Print

Fluffy Coconut Rice Recipe – Easy Thai-Inspired Side Dish with Cilantro

fluffy coconut rice - featured image
Print Recipe

This Thai-inspired coconut rice is creamy, aromatic, and perfectly fluffy, finished with fresh cilantro for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing side dish. Quick to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s a comforting addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice (uncooked, about 285g)
  • 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil or neutral oil (optional)
  • 1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
  • 1–2 teaspoons lime zest (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted shredded coconut (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place jasmine rice into a fine mesh sieve and rinse under cold water for 1–2 minutes, swirling with your fingers until the water runs mostly clear.
  2. In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, sea salt, and coconut oil (if using). Stir gently to combine. Add lime zest if desired.
  3. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring once or twice.
  4. As soon as it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low and cover tightly with the lid. Let it cook for 15–18 minutes undisturbed.
  5. Once the time is up, turn off the heat but don’t remove the lid. Let the rice rest for 10 minutes.
  6. Remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a wooden spoon or rice paddle. Sprinkle chopped cilantro and toasted coconut on top. Fold in gently.
  7. If the rice looks too wet, let it sit uncovered for 5 more minutes. If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of hot water and cover briefly.
  8. Spoon into a serving bowl, garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

For best results, use full-fat coconut milk and rinse rice thoroughly. Let rice rest covered after cooking for maximum fluffiness. You can substitute cilantro with Thai basil or parsley, and add lime zest or toasted coconut for extra flavor. Brown rice or cauliflower rice can be used for variations, adjusting liquid and cook time as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: coconut rice, Thai side dish, cilantro rice, vegan rice, gluten-free, easy rice recipe, jasmine rice, coconut milk, fluffy rice, Asian side dish

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/fluffy-coconut-rice-recipe-easy-thai-inspired-side-dish-with-cilantro/