What’s the best kind of rice for coconut rice?

I like basmati or jasmine rice, but you can use nearly any type of rice.

Can I use light coconut milk?

You can, but it won’t be quite as rich or creamy.

Do I need to rinse the rice?

Yes. Rinsing removes excess starch and helps prevent sticky or mushy rice.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. I like to add a splash of water or an ice cube and reheat gently in the microwave for about a minute.

How do I make this in an Instant Pot?

Check the recipe notes for how to make this in a rice cooker or Instant Pot!

Fluffy and Delightful Coconut Basmati Rice Recipe

Name: Fluffy and Delightful Coconut Basmati Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups basmati rice; 1 13.5oz can coconut milk; ¾ cup water; ½ teaspoon salt; zest of 1 whole lime and juice of ½ lime

Description

Light, fluffy coconut basmati rice is an easy, flavorful side dish perfect with seafood, chicken, or curry.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 1/2 cups basmati rice
1 13.5oz can coconut milk
3/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
zest of 1 whole lime and juice of 1/2 lime

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Instructions

Place 1 ½ cups rice in a fine mesh sieve and rinse under cool, running water until the water runs clear. Place rice in a large pot with a tight-fitting lid.
Pour coconut milk into a 4-cup liquid measuring cup. Add enough water to equal exactly 2 ¾ cup total liquid, for me that’s ¾ cup water. Pour coconut milk/water into the pot with rice and add salt. Give everything a quick stir.
Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover and cook for 10 minutes. WITHOUT TAKING THE LID OFF, turn off the heat and let sit for another 10 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork and add lime zest and juice.
Serve with shrimp, salmon, chicken, tacos, curry, the sky is the limit!

Notes

Rice cooker: add rinsed rice, water, coconut milk and salt to a rice cooker and cook on the “White Rice” or “Cook” setting, depending on your rice cooker. Fluff with a fork and add lime zest and juice.

Instant pot coconut rice: Add the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water and salt to the Instant Pot. Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook on high for 4 minutes. When the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the lime zest and juice. That’s it.

Brown rice: increase the initial cook time to 25 minutes, followed by 10 minutes with the lid on and the heat off.

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Nutrition

Serving Size: 3/4 cup cooked rice
Calories: 275
Sugar: 0 g
Sodium: 204.1 mg
Fat: 13.9 g
Carbohydrates: 34.6 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 4.2 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg