Fluffy Coconut Rice (Printable Version)

Fragrant jasmine rice cooked in coconut milk for a fluffy, tropical side dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Rice

01 - 1 cup jasmine rice or long-grain white rice

→ Coconut Mixture

02 - 1 cup full-fat unsweetened coconut milk
03 - 1 cup water
04 - ½ teaspoon salt
05 - 1 teaspoon sugar (optional for slight sweetness)

→ Garnish (optional)

06 - 2 tablespoons toasted coconut flakes
07 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or scallions

# How to Make It:

01 - Place rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain thoroughly to remove excess starch.
02 - Transfer rinsed rice to a medium saucepan. Add coconut milk, water, salt, and sugar if using. Stir gently to distribute all ingredients evenly.
03 - Set saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, watching carefully to prevent boiling over.
04 - Reduce heat to low setting. Cover saucepan tightly with lid and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid to ensure proper steaming.
05 - Remove saucepan from heat completely. Keep covered and let rice rest for 10 minutes, allowing residual steam to finish cooking process.
06 - Uncover and fluff rice gently with a fork, being careful not to mash the grains. Transfer to serving bowl and top with toasted coconut flakes and fresh cilantro or scallions if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The coconut milk creates this incredible creamy texture while each grain stays perfectly separate
  • It turns an ordinary weeknight dinner into something that feels like a tropical vacation
02 -
  • I ruined a batch once by using light coconut milk and the rice turned out bland and dry, full fat is absolutely worth it
  • The resting period off the heat is not optional, skipping it is why some people end up with wet, clumpy rice
03 -
  • Toasting your own coconut flakes is easy, just spread them on a baking sheet at 350F for 35 minutes until golden
  • If your rice is still crunchy after cooking, add 2 tablespoons of water, cover again, and cook for 5 more minutes

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