Fluffy Coconut Rice (Printable)

Fragrant jasmine rice simmered in rich 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

→ Garnish

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

# How To Make It:

01 - Place jasmine 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. Stir gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
03 - Place saucepan over medium heat and bring mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
04 - Reduce heat to low and cover saucepan tightly with lid. Simmer for 15 minutes without lifting lid to ensure proper steaming.
05 - Remove saucepan from heat. Keep covered and let rice rest for 10 minutes to complete cooking process and achieve fluffy texture.
06 - Uncover saucepan and fluff rice gently with fork, taking care not to mash grains. Transfer to serving bowl and top with toasted coconut flakes and fresh cilantro or scallions if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It transforms plain rice into something that feels luxurious and special
  • The recipe is practically foolproof but tastes restaurant quality
02 -
  • Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking because releasing the steam will make the rice cook unevenly
  • The final 10-minute resting period is not optional as it completes the cooking process and ensures perfect texture
03 -
  • Toast your coconut flakes in a dry pan over medium heat until golden, watching constantly because they go from perfect to burned in seconds
  • If the rice feels too sticky after cooking, spread it on a baking sheet for a few minutes to let excess moisture evaporate