Creamy Coconut Jasmine Rice
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Coconut Jasmine Rice, a perfect balance of creamy coconut richness and fluffy jasmine rice. This aromatic dish makes for a wonderful base for a variety of savory entrees, or can be enjoyed on its own as a side. The infusion of coconut milk elevates the rice to a whole new level, adding depth and a hint of tropical sweetness. It’s an incredibly easy dish to prepare, making it an excellent choice for family meals or gatherings. Garnish with lime zest for a burst of freshness that complements the coconut beautifully.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
jasmine rice
2 cups (rinsed and drained)
coconut milk
2 cups (canned or fresh)
water
1 3/4 cups (room temperature)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
oil
1/2 teaspoon (any cooking oil of choice)
lime zest
1/2 lime (optional, for garnish)
brown sugar
1 teaspoon (optional, for sweetness)
Instructions
1
Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch; drain well.
2
In a medium-sized saucepan, lightly coat the bottom with oil to prevent sticking.
3
Add the rinsed jasmine rice, coconut milk, water, and salt to the pot.
4
Place the saucepan on medium-high heat and stir occasionally, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
5
If using, stir in the brown sugar at this stage for added sweetness.
6
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot 3/4 of the way with the lid. Let it simmer gently until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 15 to 20 minutes.
7
After the liquid is absorbed, remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, covered completely, for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to finish cooking and absorb any leftover moisture.
8
Fluff the rice with a fork and, if desired, gently fold in the lime zest for a refreshing touch.
9
Serve hot as a side dish or base for your favorite protein.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Coconut Jasmine Rice?
Creamy Coconut Jasmine Rice is an aromatic dish that balances the richness of coconut milk with fluffy jasmine rice, often served as a side or base for savory entrees.
What kind of rice is best for this recipe?
Jasmine rice is recommended for its natural aroma and fluffy texture which complements the coconut milk perfectly.
Should I rinse the rice before cooking?
Yes, you should rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and prevent the rice from becoming too gummy.
Can I use light coconut milk instead of full-fat?
Yes, you can use light coconut milk, though the final result will be less creamy and have a milder coconut flavor.
Is this coconut rice recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the primary ingredients in this recipe, including jasmine rice and coconut milk, are naturally gluten-free.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan?
Lightly coating the bottom of your saucepan with a half teaspoon of oil before adding the rice helps prevent sticking.
What is the liquid-to-rice ratio for this recipe?
This recipe uses 2 cups of jasmine rice to a total of 3 3/4 cups of liquid (2 cups coconut milk and 1 3/4 cups water).
How long does it take to cook the rice?
The rice should simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, followed by a 5 to 10-minute resting period.
Why do I need to let the rice rest after cooking?
The resting period allows the rice to finish cooking in its own steam and absorb any leftover moisture for a fluffier texture.
Can I add sugar to the rice?
Yes, you can stir in one teaspoon of brown sugar while the mixture is coming to a boil for a hint of tropical sweetness.
Is the lime zest mandatory?
No, the lime zest is an optional garnish used to provide a burst of freshness that complements the coconut.
What heat setting should I use to simmer the rice?
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer.
Do I cover the pot while the rice simmers?
You should cover the pot about 3/4 of the way with a lid while simmering to allow some steam to escape while retaining heat.
Can I use fresh coconut milk?
Yes, either canned or fresh coconut milk works well for this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
What can I serve with Coconut Jasmine Rice?
It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, stir-fried vegetables, shrimp, or any curry-based dish.
How do I fluff the rice?
Use a fork to gently lift and separate the grains after the resting period is complete.
Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, any neutral cooking oil of your choice can be used to coat the pan.
Can I use coconut water instead of plain water?
Yes, you can substitute coconut water for the plain water for an even more intense coconut flavor.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt, but you can adjust this to your personal taste.
Can I make this in a rice cooker?
Yes, you can add all the ingredients to a rice cooker and use the standard 'white rice' setting.
What should the texture of the rice be like?
The rice should be tender, fluffy, and slightly creamy from the coconut milk, but not mushy.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, coconut rice holds up well and can be stored in the refrigerator for several days.
How do I reheat leftover coconut rice?
Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water or a little extra coconut milk to restore its creaminess.
Can I use brown jasmine rice?
Yes, but brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time than white jasmine rice.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, the rich texture and warm aroma of coconut and jasmine rice make it a popular comfort food.
Does this rice have a tropical flavor?
Yes, the combination of coconut milk and optional lime zest gives the dish a distinct tropical profile.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients; just ensure you use a large enough pot to accommodate the volume.
What if my rice is still hard after 20 minutes?
If the rice is still hard, add a tablespoon or two of water, cover tightly, and simmer for another 5 minutes.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Absolutely, this is an easy one-pot recipe that is very approachable for home cooks of all levels.