This coconut rice recipe makes fluffy, tender, and fragrant coconut rice which is a great accompaniment for many dishes including curries, grilled meats, and even seafood.
Rinse your rice 2 to 3 times until the water runs clear, then drain off any excess liquid.
Place rice, coconut milk, water, and salt in a medium sized saucepan over medium to high heat. If using pandan leaf, tie it into a knot. Then place in pot, and stir to combine. Bring liquid to a boil. Taste liquid for seasoning, and add more salt if needed.
Once at a boil reduce the heat to low, gently stir the rice and bring to a simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for 20 minutes. Turn off heat.
Allow rice to rest for 5 to 10 minutes with lid on. Once rested, remove lid and fluff the rice (gently mix the rice with a fork or spoon). Remove pandan leaf. Serve.
Notes
Choose long-grain rice, such as basmati or jasmine, for the best results. Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which can lead to clumpy rice.
Opt for full-fat canned coconut milk for a rich and creamy texture. Shake the can well before opening to ensure the cream and milk are properly mixed.