Budget Thai Coconut Rice

Veggie • 20 Min • Budget

A silky, aromatic Thai Coconut Rice inspired by Thai flavours—creamy, lightly sweet, and incredibly comforting. This $5 recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients into a restaurant-quality side dish perfect for curries, stir-fries, grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

• 1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed
• 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat for best texture)
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt

• 1 small garlic clove, lightly smashed
• 1 piece (1 inch) fresh ginger, sliced
• 1 pandan leaf or 1 strip of lime peel (optional)

• Lime wedges
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro

1. Rinse the rice

Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear.
This removes excess starch and prevents gummy rice.

2. Combine ingredients

In a medium pot, add rice, coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt.
If using garlic or ginger, add them now for extra aroma.

3. Bring to a simmer

Set pot over medium heat and gently bring to a light simmer—do not let it boil aggressively.

4. Cover & cook

Lower heat to minimum, cover tightly, and cook 12 minutes without lifting the lid.
Coconut milk can scorch easily, so gentle heat is key.

5. Rest the rice

Turn off heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
This step finishes steaming and creates fluffy grains.

6. Fluff & serve

Remove aromatics (garlic, ginger, lime peel) and fluff with a fork.
Serve warm alongside Thai curries, stir-fries, grilled meats, or veggies.

• Prep Time: 3 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Rest Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

• Medium pot with lid
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Fork for fluffing

• Rice options: Jasmine is best, but basmati works in a pinch.
• Creamier texture: Use 1¼ cups coconut milk + ¾ cup water.
• Lighter version: Use light coconut milk.
• Add sweetness: A touch more sugar gives a Thai restaurant-style profile.
• Add color: Stir in chopped cilantro or scallions before serving.

• Refrigerator: Up to 3 days in sealed container.
• Freezer: Up to 2 months (shrimp texture softens slightly).
• Reheat: Warm in skillet with a splash of water to revive moisture.

• Only $5 for the entire pot
• Fragrant, creamy, and better than takeout
• Works with almost any protein or curry
• Requires minimal effort
• Naturally dairy-free and gluten-free
• Tastes better than takeout

You may also enjoy our 7-Ingredient Chickpea Stew, try the Budget Vegetable Stir Fry, or go for a 9-Ingredient Green Chicken Bowl.