My family is currently obsessed with this Coconut Rice recipe. So much so, that my kids have been asking if I can make it for lunch or even breakfast! Ha! I haven’t catered to those demands, but I did make it three times last week to go with our dinners. It’s the absolute perfect side dish for grilled meats. We’ve had it with grilled pork chops and chicken kabobs, but I think we need to try it with our favorite grilled Marinated Sanpete Turkey too.

Whenever I hear someone say their kid doesn’t like rice, I’m surprised. Probably because my kids are all rice maniacs. I figured all kids are born loving rice. The truth is I kind of wish my kids weren’t so crazy about it. Rice can be SUCH A PAIN to clean up from under the table and the high chair. You would think I would just stop making it, but Sim and I both spent time serving as missionaries for our church in areas where rice was a huge staple. Instead of it making us get sick of it, it had the opposite effect. We both love meals that have rice as a side. In turn we now we have five kiddos who also love meals that have rice as a side. What can you do?

As much as they love rice, I have to admit I wasn’t expecting them to love this coconut rice so much. I figured once they detected the very slight sweetness and coconut flavor they’d turn their little noses up. To my surprise they all loved it. This Coconut Rice recipe not only has a fantastic subtle flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled or Asian themed meals, it also has a slight creaminess and unique texture that keeps you going back for one more bite. SO GOOD!

Coconut Fan? Try these:

How to Make Coconut Rice:

Combine all of the ingredients in a 2 quart sauce pan that has a tight fitting lid.
Stir well and bring mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, turn burner down until rice is just barely simmering. Cover with a lid and set a timer for 20 minutes.
When 20 minutes are up, remove lid and fluff the rice.
Serve with your favorite grilled meat or anything that would pair well with coconut rice. We love this with Sticky Teriyaki Chicken and with Sweet and Sour Baked Chicken Thighs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Coconut Rice:

What kind of rice is best to use when making Coconut Rice?

Jasmine Rice is my favorite type to use. It has just a little different consistency than regular long grain rice. With that said, long grain rice actually works really well too. So don’t hesitate to make it if you only have long grain rice.

Can I use lite Coconut Milk in this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use lite coconut milk and still get great results. I like to use the full fat though because it has such a nice creaminess to it.

Is it okay to double this Coconut Rice Recipe?

Yes, it is okay to double this recipe. You just need to make sure that you cook it in a 4 or 5 quart pot so it won’t boil over. 5 quart would be best.

Is Coconut Rice good for you?

Well, now there is a good question. If eaten in normal serving sizes it is fine, but just like anything else if you eat it in excess it isn’t going to be good for you. In regards to the health benefits of the coconut in this recipe, it may be slightly healthier for you than regular white rice.

What is in Coconut Rice?

Coconut rice is rice that is cooked in a mix of water and coconut milk usually with a little sugar and salt added. Part of the liquid that is used to cook rice is replaced with the coconut milk. It produces a nice creamy rice that has a delicate and slight coconut flavor that is delicious!

Can I make Coconut Rice in the Instant Pot?

This is something I plan on attempting soon. It should work, but the liquid may need to be adjusted slightly. I will update this question once I try it myself. …also a quick google search just led me to this recipe, so yes, It looks like it works just fine.

Coconut Rice

Creamy, slightly sweet rice with just a hint of coconut. You won't believe how good this is and how it takes your favorite grilled meats and stir fry's up a notch.

Author: Slightly adapted from Our Best Bites

Ingredients

2 cups Jasmine Rice
2 cups water
1 15 ounce can coconut milk
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1½ tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp salt

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a 2 quart sauce pan that has a tight fitting lid.
Mix well and bring to a boil. Stir often while bringing it to a boil.
Once rice mixture is boiling turn the heat down to low...you want it to barely be simmering. Stir while temperature goes down so rice won't stick to the bottom of the pan.
Once rice is at a low simmer, put the lid on and set the timer for 20 minutes.
When 20 minutes is up, remove lid and stir and fluff the rice.
Serve with your favorite grilled meat or stir fry.

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