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Equipment
• Storage
• Serve With
• 📖 Recipe
• F.A.Q.

Ingredients

You will likely find most of the ingredients needed for Thai coconut rice already in your pantry.

• Jasmine rice - Jasmine rice is the best rice to use for coconut rice. It is fluffy and less sticky than other varieties, and has a lovely and delicate taste that compliments the coconut well without overpowering it.
• Coconut milk - Canned, full-fat, and unsweetened.
• Water
• Sugar
• Salt

See the recipe card below for quantities.

Instructions

Rinse the jasmine rice with cold water until the water is mostly clear. Then add more cold water and soak the rice for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, add the canned coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt to a small saucepan. Give it a good stir to remove any lumps from the coconut milk, then drain the rice and add it to the saucepan as well.

Turn the heat on to medium-high. Once the centre of the saucepan begins to simmer, give the bottom of the pan a single stir, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for another 15 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let sit covered for another 10 minutes. Then fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

Equipment

You will need a small saucepan with a lid and a whisk to make this recipe.

Storage

Thai coconut rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The easiest way to reheat it is in a microwave-safe dish in the microwave. Or, you can steam it on the stovetop by adding it to a saucepan along with a splash of water. Break apart any clumps of rice, then cover the saucepan and heat on low while stirring occasionally.

Coconut rice can also be frozen in a freezer bag for up to six months. Of course, fresh is best and this dish is easy and fast to prepare.

Serve With

Coconut rice, with its subtle and lovely flavour, is so versatile! It can pair wonderfully with seafood, chicken, beef, pork or vegetable dishes. Of course, it goes great with almost everything Thai and many asian dishes in general. It makes a great accompaniment to rich or tangy dishes that could benefit from something lighter but still flavourful.

Butter chicken meatballs, umami orange steak, and Thai basil beef stir fry are just a few of my favourite dishes that go amazing with coconut rice.

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📖 Recipe

F.A.Q.