Steamed Garlic Rice with Toasted Coconut

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

Fragrant steamed rice cooked with garlic and topped with toasted coconut flakes for a uniquely Filipino-inspired side dish with nutty aroma and flavor. This filipino-inspired rice & grains ready in about 35 minutes pairs jasmine rice, water, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 2 cups jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
  3. Step 3: Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir to coat each grain with garlic oil, cooking for 1 minute.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 1/2 cups water and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. Step 5: While rice cooks, toast 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Remove rice from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Steamed Garlic Rice with Toasted Coconut take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Steamed Garlic Rice with Toasted Coconut?

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 Steamed Garlic Rice with Toasted Coconut?

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 Steamed Garlic Rice with Toasted Coconut 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.

What goes well with Steamed Garlic Rice with Toasted Coconut?

Filipino rice & grains like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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