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    Home » Recipes » Rice & Other Grains

    Thai Coconut Rice

    Published: May 24, 2021 · Modified: Apr 10, 2022 by Neriz

    Jump to Recipe

    A staple in Thai cuisine that you can easily prepare at home. Expect an excellent side dish in every serving of this fluffy, delicious coconut rice. Try it for your next barbecue!

    An overhead shot of a bowl of coconut rice, garnished with coriander, and ready for serving

    If you have never tried this Thai coconut rice before, you are in for a treat.

    The flavor of coconut is quite subtle in this dish — that’s why it’s a versatile side dish.  Think of it as steamed white rice that’s been sprayed with coconut. 🙂  

    It will always complement, not overpower any main dish that you pair with it.

    IF YOU WANT MORE EASY THAI RECIPES, THEN YOU WILL LIKE THESE POSTS!

    • Thai Ginger Chicken Stir Fry (Gai Pad King)
    • Thai Black Beans in Coconut Milk

    Ingredients

    An image showing all the ingredients you need to prepare fluffy coconut rice at home.
    • Rice – use jasmine rice for Thai coconut rice if you want do it like the locals.
    • Salt & sugar – for balancing the seasoning of the rice.
    • Coconut milk – if you are using canned ones, make sure you stir it first before pouring it into the saucepan. 
    • Coriander – you would only be using this for serving, and it’s totally optional.
    A pot of newly cooked Thai coconut rice, with a spoonful ready for tasting.

    Preparation

    Start preparing your Thai coconut rice by rinsing the jasmine rice with cold water — do this three times and let it drain (photo 1).

    Using a small saucepan, combine coconut milk, half a cup of water (photo 2).

    Add salt and sugar and mix to dissolve (photo 3).

    Place the saucepan over medium heat, cover with a lid and bring to a boil.

    First part of a collage of images showing the step by step process on how to prepare Thai coconut rice.

    Add the rinsed rice (photo 4).

    Mix to even out the rice and cover with a lid.

    Adjust heat to medium-low and simmer until the rice is cooked.  It typically takes twenty-five to thirty minutes.

    Second part of a collage of images showing the step by step process of preparing coconut jasmine rice at home.

    When the rice has absorbed all the liquid, use a fork to mix the rice lightly.  Do this only once or twice, not repeatedly.

    Take the saucepan off the heat and keep covered for about five more minutes.

    Transfer your coconut jasmine rice into plates and serve, garnish with coriander leaves, if desired.

    An overhead shot of a pot of coconut jasmine rice, ready for transfering into a plate.

    Helpful tips

    • Make sure you rinse the jasmine rice properly, then drain it before adding it to the boiling coconut milk and water.
    • Do not substitute coconut cream plus more water for coconut milk.  
    • Use a fork to lightly mix your coconut jasmine rice once all the water has been absorbed.  Please do not do it repeatedly — mixing it twice is enough for fluffing it.
    A closer shot of a bowl of coconut rice, highlighting the fluffiness of the jasmine rice.

    FAQ

    What do you eat with coconut rice?

    It’s great with any other dish as long as it does not have coconut milk (or cream) in it like curry.  

    However, it is excellent with grilled meat or fish — a heavenly combo. 🙂

    See how easy it is to prepare this coconut rice recipe?  Give it a try, and let me know what you think! 

    Text for Roundup Sections
    • Easy Thai Recipes
    • Traditional Filipino Food:  What You Need to Know
    An overhead shot of a bowl of coconut rice, garnished with coriander, and ready for serving

    Thai Coconut Rice Recipe

    Fluffy, flavorsome side dish every time, with this Thai Coconut Rice. Simply yum!
    No ratings yet
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Thai
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 35 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 340kcal
    Author: Neriz

    Equipment

    • Pyrex Measuring Cups
    • Measuring Spoons
    • Strainer for Sifting
    • Medium-Sized Saucepan
    • Rubber Spatula

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup jasmine rice, heaping
    • 1 & 1/2 cups coconut milk
    • 1 tsp sugar, heaping
    • 1 tsp salt
    • coriander, for serving (optional)

    Instructions

    • Rinse the rice with cold water three times and set it aside to drain. 
    • Using a small saucepan, combine coconut milk, half a cup of water, salt, and sugar.
    • Mix until the sugar has dissolved.
    • Place the saucepan over medium heat, cover with a lid and bring to a boil.
    • Add the rinsed (and drained) rice.
    • Mix to even out the rice in the pan and cover with a lid again.
    • Adjust heat to medium-low and simmer until the rice is cooked.  It generally takes 25 to 30 minutes.
    • When the rice has absorbed all the liquid, use a fork to mix the rice lightly.  Do this only once or twice, not repeatedly.
    • Take the saucepan off the heat and keep covered for about five more minutes.
    • Transfer your coconut rice into plates and serve, garnish with coriander leaves, if preferred.

    Notes

    • Cook’s Tip #1:  Ensure you rinse the jasmine rice properly and drain it before adding it to the boiling coconut milk and water.
    • Cook’s Tip #2:  Do not substitute coconut cream plus more water for coconut milk.
    • Cook’s Tip #3:  Use a fork to mix your coconut jasmine rice lightly once all the water has been absorbed.  Please do NOT do it repeatedly — mixing it twice is enough to help in making it fluffy.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 340kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Sodium: 595mg | Potassium: 240mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 3mg
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    Neriz

    Hej there!

    A smorgasbord of traditional and delicious international recipes awaits you, so feel free to look around and pick your favorites. No need to leave your kitchen to experience the real deal!

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