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The Best Coconut Rice

Coconut Rice

Camila Benitez
Looking for an easy and delicious side dish to serve with your favorite Asian-inspired meals? Look no further than this recipe for coconut rice! Made with fragrant Jasmine rice, creamy coconut milk, and a few flavorful aromatics like onion, garlic, and cilantro, this recipe perfectly complements stir-fries, curries, and more. With just a few simple steps, you can create a rich and aromatic rice dish that will impress your family and guests.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 10

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter or extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion , finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves , finely minced
  • 2 cups Jasmine rice
  • One (14-ounce) canned unsweetened coconut milk
  • 1 cup of warm water
  • 1 ½ teaspoons knorr chicken flavor bouillon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 small bunch of cilantro , chopped

Instructions
 

  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until soft, about 2 minutes. Add the rice and stir to coat with grains in the butter and toast for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Add the coconut milk, knorr chicken flavor bouillon, pepper, and water, and bring to a boil. Stir once, cover, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until tender and liquid have been absorbed completely, about 7 to 10 minutes.
  • Remove the pot from the heat and let stand 10 minutes, covered. Fluff with a fork and stir in the chopped cilantro. Enjoy! Pair with our Chicken Tikka Masala

Notes

How to Store & Re-Heat
To store leftover coconut rice, let it cool to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When reheating the rice, you can use the microwave or stovetop. To reheat coconut rice in the microwave, place the desired amount in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and microwave it for 1-2 minutes, occasionally stirring, until heated through.
To reheat coconut rice on the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth to the rice to help it loosen up and prevent drying. Heat the rice in a non-stick skillet or saucepan over medium heat, frequently stirring, until heated. You can add more coconut milk or other liquid to the rice to make it creamier. It's important to note that reheated rice should be consumed within 24 hours, as it can spoil if left at room temperature for too long.
Make-Ahead
Coconut rice is a great make-ahead dish, as it can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Here's how to make and store coconut rice ahead of time:
  • Prepare the coconut rice according to the recipe instructions, but stop after cooking it for 7-10 minutes. Do not stir in the cilantro.
  • Let the rice cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • When ready to serve, reheat the rice in the microwave or stovetop using the methods outlined in the "How to Store & Re-Heat" section above.
  • Once the rice is heated, stir in the chopped cilantro and serve immediately.
Making coconut rice can save you time and effort on the day of your meal, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your menu. Plus, the flavors will have more time to meld together, resulting in an even more delicious dish.
How to Freeze
Coconut rice can be frozen for up to 2-3 months, making it a great option for meal prep or for making large batches to enjoy later. Here's how to freeze coconut rice:
  • Allow the cooked coconut rice to cool to room temperature.
  • Once the rice has cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container with an airtight lid or a resealable freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing the container or bag.
  • Label the container or bag with the date and contents, then place it in the freezer.
  • To thaw frozen coconut rice, transfer it to the refrigerator the night before you use it. Alternatively, you can thaw it in the microwave on the defrost setting or low power, occasionally stirring, until heated.
  • Once the coconut rice is thawed, reheat it in the microwave or stovetop using the methods outlined in the "How to Store & Re-Heat" section above.
It's important to note that rice can be a breeding ground for bacteria, so it's important to ensure the rice is fully cooked and cooled before freezing. Additionally, it's recommended that you only reheat rice once after it has been cooked, so make sure only to thaw the amount of rice you plan to use.
Nutrition Facts
Coconut Rice
Amount per Serving
Calories
182
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
5
g
8
%
Saturated Fat
 
3
g
19
%
Trans Fat
 
0.2
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Cholesterol
 
12
mg
4
%
Sodium
 
76
mg
3
%
Potassium
 
66
mg
2
%
Carbohydrates
 
31
g
10
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
1
g
1
%
Protein
 
3
g
6
%
Vitamin A
 
154
IU
3
%
Vitamin C
 
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
 
17
mg
2
%
Iron
 
0.3
mg
2
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.

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