Rice with Coconut Milk, also known as coconut milk rice, is a savory white rice dish made with garlic, coconut milk, water, and oil, then simmered until tender and fluffy.
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This Rice with Coconut Milk recipe is made by lightly sautéing garlic, toasting the rice, then simmering it in coconut milk and water for balanced flavor and perfectly separated grains.
It pairs especially well with moqueca, grilled meats, or seafood.
Ingredients You'll Need
Note: Full ingredients and amounts are listed in the recipe card below.
- White rice: Provides structure and absorbs the coconut milk evenly.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic base flavor.
- Cooking oil: Coats the grains and prevents sticking.
- Canned coconut milk: Adds creaminess and mild coconut flavor.
- Water: Balances richness and ensures proper cooking.
- Salt: Enhances overall flavor.
How to Make Rice with Coconut Milk
Note: Full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
- Heat the oil in a medium nonstick pot over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté lightly until just pale golden and fragrant. Do not brown. Add the white rice and salt.
- Stir and lightly fry the rice for 1-2 minutes, coating it well with the oil and garlic.
- Pour in the coconut milk and water. Stir well to combine.
- Cover the pot and increase the heat to high. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat to medium.
- Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and no longer visible at the bottom of the pot.
- Turn off the heat, keep the pot covered, and let the rice rest for about 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Serve warm.
Hint: If the rice looks slightly moist on top but dry at the bottom, keep it covered off the heat for 5 additional minutes. The trapped steam will finish cooking it without making it mushy.
Storage, Make Ahead, & Freezing
Storage: Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Make Ahead: Cook fully, cool, and store covered. Reheat with a splash of water to restore moisture.
Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
Camila's Tips & Variations
- Garlic browned too much: Heat was too high; sauté only until lightly golden to avoid bitterness.
- Rice sticking to the pot: Reduce the heat to medium after boiling and keep the pot covered without stirring.
- Rice undercooked: Liquid not fully absorbed or heat too low; cover and cook a few extra minutes until no water is visible at the bottom.
- Rice too wet after cooking: Let it rest covered off the heat so the steam finishes cooking and dries excess moisture.
- Grains not fluffy: Do not stir during simmering; rest covered before fluffing gently with a fork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my coconut milk rice turn sticky?
Too much stirring releases starch. Stir only before simmering and leave undisturbed while cooking.
Why is my rice still wet after 15 minutes?
Heat may be too low. Increase slightly and cook uncovered for 1-2 minutes to evaporate excess moisture.
Does coconut milk make the rice sweet?
No. The flavor is mild and savory when balanced with salt and water.
Can I use jasmine rice instead of regular white rice?
Yes. Reduce liquid slightly since jasmine rice absorbs differently and cooks faster.
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Recipe
Rice with Coconut Milk
Equipment
- Fork (for fluffing)
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 5 medium garlic cloves , minced
- 350 g uncooked white rice
- ½ tablespoon kosher salt
- 450 ml canned coconut milk
- 420 ml water
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a medium nonstick pot over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté lightly until just pale golden and fragrant. Do not brown. Add the white rice and salt.
- Stir and lightly fry the rice for 1-2 minutes, coating it well with the oil and garlic.
- Pour in the coconut milk and water. Stir well to combine.
- Cover the pot and increase the heat to high. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat to medium.
- Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and no longer visible at the bottom of the pot.
- Turn off the heat, keep the pot covered, and let the rice rest for about 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate, calculated using standard data sources. Actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. This information is for general reference only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice.
