Easy Coconut Rice
Nothing is quite like this Easy Coconut Rice in Rice Cooker recipe. It is creamy, savory, and a perfect side dish. I especially love this fluffy rice paired with a bean salad – see my Black Bean and Mango Salad recipe.
Let’s review the simple ingredients, the simple instructions, and the oh-so-simple ways you can serve and eat this Easy Coconut Rice recipe.
Tools
Rice Cooker – here is an article form New York Magazine listing the 10 best rice cookers.
Baking Sheet
The Ingredients For Rice Cooker Coconut Rice
With just 4 ingredients, this coconut rice is undeniably simple yet so delicious.
Rice: I use plain jasmine rice in this recipe. The long-grain rice provides a fluffier texture. If you do not have any long-grain rice on hand feel free to substitute basmati rice or plain white rice. In a pinch, you can use brown rice as well for a nuttier flavor profile. Short-grain rice works well for a sticky rice dessert. Basmati rice works well with an Indian-inspired dish such as Indian coconut rice as a curry complement.
Coconut Milk: For this recipe, use unsweetened coconut milk. Be sure to use canned full-fat coconut milk or even coconut cream.
Cold Water: The water in this recipe cooks and adds moisture to the rice. 100% coconut milk would be too creamy! You could also use vegetable broth, chicken broth, or chicken stock.
Optional Coconut Flakes: This is the only optional ingredient. The oven-toasted coconut adds a delightful crunch and rich flavor to the dish.
Other Optional Additions:
Sugar, for a slightly sweet flavor
Lime zest, fresh lime juice, and cilantro for cilantro lime rice with coconut.
How to Make Easy Fluffy Coconut Milk Rice
The rice cooker is one of my favorite kitchen appliances. Note, some pressure cookers have a rice cooker setting!
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
- Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Rice Cooker
- Place the rinsed rice into the rice cooker.
- Add the coconut milk, water, salt, and sugar (if using).
- Stir everything together gently to combine.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
- Close the lid of the rice cooker and set it to the “cook” setting. Let the rice cooker do its job. It will automatically switch to the “keep warm” setting once the rice is fully cooked.
Step 4: (Optional) Toast the Coconut in the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the shredded coconut evenly on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the coconut is golden brown and fragrant.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool.
Step 5: Fluff and Serve
- Once the rice is finished cooking, open the lid and fluff the coconut rice with a fork and serve.
How to Serve and Eat this Coconut Rice
Incorporated in a Salad
Add this recipe over a bed of lettuce and other veggies like grilled peppers and onions, or sliced tomatoes.
As a Dinner Side
Easy Coconut rice can be enjoyed as a great side dish. Try it with a tropical dish like my Black Bean and Mango Salad (pictured above and below) and/or Grilled Shrimp recipes.
As a Curry Compliment
Try this simple rice recipe with a Thai Curry or yellow curry powder base recipe.
In a stir fry
Take leftovers and make the most delicious savory coconut rice stir fry or fried rice.
Dessert
Still, this Easy Coconut Rice recipe is so versatile it can even be enjoyed as a dessert! Top this recipe with fresh fruit and shredded toasted coconut or nuts—option to drizzle with maple syrup or honey and garnish with mint.
Yet, another dessert option is to combine delicious coconut rice with some sweetened vanilla coconut milk for an easy Vanilla Coconut Rice Pudding.
Want More Recipes?
I hope you enjoy reading this article as much as I enjoyed writing it! Below are some more tasty recipes I enjoy.
Easy Coconut Rice in Rice Cooker
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheet
- parchment paper
- 1 liquid measuring cup
Ingredients
- 2 cups jasmine Rice rinsed
- 1 cup water
- 14 oz coconut Milk 1 can
- ½ cup shredded Coconut
Instructions
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
- Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Rice Cooker
- Place the rinsed rice into the rice cooker.
- Add the coconut milk, water, salt, and sugar (if using).
- Stir everything together gently to combine.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
- Close the lid of the rice cooker and set it to the "cook" setting. Let the rice cooker do its job. It will automatically switch to the "keep warm" setting once the rice is fully cooked.
Step 4: (Optional) Toast the Coconut in the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the shredded coconut evenly on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the coconut is golden brown and fragrant.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool.
Step 5: Fluff and Serve
- Once the rice is finished cooking, open the lid and fluff the coconut rice with a fork and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Hi, I'm Sarah Harper. I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who loves to cook, eat, and talk about food! Here at The Addy Bean, you'll discover an array of flexitarian recipes. My mission is to inspire and encourage others to eat and explore the world of plant-based foods!
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