This is the simplest, easy coconut rice on stove recipe you’ve been looking for. As an aromatic addition, coconut rice elevates any meal and is versatile to switch up from savory to creating sweet desserts. Make fluffy or sticky coconut rice with just a few ingredients!
Watch the Video How to Make Coconut Rice
Table of contents
What is Coconut Rice?
Coconut rice is a flavorful dish made with rice and coconut milk.
It can be prepared in various ways, such as using jasmine rice for a drier, fluffy version or sweet rice (glutinous rice) for a sticky version.
In addition to being versatile and aromatic, coconut rice pairs well with a wide range of dishes, from savory curries to sweet desserts.
History of Coconut Rice
Coconut rice is a traditional dish with origins in several cultures across Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and parts of South America.
It is challenging to attribute its invention to a specific individual or culture due to the widespread adoption of coconut rice in various regions over centuries.
Coconut rice has seamlessly integrated into culinary traditions, reflecting the intersection of cultures and the versatility of incorporating coconut milk and rice into varied gastronomic practices.
As a result, coconut rice has become a flavorful and aromatic addition to meals, with its versatility extending from savory accompaniments to the preparation of sweet desserts, contributing to its enduring appeal in global cuisine.
TWO TYPES of Coconut Rice
- To make FLUFFY coconut rice you should use Jasmine rice and wash it at least three times, till the water is clear.
- To make STICKY coconut rice you should use sweet rice/glutinous rice.
By comparison, jasmine is better as a side to savory dishes. Sweet rice is better for sticky coconut rice and is ideal for desserts.
How to Make Coconut Rice on Stove Recipe
This easy coconut rice on stove recipe delivers a tasty coconut rice that’s both aromatic and versatile. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make it:
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice – You can use jasmine rice for a drier, fluffy version. Use sweet rice/glutinous rice for a very sticky version. For Jasmine Rice, WASH IT till water is clear first.
- 1 can LITE coconut milk (you can find lite, reduced fat coconut milk at most natural food stores) If you cannot find LITE then remove three tablespoons from regular coconut milk and replace with water.
- Pandan leaf (for aromatic flavor)
- Pinch of Salt
- Pinch of Sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Place just one cup of rice to a pot.
- Add LITE coconut milk. One can is about one and a half cups of liquid. Add the whole can of LITE coconut milk. If you have regular coconut milk then remove three tablespoons and replace with water.
- Prepare your pandan leaf.
- Place a pandan leaf on top for added aroma. Add the pinch of salt and sugar. The sugar is optional.
- Bring the mixture to a boil for three minutes, then reduce the heat and let it simmer on very low and cook till the water has soaked through for 17 minutes.
- After simmering for 20 minutes, remove from heat and let the coconut rice rest for an additional 12 minutes. Do not remove the lid until the process is done.
This coconut rice can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes, from savory curries to sweet mango sauces and desserts. It’s also perfect for making traditional Filipino sticky rice cake, biko.
Enjoy your homemade stovetop easy coconut rice!
NOTES
- Wash your Jasmine rice if you want fluffy rice.
- Be sure to use LITE coconut milk or dilute regular coconut milk with some water.
- Let the coconut rice REST. This step is essential for the rice to be properly cooked.
Add Ins and Variations
- Add toasted bits of coconut shreds on top
- Garnish with Thai basil or cilantro.
- Sprinkle with a touch of lime and enjoy with grilled fish tacos.
- Adding a pinch of sugar for a little sweetness is optional.
How to Serve Coconut Rice
To serve coconut rice, you can enjoy it in various delicious ways:
- Mango Sticky Rice Desserts: Drizzle coconut sticky rice with sweet coconut milk sauce and top it with fresh Manila mango pureé for a delightful dessert.
- Elevate Savory Dishes: I use regular jasmine coconut rice to complement and elevate dishes like curry, soups, and sauce-driven meals, adding a comforting balance to the flavors.
- Traditional Filipino Sticky Rice Cake (Biko): I make sticky coconut rice, which is ideal for traditional Filipino sticky rice cake, known as biko. Latik is the crispy coconut cream topping.
Enjoy experimenting with these serving ideas to make the most of your coconut rice!
Also try coconut rice with soy teriyaki chicken and pork adobo for dinners that are sure to please everyone at the table.
Simple Coconut Rice on Stove Recipe (Fluffy & Sticky Versions)
Equipment
- pot with lid
Ingredients
- 1 cup Jasmine Rice or Sweet Glutinous Rice Jasmine for Fluffy, Sweet Rice for Sticky
- 1 can LITE Reduced Fat Coconut Milk or you can remove three tablespoons from regular coconut milk and replace with water
- 1 Pandan Leaf
- 1 pinch Salt
- 1 pinch Sugar optional
Instructions
- Add rice to the pot. If you are using Jasmine rice then wash the rice very very well until the water is clear.1 cup Jasmine Rice or Sweet Glutinous Rice
- Add the LITE coconut milk.1 can LITE Reduced Fat Coconut Milk
- Add a pinch of salt. Add a pinch of sugar (otional).1 pinch Salt, 1 pinch Sugar
- Add the Pandan leaf on top.Seal the lid tight.1 Pandan Leaf
- Bring to boil for three minutes.
- Lower heat and low simmer for 17 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the stovetop and let the rice rest, lid closed, for at least 12 additional minutes. Use a kitchen towel to cover the top of the pot to seal the heat inside.
- Lastly, remove the pandan leaf. Fluff with a fork. Let the rice sit for two more minutes with the lid on.Serve and Enjoy!
Notes
- Wash your rice.
- Use LITE coconut milk.
- Let the rice rest in the steam and cook throughly.
- Use a fork to fluff.
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