Takeaway-style Thai Coconut Rice

Close up of a bowl of rice topped with toasted coconut with a dish of baked chicken and sliced spring onions off to the side.

The non-negotiables on our Thai food order wherever we’re getting it from is steamed Jasmine rice for him, and coconut rice for me. I love the aromatic sweetness with whatever curries, stir-fries and salads we also choose, and it’s my new favourite thing that I’ve figured out how to make it at home. I love it even more because of how simple it is with just rice, coconut milk, and a pinch of salt!

I’ve written exact measurements below to make two servings, but remember the method and the 1:1:1 ratio of rice to coconut milk and water, and it will be impossible to go wrong!

Additional Touches

All you need to make delicious Thai Coconut Rice is Jasmine rice, coconut milk, and salt. But, you can level it up by finishing the rice with a sprinkle of toasted coconut. You can also infuse it with pandan leaf by adding it in with the coconut milk and water which is common, if you happen to have some to hand. I keep a box of 5cm pieces of fresh pandan in the freezer to use in Sri Lankan cooking, but it is not worth getting some just for this as the bags of it sold in Chinatown are usually so big you’ll have enough for several years of rice!

Bowl of coconut rice topped with toasted coconut with a spoon in the side.
Close up of a bowl of Thai coconut rice topped with toasted coconut.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I serve this coconut rice with?

Obviously this goes great with all types of Thai food, but I also like to serve it with Asian-style sticky chicken recipes like my Instant Pot Korean Chicken and my Soy Sauce Braised Chicken Thighs.

Do I have to use Jasmine rice for this recipe?

Yes, as the proportions of rice to water and coconut milk will change if you change the type of rice.

Can I use light coconut milk to make this coconut rice?

You can, if it is what you have open – I like Biona’s coconut milk which is additive free, and they also make a light version.

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Bowl of coconut rice topped with toasted coconut with a spoon in the side.

Takeaway-style Thai Coconut Rice

  • Author: Rachel Phipps
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 2
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Cuisine: Thai
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This easy Thai-style Coconut Rice is slightly sticky, aromatic, and is the perfect foil for a whole host of Thai and Asian-inspired dishes – just like you get from the takeaway!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 125g Jasmine rice
  • 125g water
  • 125g coconut milk
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 tbsp desiccated coconut (optional)
  • 5cm piece pandan leaf (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the Jasmine rice under cold water until it runs almost clear (it will never run completely clear, but you’ll be able to tell when it is done!)
  2. Bring to the boil in a medium, lidded saucepan with the water, coconut milk, and a pinch of salt. Add the pandan leaf if using. Reduce to a very low simmer and cook for 11 minutes with the lid on.
  3. Optional: Toast the coconut in a small non-stick frying pan over a medium heat, then set aside. 
  4. Turn off the heat and leave to stand with the lid on for 10 minutes before fishing out the pandan leaf if using and fluffing the rice up with a fork. Scatter with the toasted coconut, if you have prepared some. 

Notes

This rice recipe is easily scaled up or down using the 1:1:1 ratio.

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