Coconut Rice Recipe

Rinse the rice

Place 1.5 cups jasmine rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water, gently swishing with your hand, until the water runs mostly clear (about 1–2 minutes). This removes excess surface starch and prevents clumping.

Prepare coconut liquid

Shake the can of 13.5 fl oz coconut milk well. Measure out the coconut milk; if the can separates, you may warm and whisk gently to recombine. Combine the coconut milk with 3 cups water in a measuring cup or bowl so total cooking liquid is 4.5 cups (1:3 rice-to-liquid ratio by volume for this recipe).

Combine ingredients in pot

In a medium saucepan (2–3 quart) with a tight-fitting lid, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the rinsed rice and stir to coat with oil; cook, stirring, for 1 minute to toast the grains lightly. Pour in the coconut milk + water mixture, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Stir once to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Simmer and steam

As soon as the liquid reaches a gentle simmer (small bubbles around the edge), reduce heat to low so the pot barely simmers. Cover with the lid and cook undisturbed for 18 minutes. Do not lift the lid while steaming.

Rest

After 18 minutes, remove the pot from the heat but keep it covered. Let the rice rest and steam in the closed pot for an additional 10 minutes to finish cooking and set the texture.

Fluff and finish

Remove the lid. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice to separate the grains. Stir in 1 teaspoon fresh lime zest and 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, if using, to brighten the flavor. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

Optional garnish

If desired, toast 2 tablespoons shredded coconut in a small dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until golden brown (1–3 minutes). Sprinkle the toasted coconut over the rice just before serving.

Serve warm alongside curries, grilled fish, or vegetables. Leftover rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat gently with a splash of water to restore moisture.