How to Make the Perfect Caribbean Coconut Rice
Caribbean · Easy · 30 min · 4 servings
This aromatic Caribbean coconut rice is cooked entirely in creamy coconut milk with toasted coconut flakes and a hint of lime zest for a fragrant and lightly sweet side dish. It is beautifully simple yet complex enough to stand on its own or complement any island main course.
Why this recipe works
This Caribbean Coconut Rice recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 290 calories with 5g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups jasmine rice, rinsed
- 1.5 cups full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 0.5 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted
- 1 whole lime, zested
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Toast the Coconut
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the shredded coconut, stirring constantly for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Remove immediately and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Combine and Bring to Boil
In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed jasmine rice, coconut milk, water, and salt. Stir once to mix, then bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 3: Steam the Rice
Once boiling, reduce the heat to very low, cover the pot tightly, and cook undisturbed for 18 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Step 4: Fluff and Garnish
Remove the pot from heat and let it stand covered for 3 minutes. Fluff with a fork, fold in the lime zest, and transfer to a serving dish. Top with the toasted coconut and serve warm.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- jasmine rice → basmati rice for a slightly drier, nuttier result that works equally well
- full-fat coconut milk → coconut cream thinned with additional water for an even richer flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the step of rinsing the rice leaves excess starch that makes the coconut rice gummy and clumped together
- Using low-fat coconut milk results in a watery, flat-tasting rice that lacks the rich creamy quality of authentic coconut rice
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 290 calories, 5g protein, 48g carbs, 10g fat, 2g fiber.
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