Sweet Coconut Rice (Print Version)

Creamy jasmine rice cooked in coconut milk, lightly sweetened and served warm with tropical fruit garnish.

# Ingredient List:

→ Rice

01 - 1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed

→ Liquids

02 - 1 ½ cups coconut milk, full-fat recommended
03 - 1 cup water

→ Sweetener & Flavor

04 - ⅓ cup granulated sugar
05 - ¼ teaspoon salt
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Garnish (optional)

07 - 2 tablespoons toasted coconut flakes
08 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mango or pineapple

# Recipe Steps:

01 - In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed jasmine rice, coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt.
02 - Stir well and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
03 - Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
04 - Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and let stand covered for 5 minutes.
05 - Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Serve warm or at room temperature, topped with toasted coconut flakes and fruit, if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The texture is impossibly creamy without any dairy, making it perfect for anyone avoiding milk products but still craving something luscious.
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes with almost zero active cooking time, yet tastes like something you'd order at a restaurant.
  • The vanilla adds this warm, comforting depth that transforms it from a simple side dish into a legitimate dessert people will beg you to make.
02 -
  • Don't be tempted to lift the lid while it's simmering. Every time you do, you let out steam and extend the cooking time, which can lead to undercooked, crunchy rice.
  • If the rice seems a bit wet after the resting period, don't panic. It will continue to absorb moisture as it cools slightly. Giving it another 5 minutes usually solves the problem.
  • The rice will thicken considerably as it cools. If you're making it ahead and reheating, stir in a splash of coconut milk or water to loosen it up again.
03 -
  • Always use full-fat coconut milk for the best texture and flavor. The light version just doesn't give you that same luxurious mouthfeel.
  • Toast your coconut flakes ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. They'll stay fresh for weeks and you'll always have them ready to sprinkle on top.
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