Creamy Coconut Jasmine Rice (Printable)

Fluffy jasmine rice simmered in rich coconut milk, creating a fragrant and creamy Southeast Asian side dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Rice

01 - 1 cup jasmine rice or basmati rice

→ Liquids

02 - 1 cup full-fat unsweetened coconut milk
03 - 1 cup water

→ Seasoning

04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 teaspoon sugar, optional for enhanced flavor

→ Garnish

06 - 2 tablespoons shredded toasted coconut
07 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

# Directions:

01 - Place the jasmine rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse thoroughly under cold running water until the runoff becomes completely clear, removing excess surface starch.
02 - Transfer the rinsed rice to a medium saucepan. Pour in the coconut milk and water, then add the salt and sugar. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
03 - Set the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Immediately reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until all liquid is absorbed and the rice grains are tender.
04 - Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice rest undisturbed with the lid on for 5 minutes. Uncover and fluff gently with a fork to separate the grains.
05 - Transfer the coconut rice to a serving dish and garnish with shredded toasted coconut and chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm alongside curries, stir-fries, or grilled meats.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It takes almost no effort but tastes like you spent twice as long in the kitchen.
  • The subtle sweetness and richness pair with almost any main dish you can imagine.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully and make an incredible base for fried rice the next day.
02 -
  • Resist the urge to lift the lid and peek while the rice simmers, because escaping steam means uneven cooking and crunchy centers.
  • Shake your can of coconut milk well before opening, since separated fat at the top can cause uneven results if poured straight in.
03 -
  • Toast the shredded coconut in a dry skillet for two minutes until golden, because the packaged pre toasted kind never has the same depth of flavor.
  • A tiny pinch of turmeric in the cooking liquid gives the rice a beautiful golden hue that makes it look even more inviting on the plate.

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