Rice, cooked with coconut milk
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
Coconut milk rice is fragrant, creamy rice cooked in rich coconut milk, often with pandan or lemongrass for aroma. The grains are plump, slightly sticky, and carry a sweet, nutty flavor from the fat in the coconut. It's a high-energy, carbohydrate-rich staple with a notable fat content that makes it satisfying.
💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its luxurious, comforting creaminess and the way it transforms plain rice into a flavorful base or side. It's deeply embedded in tropical cuisines, symbolizing celebration and hospitality.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high calorie and fat density can be a concern for weight management, and the significant carbohydrate load can cause blood sugar spikes. To counteract this, pair it with a protein-rich dish (like grilled chicken or tofu) and non-starchy vegetables, and practice portion control by using it as a flavorful accent rather than the main component.
Key benefits
- Provides quick energy from dense carbohydrates
- Contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) from coconut for rapid fuel
- The fat content increases satiety and slows digestion
- Can be a good source of calories for those needing energy-dense foods
- Gluten-free and naturally vegan
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The fat in coconut milk is primarily saturated, but about half of it is lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that is metabolized differently than most saturated fats and is also found in human breast milk.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 51.5 g |
| Energy | 267 kcal |
| Protein | 3.6 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 17.2 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 26.6 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 1.9 g |
| Total Sugars | 3.3 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 19.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 2.3 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 33.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 103 mg |
| Potassium, K | 219 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 182 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.78 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.25 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 8.5 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 1.3 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.17 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.01 mg |
| Niacin | 1.7 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.06 mg |
| Folate, total | 72.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 60.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 11.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 114 ug |
| Choline, total | 6.1 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.14 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.10 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 15.2 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.10 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 1.2 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.95 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 7.6 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 3.0 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 1.5 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.89 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.78 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.78 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.23 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.23 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Is coconut milk rice gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free as it is made from rice and coconut milk, neither of which contain gluten. Always check for cross-contamination if prepared commercially.
How is it different from regular steamed rice?
The cooking liquid is coconut milk (often diluted with water), which infuses the grains with fat, calories, and a distinct sweet, nutty flavor, resulting in a richer texture and higher energy content.
Can I use light coconut milk?
You can, but it will significantly reduce the fat, calorie content, and the characteristic creamy mouthfeel. Full-fat coconut milk is traditional for the best flavor and texture.