If you are looking for a flavourful, vibrant, and super simple recipe, then the Coconut Rice recipe is the one that will never disappoint you. It is simple to make and adds a burst of flavor to any meal.

I have always been drawn to how rice can be transformed into numerous dishes, and this recipe caught my attention when I first tried it.
I first tried it at my friend’s house at a lunch party. I remember taking the first bite, and the delicious, subtle flavor of coconut overpowered the white rice, which instantly caught my attention.
It became an instant favorite for its simple comfort, with flavors of coconut, pandan leaves, and kaafir lime leaves. It is a perfect, healthier alternative to heavier sides. So, do not wait any longer and treat yourself to fresh coconut rice.
Equipment Required
- Colander: I use it for washing rice.
- Pan: It is perfect for cooking rice.
- Stockpot: An easy way to heat coconut with water and seasoning.
- Rubber Spatula: I use it to check for fluff.

Coconut Rice Ingredients and Substitution
Note: The recipe serves 2 people. You can increase or decrease the quantity of ingredients based on the size of the gathering.
- 2 Cups Jasmine Rice
- 400 ml Coconut Milk
- 1 Cup Water
- 5 Teaspoons White Sugar: You can also add brown sugar if white sugar is unavailable.
- ½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt: Use sea salt in the recipe as a substitute for kosher salt.
- 1 Pandan Leaves (optional): Add lemon grass leaves if pandan leaves are unavailable.
- 2 Kaffir Lime Leaves(optional)
- 1 Tablespoon Desiccated Coconut
Preparation And Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Minutes | 35 Minutes | 40 Minutes |
How To Make Coconut Rice At Home

Step 1
Rinse rice thoroughly in water, then add it to the stockpot and add water.

Step 2
Let it simmer.

Step 3
Further, add coconut milk to the stockpot.

Step 4
Now add sugar and salt to the coconut rice mixture. Stir it well.

Step 5
Simmer until you see bubbles forming.

Step 6
Cover it with the lid and cook for another 10 minutes.

Step 7
Once the rice is cooked, garnish it with cilantro and serve.
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- I prefer adding full-cream coconut milk to the recipe, as it adds a richer, more natural flavor to the rice.
- If you want to add crunch, add toasted, shredded coconut.
- You can add a pinch of cardamom to enhance the rice’s flavor.
- Do not open the foil repeatedly while the rice is cooking, as it will affect the rice’s cooking.
- Avoid adding too much liquid to the rice, as it will make your rice soggy and watery.
FAQ About Coconut Rice
Nutritional Information Per Serving
Coconut Rice is a very healthy and tasty recipe. I would recommend this healthy recipe. It is a perfect recipe to enjoy during lunch, along with some curry paste and vegetables, with your friends and family.
| Calories | 1107 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 164 g |
| Protein | 17 g |
| Fat | 44 g |
| Saturated Fat | 38 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2 g |
| Sodium | 618 mg |
| Potassium | 647 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Vitamin C | 2 mg |
| Calcium | 104 mg |
| Iron | 8 mg |
You can customize this recipe as you prefer, too. All you need to do is tweak some ingredients and enjoy it.

Recipe Variation For Different Diets
- High Protein Version: The recipe can be prepared by adding finely blended tofu to coconut milk. This way, you can increase the recipe’s protein content.
Storing This Recipe
Refrigerate: First, I let the rice cool down completely. Then I transfer them into a tight container. This way, they stay fresh longer, and you can enjoy them later too.
What To Serve With This Recipe
Coconut Rice is best enjoyed with Mango Chicken Curry. The rice can be enjoyed with Thai Curry Wings or Gordon Ramsay Fish Curry to add a delicious flavor. You can also pair it with a Gordon Ramsay Turkey Curry or Malvani Fish Curry.
Printable Version
Authentic Coconut Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Jasmine Rice
- 400 ml Coconut Milk
- 1 Cup Water
- 5 Teaspoons White Sugar
- ½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 Pandan Leaves Optional
- 2 Kaffir Lime Leaves Optional
- 1 Tablespoon Desiccated Coconut for garnish
Equipment
- Colander
- Pan
- Stockpot
- Rubber Spatula
Instructions
- Rinse rice thoroughly in water, then add it to the stockpot and add water.
- Let it simmer.
- Further, add coconut milk to the stockpot.
- Now add sugar and salt to the coconut rice mixture. Stir it well.
- Simmer until you see bubbles forming.
- Cover it with the lid and cook for another 10 minutes.
- Once the rice is cooked, garnish it with cilantro and serve.
Notes
- I prefer adding full-cream coconut milk to the recipe as it adds a more natural and rich flavor to the rice.
- If you want to add crunch to the recipe, add toasted shredded coconut.
- You can add a pinch of cardamom to elevate the flavor profile of the rice.
- Do not open the foil again and again while the rice is being prepared, as it will affect the cooking of the rice.
- Avoid adding too much liquid to the rice, as it will end up making your rice soggy and watery in texture.
Nutrition
More Rice Recipes That You Can Try






Conclusion
The Coconut Rice is a main dish that pairs well with many curries. The recipe needs a handful of pantry staples and can be prepared within a few minutes. Once you try this recipe, do let me know in the comments section how it turns out for you.







