Jamaican Coconut Rice

Name: Jamaican Coconut Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup jasmine rice; 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk; 1 cup water; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Authentic World Food Ideas

I absolutely love making Jamaican Coconut Rice because it adds a tropical twist to any meal. The rich creamy coconut flavor and subtle sweetness complement savory dishes perfectly. This rice dish is not just easy to whip up but also requires minimal ingredients, making it ideal for a cozy dinner or special occasions. Whenever I serve it, my family can't get enough of the delightful aroma wafting through the kitchen, and it transports us straight to the Caribbean. Trust me, this is a dish that will elevate your dining experience!

Created by

Megan Scott

Last updated on 2026-01-13T06:53:36.182Z

When I first tried Jamaican Coconut Rice, I was amazed by how a simple grain could transform into something so incredibly flavorful. Each bite is infused with coconut milk, which gives the rice a unique creamy texture and a hint of sweetness. I remember making it for the first time, pairing it with jerk chicken, and the combination was nothing short of magical.

What makes this recipe so special is the use of jasmine rice. It absorbs the coconut milk beautifully while remaining fluffy. I've found that toasting the rice in a bit of oil before adding the coconut milk amplifies the flavor. This method has become my go-to for not just this dish but many others as well!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Creamy coconut flavor that elevates the taste of any dish
Quick and easy preparation, perfect for weeknight meals
Versatile side dish that pairs well with various cuisines

      

The Role of Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is the star ingredient in Jamaican Coconut Rice, providing rich creaminess and a distinctive flavor that elevates the dish. The canned coconut milk has a balance of fat and liquid, which not only enhances the taste but also aids in achieving a perfectly tender texture. Choose full-fat coconut milk for a more decadent flavor and creaminess; light alternatives may yield a drier rice.

When pouring in the coconut milk, stir it well to ensure an even distribution of the coconut flavor and fat throughout the rice. This will help prevent the rice from becoming clumpy. It's also essential to keep the heat at a gentle boil once you add the coconut milk and water, as a vigorous boil can cause uneven cooking.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve perfectly fluffy rice, it's crucial to monitor the simmering process closely. After adding the ingredients, you should reduce the heat to the lowest setting immediately after boiling to avoid burning the rice at the bottom. Keeping the pot covered allows for steam retention, which ensures even cooking. A good indicator that your rice is ready is the absence of liquid on top and that it appears dry and fluffy.

Avoid lifting the lid too often during cooking, as it can release steam and disrupt the cooking process. If you find that your rice is not quite done after the initial cooking time, add a tablespoon of water, cover, and let it simmer for an additional few minutes. This slight adjustment can salvage undercooked rice.

Garnishing and Serving Ideas

Garnishing your coconut rice enhances the dish visually and adds layers of flavor. Chopped green onions not only provide a fresh crunch but also a subtle oniony aroma that contrasts beautifully with the creamy base. For a touch of color, you can sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro or parsley on top before serving. This adds a brightness that uplifts the rich coconut flavors.

Coconut rice pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes. Consider serving it alongside jerk chicken or seafood, as the light sweetness harmonizes perfectly with the bold spices. For a vegetarian option, pair it with spicy beans or sautéed vegetables. If you have leftovers, coconut rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore its creamy texture.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to start preparing your delicious Jamaican Coconut Rice:

Ingredients for Jamaican Coconut Rice

1 cup jasmine rice
1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
1 cup water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Now that you have everything, let’s move on to the cooking steps!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to cook your Jamaican Coconut Rice:

Toast the Rice

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the jasmine rice and toast for about 2 minutes, stirring continuously until the rice is slightly golden.

Add Coconut Milk and Water

Pour in the coconut milk and water, then add the salt. Stir well and bring to a boil.

Simmer

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

Fluff and Serve

Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Your Jamaican Coconut Rice is now ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or a few lime zest strips during cooking. You can also use light coconut milk for a lighter version.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Making coconut rice ahead of time is simple and practical. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just ensure you let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or to serve at larger gatherings.

For longer storage, coconut rice can also be frozen. Allow it to cool down and then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. It will last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of coconut milk or water to restore creaminess.

Ingredient Substitutions

If jasmine rice isn't available, you can substitute it with basmati rice without compromising too much on flavor. However, it may require slightly different cooking times—typically, basmati rice cooks faster, around 15 minutes. Adjust water ratios accordingly, aiming for a 1:1 ratio with coconut milk if using basmati.

For a dairy-free option, ensure that all ingredients are verified as dairy-free, including the coconut milk. If you're looking for a nut-free substitute, olive oil used in this recipe ensures it remains safe for those with nut allergies. Additionally, variations such as using brown rice can introduce more fiber, but they will need a longer cooking time—about 30-40 minutes.

Flavor Variations

For those looking to spice things up a bit, you can add aromatics such as minced garlic or ginger when toasting the rice. These ingredients infuse a warm, fragrant depth to the dish that complements the coconut without overwhelming it. Just sauté briefly with the rice to avoid burning.

Another flavorful variation is adding zest from a lime or lemon during the final fluffing stage. This addition of citrus brightens the whole dish and plays wonderfully with the coconut flavor, creating an exciting balance of sweet and tangy. Feel free to experiment with what resonates most with your palate!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and add more liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ Is it necessary to toast the rice?

Toasting the rice is not necessary, but it enhances the flavor and adds a nice nutty aroma.

→ Can this be made vegan?

Absolutely! The ingredients are already vegan-friendly since it only contains rice, coconut milk, and seasonings.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop with a bit of water.