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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes » Coconut Rice with Turmeric

    PUBLISHED: July 8, 2020 • By Toni Dash 28 Comments

    Coconut Rice with Turmeric

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    coconut rice with cilantro and title image

    Why settle for plain boring white rice when you can make this gorgeous Coconut Rice! It takes no more time and is bursting with big flavor. This moist delicious rice is great with grilled and roasted meats, Asian-inspired dishes and bowl recipes. 

    coconut rice with cilantro and title image

    This Coconut Rice has been a family favorite recipe for years.

    It turns basic jasmine rice into a something special.

    Coconut Rice is an easy, fast recipe making moist, delicious rice in a beautiful yellow color thanks to some turmeric.

    This recipe is a great side dish for grilled and roasted meats, Asian-inspired dishes, rice bowls and more.

    The rice is perfectly cooked and moist without being sticky.

    A few extra ingredients give a boost of flavor that gets everyone excited about rice!

    Easy Coconut Rice 

    This recipe doesn’t take extra time and isn’t complicated.

    Instead of using just water, canned unsweetened coconut milk gives great flavor and moisture to the rice.

    It won’t dry out like some rice can.

    There are many recipes this rice can be used IN and with.

    It’s a recipe my family is always excited about when I make it.

    coconut rice with chicken in a bowl

    Recipe Ingredients

    • White Jasmine Rice – this rice is a perfect flavor for this recipe. It cooks quickly and has a wonderful texture.
    • Unsweetened Coconut Milk – I always use regular canned unsweetened coconut milk however the measurements for the liquid are included if you want to substitute unsweetened coconut milk from a carton, or canned light coconut milk.
    • Water
    • Red Onion
    • Turmeric – turmeric is brilliant gold spice with an earthy flavor that’s adds the color and depth of flavor to the rice. Turmeric can stain so be careful to keep it off fabrics or stain-able surfaces.
    • Kosher Salt – kosher salt is preferred for its better flavor and is not as sharply salty as regular iodized salt.
    • fresh Cilantro 

    Rice Types

    All rice types require different cooking times and liquid amounts. This recipe was developed to use White Jasmine Rice specifically.

    I have not made it with other types of rice.

    coconut rice ingredients

    How to Make Coconut Rice – Step-by-Step

    STEP 1: Place the rice in a fine mesh sieve/strainer (photo 1) and rinse rice until the water runs clear.

    STEP 2: Combine the coconut milk (photo 2) and water (photo 3) for a total of 3 cups of liquid.

    how to make coconut rice recipe steps 1-4 (photo collage)

    STEP 3: Combine the coconut milk, water, onions, salt and turmeric in a large saucepan (photo 4). Bring just to the start of a low boil, stirring to combine. 

    STEP 4: Add the rice (photo 5) stir to combine. Reduce the heat to simmer and place a lid on the pan. Cook for 15 minutes.

    STEP 5: Turn off the heat and allow the coconut rice to rest for 10 minutes with the lid on off the heat. Photo 6 shows rice after resting before fluffing. Fluff and serve.
    how to make coconut rice recipe steps 5-6 (photo collage)

    Can Brown Rice be used?

    Ironically this recipe when originally published did use brown jasmine rice.

    It has become harder to find and is a bit more unpredictable about the cooking time.

    Though white jasmine rice is recommended for this recipe, if you would like to try brown jasmine rice:

    • Use 2 cups of the brown jasmine rice
    • Use 1 13.5-ounce can of unsweetened coconut milk
    • Use 1 3/4 cups water. NOTE: the total liquid amount (coconut milk + water) should be 3 1/2 cups.
    • Prepare the recipe as directed below.
    • The cooking time should be 25 minutes but in my findings it can take significantly longer for the liquid to absorb (it took 40-45 minutes for me).
    • Check at 25 minutes but let the liquid being absorbed rather than the time guide it being ‘done’.
    • Allow to rest 10 minutes off the heat before fluffing and serving.

    turmeric coconut rice bowl

    What to Serve it With

    The possibilities are almost endless of how to serve this rice. As a side dish, in bowl recipes, and more.

    • Thai-Style Grilled Chicken Thighs
    • Shrimp-Pineapple Skewers
    • Thai Chicken Thigh Basil Quinoa Bowl – substitute the coconut rice for the quinoa
    • Ginger Soy Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks
    • Peanut-Encrusted Asian Pork Tenderloin
    • Nonya Chicken Curry recipe 
    • Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice – use coconut rice instead of regular rice 

    Storing Leftovers

    Leftover rice can be stored in a sealed container or zipper-close plastic bag in the refrigerator for 4-6 days.

    Freezing prepared Coconut Rice

    To lengthen the shelf life of the rice, freeze it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 6 months.

    Due to the fat content in the coconut milk, this rice freezes and thaws well.

    Allow to thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or on the stove top.

    coconut rice in white bowl

    Try these Recipes too!

    • Pickled Jalapenos
    • Nana’s Lemon Bars
    • Grilled Potatoes in Foil
    • Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
    • Dry Rub for Ribs
    • Queso Fundido
    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

    Please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK , TWITTER , INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST !

    Coconut Rice with Turmeric

    This lightly coconut flavored rice has delicious flavor and a light yellow color from turmeric. A wonderful side dish with any protein.
    5 from 20 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Asian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Resting Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 14 1/2-cup servings (total yield: 7 cups)
    Calories: 160kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
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    Ingredients

    • 2 cups White Jasmine Rice
    • 1 13.5-ounce can Unsweetened Coconut Milk approximately 1 ¾ cups
    • 1 ¼ cups Water*
    • ½ medum Red Onion thinly sliced (separate the slices into individual rings before adding to saucepan)
    • ½ teaspoon Turmeric
    • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
    • 2 tablespoons diced fresh Cilantro garnish

    Instructions

    • Put the rice in a fine mesh strainer or sieve. Run cold water over it until the water runs clear.
    • In a large saucepan, combine the coconut milk, water, onion, turmeric and salt; stir to combine. Bring to a low boil.
    • Add the rice and stir to combine. Place a lid on the saucepan and lower the heat to a simmer.
    • Cook 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed into the rice (if using rice from a package confirm cooking time on the package as some brands may differ)
    • After the liquid is absorbed, remove the saucepan from the heat. With the lid still on, allow the rice to sit for 10 minutes undisturbed before serving. Fluff rice before serving.
    • Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve.

    Notes

    *the total amount of liquid (coconut milk + water) should equal 3 cups. The amount of coconut milk should not exceed 1 ¾ cups.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 160kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 173mg | Potassium: 102mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!
    « Thai-Style Dipping Sauce recipe
    Grilled Chicken Thighs with Thai flavors »

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Krystal says

      August 08, 2021 at 6:59 pm

      Made this today and it is incredible! Thank you for a wonderful new recipe.

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        August 08, 2021 at 8:05 pm

        So glad you liked it Krystal! It’s a favorite of ours too!

        Reply
    2. katrina Kroeplin says

      July 10, 2020 at 7:44 pm

      oh that looks really good. i’ll def have to try it out. saving now.

      Reply
    3. katerina @ diethood.com says

      July 10, 2020 at 9:20 am

      5 stars
      I LOVE this!! It sounds incredibly delicious!! YUM!

      Reply
    4. Suzy says

      July 09, 2020 at 10:34 am

      5 stars
      Love how simple this is! The rice is so fluffly and flavorful!

      Reply
    5. wilhelmina says

      July 09, 2020 at 10:16 am

      5 stars
      No boring rice here, this stuff is amazing! We absolutely love it!

      Reply
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    About Toni Dash

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    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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