Coconut rice in your rice cooker? Yes, please! This recipe will show you how to make fluffy restaurant-style coconut rice in your rice cooker using coconut milk. The beauty of using your rice cooker to make coconut rice is that all you need to do is to do is add the right amount of ingredients and press a button!
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If you're a regular reader of Daily Dish, you'll probably already know that my rice cooker is my favorite kitchen appliance (and I have a few!) I use it to cook everything from lentils to ancient grains like farro.
Lately I've been making all different kinds of flavored rice recipes with my rice cooker. You can make cilantro lime rice or even Mexican rice. So, I thought why not make a coconut rice recipe? Coconut rice cooked in a rice cooker comes out perfectly fluffy and evenly cooked every time, and it's a one bowl, no fuss procedure.
Top Tip: If you love coconut rice, you'll also like my Mediterranean rice recipe.
💚Reasons You'll Love This Recipe
✅Coconut rice cooked in your rice cooker is the perfect side dish for curries, stews or lentil based dishes like dahl.
✅This is a family friendly recipe. Kids love the sweet taste of coconut rice.
✅It's a great meal prep option. Make a double batch and store it in your freezer. See below for freezer storage instructions.
✅Coconut itself is a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and some minerals, while rice provides carbohydrates and some essential nutrients.
🛒Ingredients
- Jasmine Rice: The best rice to use for coconut rice is generally a long-grain rice with a mild flavor and fluffy texture. I think jasmine rice is the perfect choice. Its fragrant aroma and delicate flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of coconut. However, you could also use Basmati rice or Carolina rice.
- Coconut Milk: For the best flavor and texture, I highly recommend using full-fat coconut milk when making coconut rice in your rice cooker. The rich creaminess of full-fat coconut milk will give your rice a delicious, satisfying flavor. However, if your looking to reduce the calorie or fat content of your rice, low-fat coconut milk is a good option.
- Shredded/Desiccated Coconut: In some parts of the world, the terms "desiccated coconut" and "shredded coconut" are used interchangeably, but in general, desiccated coconut refers to a more finely ground and drier product, while shredded coconut is larger and more moist. You can use either.
- Salt: Salt simply enhances all the other flavors.
- Water: You'll need water in the correct ratio in order for your coconut rice to cook properly in your rice cooker.
🙋Where Is Coconut Rice From?
Coconut rice is a dish that has variations across different cultures, each using rice varieties native to their region. Here's a breakdown:
- Thai Coconut Rice: In Thai cuisine, coconut rice is made using jasmine rice, as I have in my recipe. Jasmine rice is a long-grain variety known for its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture when cooked. It pairs exceptionally well with coconut milk, creating a creamy and aromatic dish that complements many Thai curries and stir-fries.
- Caribbean Coconut Rice: In Caribbean cooking, coconut rice is typically made using varieties such as long-grain white rice or even parboiled rice. It's the base for famous dishes like Jamaican Rice and Peas.The specific type of rice can vary depending on the country or region within the Caribbean. Long-grain rice is favored for its fluffy texture, while parboiled rice is known for its ability to hold up well during cooking, making it suitable for absorbing the flavors of coconut milk and spices.
- Latin American Coconut Rice: In Latin American cuisine, coconut rice is also popular, especially in coastal regions. Here, varieties like long-grain white rice or even medium-grain rice might be used. These rice types are often cooked with coconut milk, creating a rich, creamy side dish or even a dessert.
- South Asian Coconut Rice: In South Asian cuisines such as Indian and Sri Lankan, coconut rice is made using indigenous rice varieties like basmati rice or local short-grain rice varieties. Basmati rice, with its long grains and distinct aroma, lends itself well to coconut rice dishes.
🍚How To Make Coconut Rice In Rice Cooker
- Place the jasmine rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under running water until the water runs clear. You can also swish the rice around in a bowl of water and then pour off the cloudy water. Washing the rice helps to remove excess starch and debris, resulting in fluffier and better-tasting rice.
- Add the washed and drained jasmine rice to the rice cooker pot.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, water, shredded coconut and salt.
- Pour the coconut milk mixture over the rice and stir gently to combine.
- Close the rice cooker lid and turn it on. Set the rice cooker to the "white rice" setting or follow the manufacturer's instructions for cooking jasmine rice.
- Once the rice is done cooking, let it sit for 5-10 minutes to steam before opening the lid.
- While your coconut rice is steaming in your rice cooker, make the optional toasted coconut. The instructions are below.
🥥How To Toast Coconut
The toasted coconut is an optional topping in this recipe. However, I highly recommend it! It's an absolutely delicious addition. It can also be used as a topping for a variety of dishes, such as oatmeal, yogurt, smoothie bowls, ice cream, and baked goods.
- Heat a dry skillet or frying pan over medium-low heat.
- Add the shredded coconut to the pan and spread it out in an even layer.
- Stir the coconut occasionally to ensure even toasting.
- Keep an eye on the coconut to prevent it from burning. It should turn golden brown in 3-5 minutes.
- Once the coconut is toasted to your liking, remove the pan from the heat.
- Transfer the toasted coconut to a plate or bowl to cool.
- To finish up the recipe, fluff the rice with a fork and serve topped with the toasted coconut.
Top Tip
Coconut milk varies in thickness and richness depending on the brand you buy. So, you may need to adjust the amount of liquid accordingly. If you find that your rice is too dry or undercooked, add a little more coconut milk or water during the cooking process.
🍽️Serving Suggestions
🧡Serve it as a side dish with spicy or flavorful main dishes, such as Asian curries or stir-fries. Try my popular sticky shiitake mushrooms. The flavor combination of salty and sweet is so delicious.
🧡Coconut rice with chopped cilantro and lime juice is so yummy! The sweet coconut flavor is a real contrast to bright and striking lime juice.
🧡Use it as a base for a rice bowl, topped with vegetables, protein, and a flavorful sauce like Vietnamese peanut sauce or hoisin sauce. If you're feeling adventurous, you could try making my popular watermelon sushi recipe. It would be so delicious with coconut rice.
🧡Coconut rice can be served with various chutneys, such as mint chutney or tomato chutney, to add some extra flavor and freshness.
🧡Incorporate it into a breakfast bowl with toppings such as fresh fruit (try air fryer apples), yogurt, or granola yogurt bowls.
🧡Eat your coconut rice with pickles, such as mango pickle or pickled shallots, which adds a tangy and spicy element that makes a wonderful complement to rice cooker coconut rice.
🥡Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
To store leftover coconut rice, first transfer it to an airtight container. Allow the rice to cool down to room temperature before storing it in the fridge. It's important to refrigerate leftover rice promptly to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
Leftover coconut rice can typically be stored in your refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating the rice, you can add a bit of water or coconut milk to help loosen it up and restore its moisture.
Freezer
If you have a large amount of leftover coconut rice and don't think you'll be able to eat it all within a few days, you can also freeze it for longer-term storage.
To freeze coconut rice, allow it to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible from the container or bag to prevent freezer burn. Frozen coconut rice can be stored for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the rice in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove-top or in the microwave.
🙋Frequently Asked Questions
The best rice to use for coconut rice is generally a long-grain rice with a mild flavor and fluffy texture, such as jasmine rice, basmati rice, or Carolina rice.
Jasmine rice, in particular, is a great choice for coconut rice due to its fragrant aroma and delicate flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of coconut. Basmati rice, on the other hand, has a nutty flavor and long, slender grains that make it ideal for dishes that require a distinct grain separation, such as pilaf.
The ratio of rice to liquid is critical to achieving the right texture in your rice. If you use too much water, your rice will become mushy. To fix this, try using less water or reducing the cooking time. In addition, adding too much coconut milk can make your rice overly creamy and mushy. Follow the recipe closely and use the recommended amount of coconut milk.
Yes, you can use coconut milk in your cooker. But, you'll need to add some water to the rice cooker as well. Follow the ratio recommended in the recipe. Adding coconut milk will give the rice a richer, creamier flavor and texture.
Rice Cooker Recipes
You may want to check out my other rice cooker recipes
Craving More Easy Vegan Recipes?
Cajun Coconut Milk Pasta Sauce
How To Cook Lentils In Your Rice Cooker
Easy Vietnamese Summer Rolls - Vegan Spring Rolls
📖 Recipe
Perfect Coconut Rice In Rice Cooker {Coconut Milk}
Ingredients
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 1 15 ounce can coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup shredded/desiccated coconut
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Place the jasmine rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under running water until the water runs clear. After washing the rice, let it drain for a few minutes.
- Add the washed and drained jasmine rice to the rice cooker pot.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, water, shredded coconut and salt.
- Pour the coconut milk mixture over the rice and stir gently to combine.
- Close the rice cooker lid and turn it on. Set the rice cooker to the "white rice" setting or follow the manufacturer's instructions for cooking jasmine rice.
- Once the rice is done cooking, let it sit for 5-10 minutes to steam before opening the lid.
- While the coconut rice is steaming in the rice cooker, toast the optional shredded coconut by following the instructions below.
How To Toast Coconut
- Heat a dry skillet or frying pan over medium-low heat.
- Add the shredded coconut to the pan and spread it out in an even layer.
- Stir the coconut occasionally to ensure even toasting. Keep an eye on the coconut to prevent it from burning. It should turn golden brown in 3-5 minutes.
- Once the coconut is toasted to your liking, remove the pan from the heat. Transfer the toasted coconut to a plate or bowl to cool.
- To finish up the recipe, fluff the rice with a fork and serve topped with the toasted coconut.
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