This easy coconut rice recipe is my interpretation of Thai coconut rice (kao mun) from Southeast Asia. It’s a versatile side dish that you can serve with many meat or vegetarian dishes, or you can add vegetables to it. The perfect accompaniment for so many meals. I recently started cooking more with coconut oil. Not only does it add a delicious, nutty flavor to ingredients like rice and quinoa, but I’ve also learned about its healthy benefits. It can help with many things, from skin and hair to digestion. In this recipe, the use of coconut milk toasts the plain rice before boiling. Toasting the rice before cooking is something I always do so that it takes on a yummy nuttiness. To finish the rice, I add unsweetened toasted coconut just to enhance the coconut flavor and add texture, along with black sesame seeds for a pretty presentation.
Best Rice to Use for Coconut Rice
Any of your favorite white long grain rice, white jasmine rice, or basmati rice will work well. Short grain rice like arborio can also be used, but the excess starch content may result in stickier rice.
Coconut Milk Types
Pure coconut milk is unsweetened and has only natural sweetness. I prefer unsweetened coconut milk (without added sugar) as it is sweet enough, but you can use sweetened if you like. I also prefer full-fat coconut milk for a creamy texture, but you can also use light coconut milk. Cream of coconut or coconut cream, which is very similar, can also be used.
How to Make Jasmine Rice in the Rice Cooker
Toast the rice in the coconut oil, then transfer it to the rice cooker along with the water, coconut milk, and salt. Cooking time may vary, so refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Serving Coconut Rice
This is the perfect side dish to accompany Miso Shrimp, Asian-Style Mushrooms, Grilled Korean Beef, stir fries, or any other Asian-inspired dishes.
Storing Leftover Rice
Cooked rice must be handled properly. Allow unused rice cool to room temperature but must be refrigerated within 2 hours. Store in an airtight container and use within 4 days. If you’ve made this Toasted Coconut Rice recipe, please leave a review and star rating.
- Any medium or long grain white rice can be used like basmati
- If the label does not say sweetened or unsweetened, check the ingredients. You can use sweetened if you want a sweeter result. You can also use cream of coconut, coconut cream or light coconut milk
