My first name for this Savory Coconut Sticky Rice recipe was “Sticky Coconut Rice with Scallions Goodness and Light.” That was not the greatest name, but it definitely conveys how much I love, love, LOVE this rice that’s a little creamy, savory, a touch sweet, and all around glorious.
Why You’ll Love Sticky Coconut Rice
Why is it amazing? Well, first of all, the taste is shockingly, like, almost transcendent. I mean, I know us food bloggers like to say “YOU GUYS BEST THING EVER!!!” about every single thing, but seriously.
It’s a little creamy, a lot sticky, slightly sweet, but definitely savory. It’s coconutty without being overtly so.
It goes equally well with Thai cuisine, Chinese, or Caribbean-inspired fare like this fab Black Bean & Mango Chili. So good! I also think it would be delicious with this Red Lentil Curry, or this Summery Chickpea Curry, or maybe even a rice and beans situation with these Coconut Curry Baked Beans?!
What else is so great about this stuff? It only takes 20 minutes, most of which is hands-off. And the number of ingredients? Five. If we don’t count the water. Four if we don’t count the salt.
Here’s the exact list of ingredients …
Ingredients
We’ve got:
- Rice – I like to use white jasmine rice for this recipe.
- Scallions
- Pure maple syrup or sugar – only a little, for just a touch of sweetness.
- Coconut milk – lite works great, full fat is fine too.
- Salt & pepper
Can you hear the magical tune as the sun turns its angelic rays toward this magical marvel full of goodness and light?!
“Laaaaaaaaa!”
I know, I know. Too far. In that case, please scroll a bit more for the full, printable recipe.
Savory Coconut Sticky Rice
Ingredients
- 1 14.5-ounce can lite coconut milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (can substitute granulated sugar)
- 1/3 cup scallions (white and pale green parts only, chopped, plus 2 tablespoons sliced green parts for garnish)
- 2 cups white jasmine rice (rinsed)
Instructions
- Set a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the coconut milk, water, salt, and maple syrup. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, add the scallions and slowly pour in the rice. Stir to combine. As soon as it returns to a boil, reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer, uncovering to stir occasionally then re-covering, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, 8-10 minutes.
- Top with remaining scallions and serve.
I’m so glad you’re here! I’m a vegetarian home cook, certified plant-based pro, and mom. I’m married to an enthusiastic carnivore, and my mission is to achieve peace in the kitchen – one tasty recipe at a time. These days, I also try not to ask to speak to the manager.
I love cooking spicy dishes at home and it seems that they have just been waiting for a side of this sticky coconut rice, and a touch of goodness and light, to truly transcend to greatness! Thanks Kare, I can hear the angels singing with this one 🙂
goodness and light are two of my favorite ingredients, so I KNOW I will love this recipe! I love coconut rice, and don’t prepare it in a savory way very often…
and yes, I heard the “LAAAAAA…” as well!
This place near my house in San Diego makes the beeeessttt coconut rice and I always miss it! I absolutely need to try this – it’s too darn easy not too. And I love that picture with the light coming in. Pinned!
would this work okay with Basmati rice? Thanks
I have made it with Basmati and it’s great! It just takes longer to cook – about 30-40 minutes.
I have recently fallen in love with coconut rice: it satisfies so many of my cravings at once – sweet, savory, nutty – and it is so easy to make. (I actually have a post coming out next week using Forbidden Rice.) Thanks so much for this simply delicious recipe.
I very rarely eat grains but occasionally will have white rice. I adore this! I used to work in a Thai restaurant and have been craving their mango coconut sticky rice. I might just have to whip up a batch of this soon!
Next time I make rice in my rice cooker I am making this version. I love coconut anything so this is going to be great!