Gluten free cooks who explore cuisines from around the world are delighted with culinary adventures. Thai Jasmine coconut rice is one of the many Thai dishes that are gluten free. Onions sautéed in butter is the secret that transforms this simple dish into a worldwide favourite.
This coconut rice is a perfect side dish to any Thai curry; Yellow Chicken Curry, Red Shrimp Curry or Pork and Vegetable Curry. For more dishes to create an amazing meal check out my complete Thai menu.
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Ingredients for Coconut Rice
Don't buy instant rice or parboiled rice. Buy real rice and cook it, you'll never go back to anything in a box. Jasmine rice has a soft, sticky texture when cooked and a mild fragrant taste.
- Butter and onion - This is the secret to coconut rice.
- Thai Jasmine rice - Also called fragrant rice, this is a long grain variety of rice worth looking for. You usually get the best price at an Asian grocery store.
- Canned coconut milk - The fat content can range from 24% to 70%. The labeling has changed over time and the 24% now seems to be labeled as lite coconut milk. For this rice I think the lower fat content makes a nice, coconut flavoured rice. Learn more in this post about the fat content of coconut milk.
- Cilantro or toasted coconut - Either makes a nice garnish for a special meal.
See recipe card for exact amounts.
Instructions for Cooking Perfect Rice
No matter how you cook your rice it should turn out perfect every time. If it's not be sure you're buying good quality rice. For the stove top method follow these steps.
- Use 1 part rice to 2 parts liquid.
- Bring liquid and rice to a boil with the lid off.
- Simmer with the lid on for 20 minutes, no peeking.
Substitutions
For an everyday version of this coconut rice I might use up an open can of coconut milk and substitute water to make up the remaining amount of liquid needed.
Get The Tools
I have a 6-burner stove and I cook my rice in a pot on the stove. If I was buying new I like the pots with lids you can see through. Many people love their rice cooker because it sits on the counter and keeps the rice warm until it's ready to serve. I don't have an Instant Pot but that's another way to cook rice. Find the way that works best for you and stick with it.
Coconut Milk Tip
Shake the can vigorously before opening, to combine the solids at the top with the liquid. This is easier than whisking the coconut milk after opening the can.
A Travel Tale from Thailand
From time to time I write a travel post for my friend Sue over at Travel Tales of Life. This is the one I wrote about our trip to Thailand many years ago with a recipe for Thai Red Shrimp Curry.
Thai Jasmine Coconut Rice
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¼ cup finely minced onion
- 1 cup Thai Jasmine rice
- 2 cups canned coconut milk* (or 1 can plus enough water to measure 2 cups)
- ½ teaspoon salt
GARNISH
- chopped cilantro or toasted coconut
Instructions
- Heat butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onion until slightly browned, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes.
- Add rice and cook for 1 minute stirring to coat all the grains of rice.
- Add coconut milk and salt to the pan, stir. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to simmer, cover and cook for 20 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and transfer to serving dish. Garnish with chopped cilantro or toasted coconut if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
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Leona Hawryluk
Absolutely delicious. Cinde is a charming and gracious host. So much fun and delightful. I will be making this recipe a lot in the future.
Cinde Little
Thank you Leona! It was great to meet you in person and always fun to cook with like-minded people. I'm glad you found so many new Thai and Vietnamese recipes you want to repeat.
Joanne
This was such a great recipe. In past attempts I was always missing the sautéed onions. This has made all the difference. Coconut rice was so tasty
Cinde Little
This is like a best kept secret! Those sautéed onions transform this dish and I think we could have made a double recipe. Not a single rice grain left in the bowl. Thanks for bringing your group for an in person class. It was a fun night!