Description
If you’re looking for a quick side dish that turns heads and complements just about any meal, Thai Coconut Rice is your go-to. Creamy, aromatic, and slightly sweet, this easy dinner side brings the exotic flavor of Southeast Asia to your plate in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re planning tropical food ideas, refreshing breakfast ideas, or just need an easy recipe that impresses, this dish delivers. It’s naturally dairy-free and vegan, making it one of those rare crowd-pleasers that checks every box.
Ingredients
1 cup jasmine rice
1 cup full-fat coconut milk
1 cup water
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt. Stir to blend evenly.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Once simmering, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 15–18 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed.
5. Remove from heat and keep covered for 10 minutes to allow the rice to steam and finish cooking.
6. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and garnish with chopped herbs and lime juice before serving.
Notes
Always rinse your rice — it keeps the grains from clumping and helps the coconut flavor shine.
Letting the rice rest after cooking ensures a fluffier texture and better flavor absorption.
Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer taste — lite versions can water down the dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: coconut rice, Thai rice, easy dinner, side dish, vegan, gluten-free, tropical rice