Healthy Coconut Rice Recipe (Fluffy and Flavorful)

This healthy coconut rice recipe is one of the easiest ways to transform plain white rice into a flavorful side dish using simple ingredients. Made with jasmine rice, unsweetened coconut milk, and water, this coconut milk rice has a light, fluffy texture and a subtle coconut flavor that pairs beautifully with everything from grilled chicken and seafood to Thai dishes and rice bowls. We eat it pretty much weekly along side my grilled chicken recipe or homemade beef curry. It also is delicious with some mango for a little mango and sticky rice vibe.

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Unlike some coconut rice recipes that turn out sticky or gluey, this recipe uses the right ratio of rice and liquid to create perfectly cooked, fragrant rice every time. Whether you’re making it for the first time or it’s already a staple recipe in your kitchen, you’ll love how easy it is to prepare on the stove top.

If you’ve ever ordered coconut rice at a Thai restaurant and wondered how to recreate those amazing flavors at home, this simple coconut milk rice recipe is the perfect place to start.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Coconut Rice Recipe

• Easy recipe made with pantry staples
• Fluffy texture instead of mushy rice
• Naturally dairy free and gluten free
• Made with healthy fats from coconut milk
• Perfect complement to Asian cuisine, Indian dishes, and main dishes
• Can be made on the stove top, in a rice cooker, or in the Instant Pot
• Great for meal prep and leftover coconut rice

Ingredient Notes

Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice creates the best fluffy coconut rice because of its naturally fragrant rice aroma and soft texture. Long grain rice varieties like jasmine rice and basmati rice work especially well for coconut milk rice.

Unsweetened Coconut Milk

Use a can of coconut milk rather than coconut milk beverages sold in cartons. Full-fat coconut milk provides the richest flavor, while light coconut milk works as a healthier option with fewer calories.

Water

A cup of water helps balance the richness of the coconut milk and prevents the rice from becoming overly heavy.

Salt

Just a small amount enhances the aromatic flavors of the coconut milk.

Optional Ingredients

For extra flavor, consider adding:

• Lime zest
• Cinnamon
• Fresh ginger
• Lime juice
• Toasted coconut
• Coconut flakes or flaked coconut

How to Make This Healthy Coconut Rice Recipe on the Stove Top

This easy coconut rice recipe is designed specifically for fluffy, restaurant-quality results.

Ingredients

• 1 cup organic jasmine rice
• 1 cup canned coconut milk (full fat)
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 tsp coconut sugar (optional)

Step 1: Soak the Rice

Place the jasmine rice in a bowl and cover it generously with cold water. Let the rice soak for at least 15 minutes or up to several hours. This helps break down the anti-nutrients and it helps the grains cook more evenly which contributes to a light, fluffy texture.

Step 2: Rinse and Drain

Drain the soaked rice into a fine-mesh strainer and rinse thoroughly under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. Let it drain very well while you prepare the coconut milk mixture. Removing excess starch and excess water helps keep the coconut rice from becoming gluey.

Step 3: Heat the Coconut Milk and Water

Add the coconut milk, water, and salt to a medium pot. Heat over medium heat until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to combine the coconut milk and water. Avoid bringing it to a hard boil.

Step 4: Add the Rice

Stir the well-drained rice into the hot coconut milk mixture. Allow it to return to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Cover and Cook

Once simmering, immediately reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for 12–15 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid stirring the rice or lifting the lid while it cooks.

Step 6: Let the Rice Rest

Remove the pot from the heat and leave it covered for 10 minutes. Don’t skip this step—the resting time allows the rice to finish steaming and helps create separate, fluffy grains.

Step 7: Fluff and Serve

Remove the lid and gently fluff the coconut rice with a fork. Serve warm, adding fresh lime juice or lime zest if desired.

Coconut Rice in Rice Cooker

Making coconut rice in rice cooker models is incredibly simple.

Instructions

1. Rinse 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water.
2. Add the rice to your rice cooker.
3. Pour in 1 cup coconut milk and 1 cup water.
4. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt.
5. Cook using the white rice setting.
6. Let the rice rest for 10 minutes before fluffing.

Rice cooker coconut rice is a great hands-off option for busy weeknights.

Coconut Rice Instant Pot Method

If you prefer coconut rice Instant Pot style, this method works beautifully.

Instructions

1. Rinse 1 cup jasmine rice until the water runs clear.
2. Add rice, 1 cup coconut milk, 1 cup water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the pressure cooker.
3. Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing.
4. Cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes.
5. Allow a 10-minute natural pressure release.
6. Release remaining pressure and fluff with a fork.

The Instant Pot creates tender coconut rice with very little effort.

Tips for Fluffy Coconut Rice

Use the Right Kind of Rice

Jasmine rice provides the best balance of flavor and texture. Basmati rice can also be used, though it may require a slightly different amount of liquid.

Don’t Skip Soaking & Rinsing

Soaking breaks down the anti-nutrients in the rice which makes the nutrients in the rice more readily absorbable. Rinsing removes excess starch that can make coconut rice gluey.

Let the Rice Rest

Whether using a rice cooker, pressure cooker, or stove top, allowing the rice to rest after cooking helps create separate grains.

Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk

A can of coconut milk produces the richest flavor and most authentic Thai coconut rice recipe results.

Variations

Brown Rice Coconut Rice

Brown rice works well but requires a longer cook time and additional liquid.

Coconut Lime Rice

Add lime zest and fresh lime juice after cooking for a bright citrus flavor.

Ginger Coconut Rice

Add a teaspoon of freshly grated fresh ginger while cooking for extra aromatic flavors.

Toasted Coconut Rice

Top with toasted coconut flakes before serving for additional texture and flavor.

What to Serve With This Healthy Coconut Rice Recipe

This delicious side dish pairs perfectly with:

• Grilled chicken – Check out my recipe here
• Salmon
• Garlic Roasted Green Beans
• Thai dishes
• Rice bowls
• Mango
• Stir fries
• Curries

The subtle coconut flavor makes it a perfect side dish for countless meals.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover coconut rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, sprinkle with a tablespoon of water and warm gently in the microwave or on the stove top until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Light Coconut Milk?

Yes. Light coconut milk works well if you’re looking for a lighter option, though the coconut flavor will be less pronounced. I personally prefer and recommend full fat coconut milk.

Can I Use Coconut Cream?

You can, but coconut cream is much richer and thicker. If using coconut cream, replace part of it with additional water to maintain the proper amount of liquid.

Can I Use Regular White Rice?

Yes. Regular white rice can be substituted, but jasmine rice delivers the most fragrant and flavorful results.

Why Is My Coconut Rice Mushy?

The most common causes are using too much liquid, skipping the rinsing step, or opening the lid during cooking. Following the recommended ratio of rice to liquid will help ensure fluffy rice every time.

More Reader Favorite Side Dish Recipes

• Mediterranean Rice
• Garlic Green Beens
• Roasted Potatoes

If you do give this recipe a try, I want to know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @wholisticmandy on Instagram. Your reviews help support this blog and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you know and love.