Perfectly fluffy Coconut Basmati Rice that's easy to make, satisfying, rich, and so delicious! Serve as a side with all of your favourite curries, stir-fries, tofu dishes, or bowl meals.
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"Thank you for such an easy and delicious recipe for coconut rice!! I have been reluctant to try this in the past, but am so happy that I did. I made it with the ginger tofu recipe and it was spectacular!" - Carol-Ann ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ More reviews →
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Coming on through with a simple and basic, naturally gluten-free and vegan side dish. Coconut Basmati Rice we're looking at you!
It's as easy to make as plain rice and thanks to the creamy coconut milk is really rich, decadent, and capable of elevating so many meals. I particularly love it with my Ginger Tofu!
Ingredients
Here is what you need to make this recipe:
And a few ingredient notes:
- Basmati rice - Specifically white basmati rice, although this recipe will also work with jasmine rice and most other long-grain white rice. It has not been tested with brown rice or short-grain rice.
- Coconut milk - For optimum richness and flavour I recommend using canned full-fat coconut milk.
- Sugar - This should be either cane sugar or white sugar. It's just a tiny bit used as a seasoning rather than a sweetener and it really elevates and enhances the coconut flavour.
Love some zippy lime in the mix too? Check out my Coconut Lime Rice!
Success Tip - For the rice to actually taste of coconut you need to use full fat canned coconut milk. I recommend using a good quality brand because the higher the percentage of coconut in the milk, the better the coconut flavour in the rice will be.
How To Make Coconut Basmati Rice
Here's a quick summary of how to make coconut rice on the stovetop (for more detailed instructions see the printable recipe card):
- Add everything to a pan and stir, then bring to a boil.
- Put the lid on, turn it down low, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Turn off and leave to sit with the lid on for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Serve with garnishes of choice.
Success Tip - Don't remove the lid during the simmering or the 10-minute rest. It's really important to keep the steam trapped inside so the rice cooks properly.
What To Eat With Coconut Basmati Rice
Serve Coconut Basmati Rice with garnishes such as toasted coconut, peanuts or cashews, fresh or canned pineapple chunks, and fresh cilantro or lime wedges.
It's great paired with Asian-style meals and spicy or citrusy dishes. Think curries, stir-fries, tofu dishes, etc. I love it with:
Storing Leftovers
For food safety reasons leftover rice should be cooled very quickly in a shallow container, then covered tightly and refrigerated. Do not leave it out at room temperature for more than 1 hour after cooking.
It can be kept in the fridge for 24 hours or frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat in the microwave or covered tightly in the oven until piping hot. If frozen reheat straight from the freezer. Don't let it defrost first.
Recipe FAQs
This recipe will work with basmati rice, jasmine rice, and most other long-grain white rice. It has not been tested with brown rice or short-grain varieties.
You can try if you like but I've had mixed results. In my old 6 quart it works fine. In newer or bigger models the burn notice sometimes appears before it gets to pressure. If you want to have a go regardless, add the rice ingredients to an Instant Pot but only use ½ cup (120ml) of water. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes, then allow the pressure to naturally release. This will take 10 to 15 minutes. You'll know when it's done because the pin/valve will drop. Open the lid, fluff with a fork, then serve.
Recipe
Coconut Basmati RIce
Author:WATCH HOW TO MAKE IT
Ingredients
- 1½ cups (300 grams) white basmati rice , or jasmine
- 1 can (400 ml / 13.5 oz) full fat coconut milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar , (white or cane sugar)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Add the rice to a medium saucepan along with the canned coconut milk, water, sugar and salt. Stir and set the heat to medium-high.
- Allow the liquid to come to a full boil. Once it reaches that stage, cover with a lid, turn the heat to low and gently simmer for 15 minutes. Make sure it maintains a gentle simmer for the entire time. Adjust the heat a little if necessary. Do not stir or lift the lid.
- After simmering for 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice rest for 10 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Once rested, lift the lid and fluff with a fork before serving.
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Ali says
This rice is absolutely fantastic. I added about 2tsp of cinnamon to it before boiling, and it was such a hit. I later learned that those I had invited to dinner were raving to their friends about it! I'm not kidding!
It also had the added benefit of excellently complimenting the curry I made. It has a great flavour, but it's not overpowering. This will definitely become a staple of my cooking. Thanks!
Melanie McDonald says
I'm so pleased you all enjoyed it! Thanks for leaving a review, Ali. It's much appreciated! (You'll probably love my coconut lime rice too 😉 https://avirtualvegan.com/coconut-lime-rice/)
Carol-Ann K says
Thank you for such an easy and delicious recipe for coconut rice!! I have been reluctant to try this in the past, but am so happy that I did. I made it with the ginger tofu recipe and it was spectacular!
Al says
Can you use cauliflower rice instead
Melanie McDonald says
Definitely not. Cauliflower rice can't withstand the same amount of cooking as basmati/long grain rice. It needs to be cooked very quickly and not in liquid.