This Easy Five Minute Coconut Rice recipe is a delicious, simple, time-saving way to prepare a flavorful rice side dish. Using instant rice and a few simple ingredients, Instant Coconut Rice will compliment many different main course meals and is ready in only five minutes!
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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap "Jump to Recipe" at the top of the page.
Why You'll Love This Instant Coconut Rice
I’m obsessed with this instant coconut rice recipe, and I bet you will be too! It’s super easy to make and packed with flavor, thanks to the coconut milk and toasted coconut flakes. Whether you use full-fat coconut milk for a rich dish or lighter coconut milk options, this recipe works perfectly every time.
The best part? It’s ready in just minutes—no more waiting 30 minutes for rice to cook! This quick and flavorful coconut rice is the perfect side dish to jazz up your meal without any hassle. This rice makes a great side dish to this Curry Barbecue Chicken!
Instant Coconut Rice Ingredients
*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Coconut Milk: The star of the show! I always opt for full fat coconut milk for that rich, creamy taste, but you can totally use light coconut milk if you're watching the calories.
- Instant Rice: For us busy folks, rice instant is a lifesaver. Brown rice can also be used for a healthier twist.
- Ginger and Garlic: These add a punch of flavor and warmth, making the rice aromatic and inviting.
- Sweetened Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes sprinkled on top add a delightful crunch and a hint of sweetness.
- Cilantro: A sprinkle of this gives a fresh, herby finish that contrasts beautifully with the rich coconut.
- Garlic Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors, making the minute coconut rice utterly irresistible in just minutes cook time.
How to Make Five Minute Coconut Rice
[Step 1] First, pour a can of coconut milk into a measuring cup and add enough water to equal two cups. Pour it in a medium sauce pan and whisk in the garlic, ginger, and garlic salt.
[Step 2] Heat the coconut mix mixture over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil. Stir in the rice then remove from heat and cover. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.
[Step 3] Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the cilantro and coconut flakes. Serve it with your favorite entree.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use light coconut milk instead of full-fat coconut milk? Yes, you can use light coconut milk for this coconut rice recipe, but remember that full-fat coconut milk gives the rice a richer flavor and creamier texture. If you're counting calories, light coconut milk is a good alternative, though the final dish might be slightly less luxurious.
- How do I get the perfect consistency for my coconut rice? Achieving the perfect consistency is all about the coconut milk to water ratio. For fluffy and moist coconut rice, use a mixture of coconut milk and water. The key is to not let it be too soggy or too dry. Following the minute coconut rice cook time instructions closely will ensure good results.
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Easy Five Minute Coconut Rice
Ingredients
- 1 Can 14.5 oz Coconut Milk, + Water to Equal 2 Cups
- 2 Cups Instant Minute Rice
- ½ Teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic minced
- 3 Tablespoon Coconut Flakes
- 3 Tablespoon Cilantro chopped
- ¼ Teaspoon Garlic Salt
Instructions
- Put coconut milk, ginger, garlic and garlic salt in medium sized sauce pan.
- Heat the mixture over medium high heat until boiling. Stir in the rice.
- Remove from heat and cover. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the coconut flakes and chopped cilantro. Serve!
sneltzer says
This looks pretty good and simple. Wonder if my little guy would eat this. Thanks for sharing
Kathrin says
It sounds so yummy! Even though I had just lunch I would like to eat your dish right now. Thank your for the amazing recipe!
mindymoser says
Thank you Kathrin!
samuelmurrayboneyiv says
yummy! I'm making this tonight to go along with my salmon. Thank you!
mindymoser says
Awesome, I hope you like it!
Vivienne says
Yum!!! This sounds really delicious and easy to make! I'll have to try out the recipe 🙂
mindymoser says
I hope you like it!
Anita says
mmmmm I love, individually, all of the ingredients you used. I am trying to eat less rice but I will try this one day when I am treating myself
Sarahi Cardenas says
Yummy!!!!!!!! this sounds delicious! Im even gonna pin it to not forget it lol
xoxo,
Sc
https://www.sarahicardenas.com/the-coffee-haunt/
mindymoser says
I hope you like it!
heidi says
I could eat this all the time! yum!
mindymoser says
I totally agree!
heidi says
i made it again leaving out the savory spices adding vanilla and had it for dessert..good warm or cold 🙂
mindymoser says
Great idea! I'll have to try that!
cookingwithcharacter13 says
This sounds good! Great recipe!
mindymoser says
Thank you! I hope you like it!
Keri|flipflopweekend says
We eat white rice all the time with fish. It is a staple in our house. I have used coconut water before, but never thought to use coconut milk and flake to amp up the flavor. Can't wait to try this!
mindymoser says
I hope you like it!
Wendy l Barnes says
Making this rice tonight to go with grilled jerk rubbed pork chops and pineapple salsa
Thank you for sharing
Jac says
Do you use sweetened or unsweetened coconut flakes?
Lucy says
Could you use Jasmine Rice, and what about coconut water instead of water to add more coconut?
Mindy says
I've only made this recipe with instant rice, but I'm sure that jasmine rice will work as well as long as you use the appropriate amount of liquid required to cook the rice properly. Coconut water should work great! Hope that helps 🙂