Easy Coconut Milk Rice (2-Ingredient Rice Cooker Recipe)

Need an easy weeknight side dish idea? This simple coconut milk rice recipe is a total family favorite. Savory, with a very mild coconut flavor, it’s also the perfect base for tacos, fried rice, meal prep bowls, and more!

Coconut Milk Rice

Let me introduce you to what is probably the single most-often-prepared side in my kitchen: coconut milk rice! Hands down, it was the dish that I missed the most when we did a Whole30. Seriously… not cheese, not cream in my coffee, not bread, not even chocolate — it was this EASY COCONUT RICE.

I’m certain some of you are shaking your heads right now, saying, “Ugh, I hate coconut.” To that I say, TRY IT before you write it off! This coconut rice doesn’t have an in-your-face coconutty taste. It’s just slightly creamy, almost buttery, with a savory flavor that has just the barest hint of sweetness. In fact, if you didn’t already know it has coconut milk in it, you’d probably never be able to guess the “special” ingredient.

Coconut Rice With Coconut Milk

Coconut rice is an ideal meal prep recipe. We like it both hot and cold, and it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week, though it rarely lasts that long around here. I make a big batch at least once a week in my rice cooker. But don’t worry if you don’t have one, I’ve got stovetop instructions for you, as well!

In fact, my teenage boys ask for it by name. They heat it up in the stove top and douse it with sriracha sauce for an after school snack. And I don’t even complain about it… Because it’s a relatively frugal recipe. And I’m telling you, I’m ALL about saving money on food wherever I can, because these boys can EAT! Plus I know it’s super quick and easy to make another batch.

Cooking Rice in Coconut Milk

NOTE: To be clear, when it comes to cooking rice in coconut milk, I’m referring to the coconut milk that comes in a can, NOT the refrigerated coconut milk beverage. That’s a totally different animal and will produce very different results.

The full fat canned variety is my coconut milk of choice, but the light version can be substituted without affecting the outcome. I buy it by the case at Costco (along with rice because we make this so often!), but you can also find it with the Asian ingredients at any grocery store.

Coconut Milk Rice Recipe Variations

We never get bored with this coconut rice recipe, because it’s super flexible. Some variations to try:

• Swap the jasmine rice for your favorite brown rice (here’s mine).
• Use coconut water instead of tap water for a stronger coconut flavor. Or stir in a cup of toasted coconut!
• Add the zest and juice of two limes, plus chopped cilantro to taste, and you’ve got a coconut cilantro rice that rivals Chipotle’s cilantro lime rice. (Honestly, I think coconut lime rice is even BETTER!)
• Eat it plain or use it as a base for tacos or burrito bowls.
• Make the best ever fried rice with it.
• Use it in your favorite meal prep recipes.

I could keep going on and on and on. Whatever you use it for, just try it — and then come back to let me know what YOU think!

P.S. Looking for a flavorful brown rice recipe that makes tender and fluffy brown rice with perfect results every single time? This Instant Pot brown rice is THE ONE!! And if you’re just looking for another way to use your rice cooker, try this easy coconut quinoa.