Coconut Rice

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant rice dish infused with 3/4 cup coconut milk for a subtle sweet depth, perfect with curries. This vietnamese-inspired summer cookout (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs jasmine rice, coconut milk, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (56 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain thoroughly.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup rinsed jasmine rice, 3/4 cup coconut milk, 1/2 cup water, 1 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 torn kaffir lime leaves, and 1/4 tsp salt.
  3. Step 3: Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without stirring.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice gently with a fork, discarding kaffir lime leaves, until the grains are tender and separated with a subtle coconut aroma.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Coconut Rice take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Coconut Rice?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep jasmine rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Coconut Rice?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Coconut Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Coconut Rice vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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