Serves: 4 | Total Time: 25 minutes
Hey There 👋
This coconut basmati rice is pure comfort. It’s creamy, a little fragrant, and the perfect side for your favorite Thai curry or crispy tofu.
I love making this when I want something that feels special but is secretly super easy. You only need one pot and a few ingredients.
💛 Why I Love This Recipe
This dish has saved dinner at my house more times than I can count. Here’s why:
- Simple ingredients, big flavor: You probably have most of this stuff already.
- Coconut milk makes it creamy: It turns plain rice into something rich and comforting.
- Pairs with anything: Curries, stir-fries, grilled veggies—you name it.
- One pot, less mess: You don’t even need a rice cooker.
- Leftovers reheat perfectly: And maybe taste even better the next day.
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
- 1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk (well stirred)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- Optional garnish: fresh cilantro or lime wedges
👩🍳 Pro Tips
- Rinse the rice really well—it helps keep the grains fluffy, not sticky.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest texture.
- Keep the heat low when simmering to avoid scorching the coconut milk.
- Let it steam after cooking for perfect texture.
- Stir the coconut milk before using—sometimes the fat separates in the can.
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan with lid
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Fine-mesh strainer (for rinsing rice)
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Rice: Jasmine rice works too, though it’s softer.
- Oil: Use olive oil or vegan butter if you prefer.
- Coconut milk: Light coconut milk works, but it won’t be as creamy.
- Add-ins: Stir in peas, shredded coconut, or chopped scallions.
⏳ Make-Ahead Tips
- Make the rice a day ahead and reheat with a splash of water to loosen it up.
- You can also freeze it for up to 1 month—just thaw and steam to reheat.
👩🍳 How to Make Coconut Basmati Rice
Step 1: Heat the oil and toast the rice
Melt coconut oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add rinsed basmati rice and stir for 1–2 minutes until the grains look shiny and start to smell nutty.
Step 2: Add coconut milk, water, and salt
Pour in the creamy coconut milk and water. Add salt. Stir gently and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Simmer and cover
Once it starts to bubble, turn the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Step 4: Steam off heat
Turn off the heat but leave the lid on. Let it sit covered for 5 minutes so the rice can finish steaming.
Step 5: Fluff and serve
Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges if you like.
🥶 Leftovers & Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat with a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen it back up.
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Coconut milk adds fat, which coats the rice grains and makes them creamy but not mushy.
- Rinsing the basmati removes surface starch so the grains stay fluffy.
- Steaming at the end finishes cooking the rice gently without burning the coconut milk.
📅 Meal Plan Ideas
- With Thai Green Curry: Classic combo.
- With crispy tofu and stir-fried veggies: Perfect plant-based meal.
- For a tropical grain bowl: Add mango, avocado, and grilled tempeh.
- As a lunch prep side: Keeps well in meal prep containers with protein and greens.
❌ Common Mistakes
- Not rinsing the rice: Makes it gummy.
- Using low heat from the start: Toast the rice first for better flavor.
- Letting the heat stay high after adding coconut milk: Can scorch the bottom.
- Skipping the resting time: Makes the texture uneven.
🍛 What to Serve With
- Thai green, red, or yellow curry
- Pan-fried tofu or tempeh
- Stir-fried bok choy or broccoli
- Mango cucumber salad
- Grilled eggplant
❓ FAQ
Can I use brown basmati rice?
Yes, but increase the liquid and cooking time—about 40–45 minutes total.
Is it sweet?
Nope! Coconut milk adds creaminess, not sweetness (unless your coconut milk has added sugar—check the label).
Can I make it oil-free?
Yes, just skip the coconut oil and toast the rice dry before adding liquid.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, just use a bigger pot and increase the cooking time slightly.
🌿 Give It a Try!
This coconut basmati rice is simple but feels like something special. Give it a shot and let me know how it turns out in the comments! I’d love to hear how you served it or if you made any fun twists.