Jamaican Coconut Rice

Name: Jamaican Coconut Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup jasmine rice; 1 cup coconut milk; 1 cup water; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional, for garnish)

Highlighted under: Celebration Seasonal Food Inspiration

I absolutely love Jamaican Coconut Rice! The combination of creamy coconut milk and fluffy rice creates a dish that's so rich and satisfying. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple it was to prepare while still delivering such a vibrant flavor. The slight sweetness from the coconut perfectly balances the savory notes, making it a perfect side dish for any meal. Plus, cooking it in coconut milk ensures that every grain is infused with deliciousness! I just can't get enough of it.

Created by

Thea Montgomery

Last updated on 2026-01-13T05:03:35.914Z

The first time I made Jamaican Coconut Rice was during a tropical-themed dinner party, and it was a hit! Everyone raved about the aromatic flavors and creamy texture. I experimented with different types of rice, but I found that jasmine rice worked beautifully, where its delicate floral notes really shine through. Cooking with coconut cream gives it that extra richness that elevates the dish to another level.

Another great tip is to toast the rice in a little oil before adding the coconut milk. This technique enhances the nuttiness of the rice, resulting in a deeper flavor profile. I always serve this rice with grilled shrimp or jerk chicken, and it never fails to impress!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Creamy coconut flavor that complements any main dish
Simple ingredients yet incredible taste
Perfect for meal prep or as a festive side

      

Key Techniques for Perfect Coconut Rice

To achieve the best texture in your Jamaican Coconut Rice, the rinsing step is crucial. By rinsing the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, you eliminate excess starch, which is essential for achieving fluffy grains. If you skip this step, you might end up with rice that clumps together, resulting in a sticky side dish rather than the light, airy texture we aim for.

Toasting the rice is another key technique that enhances flavor dramatically. By warming the rice in vegetable oil before adding the liquids, you allow the grains to absorb the oil and develop a nutty aroma. Make sure to keep an eye on the rice during this process; you want it to turn a light golden color without browning too much, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes. This step sets the foundation for a richer taste profile.

Ingredient Roles and Substitutions

Coconut milk is the star ingredient in this dish, delivering the creamy consistency and tropical flavor that defines Jamaican Coconut Rice. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can replace half of the coconut milk with vegetable broth or even unsweetened almond milk. However, note that this will alter the rich taste, so it's best for dietary restrictions rather than flavor enhancement.

When it comes to rice, jasmine is preferred for its fragrant qualities. However, you can substitute it with basmati rice if necessary, keeping in mind that cooking times may vary slightly. Basmati tends to cook faster, so check it a few minutes earlier to prevent overcooking and achieve that fluffy texture.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to prepare a delicious Jamaican Coconut Rice:

Ingredients

1 cup jasmine rice
1 cup coconut milk
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional, for garnish)

Make sure your ingredients are ready for cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect Jamaican Coconut Rice:

Rinse the Rice

Start by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.

Toast the Rice

In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and toast for about 2-3 minutes until lightly golden, stirring occasionally.

Combine Ingredients

Pour in the coconut milk and water into the saucepan with the toasted rice, then add the salt. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

Cook the Rice

Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid.

Fluff and Serve

After cooking, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with shredded coconut if desired before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Jamaican Coconut Rice!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, you can include a bay leaf or a dash of lime juice while the rice is cooking.

Make-Ahead Tips

Jamaican Coconut Rice is an excellent candidate for meal prep. You can cook it in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it in the microwave, adding a splash of water to restore moisture, or reheat it in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

If you want to freeze coconut rice, cool it completely before portioning it into freezer-safe bags. It's best consumed within 2-3 months for optimal flavor. When reheating from frozen, let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight and then warm as described above.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This coconut rice pairs beautifully with a variety of Caribbean dishes such as jerk chicken, curry shrimp, or grilled vegetables. Its creamy texture and subtle sweetness balance spicy and savory flavors well. For an extra layer of flavor, consider serving it with a side of mango salsa or a spicy dipping sauce for a tropical flair.

Feel free to get creative with add-ins. You can stir in cooked black beans for added protein or toss in some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and peas at the end of cooking for a colorful presentation. Adding lime zest and cilantro before serving can also elevate the dish with a burst of fresh flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ Is there a dairy-free substitute for coconut milk?

Coconut milk is already dairy-free, but you can experiment with other plant-based milks, keeping in mind the flavor difference.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Place any leftover rice in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I add vegetables to this rice?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in some peas or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.