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Coconut Milk Rice – A Childhood Favorite
- 10 mins prep
- 30 mins cook
- serves 4 people
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Coconut Milk Rice
Growing up, I enjoyed baking, and I had a few staple desserts I would make regularly. Besides anything with chocolate, milk rice was always on the list.
My dad and grandmother used to make this often. Both had their version, and both desserts were enjoyed without resistance.
Easy to make and has nothing to it besides keeping a watchful eye on the pan so that it will not scorch and burn.
It has been a while since I decided to make milk rice. However, I wanted to make it a bit differently and give it my spin.
Having some extra coconut milk on hand that was screaming to come off the shelf and be used, here is my version.
Incorporating a bit of my dad and grandmother’s touch and adding my own. This Coconut Milk Rice will soon become your and your children’s favorite afternoon snack. Besides being super delicious, it is super easy to make too.
This dessert is lighter than its counterpart rice pudding.
What is coconut milk?
Coconut milk is an opaque, milky-white liquid extracted from the grated pulp of mature coconuts.
Thick consistency and a rich, creamy texture. A great alternative to cow milk and provides several health benefits.
Please do not confuse it with coconut water found in immature green coconuts.
What type of rice is best for rice milk?
Medium grain white rice or risotto rice such as Arborio.
Arborio rice is the best suited for this dessert. However, it requires more liquid and takes slightly longer to cook.
Here are a few helpful tips for the ingredients needed
Vanilla bean: slit in the middle and remove all with the back of your knife all the seeds. Do add the empty vanilla pod to the milk rice. There is still so much flavor left in it to enjoy. Sacrilegious to throw it away. You can save the vanilla pod and place it inside your sugar bowl to flavor your sugar.
Cinnamon stick: There are so many types of cinnamon on the market. Ceylon cinnamon is one of my favorites, and I always have it in my pantry.
Whole milk: Do not substitute. The richness of the milk gives it another layer of flavor and consistency.
Coconut milk: Yummy and the star of this dessert. Shake it well, as it tends to clump together. If you forget this step, fret not; it will eventually melt and do what it needs to do. However, it will take a bit longer in the cooking process.
Almond extract: a nice flavor that, combined with vanilla and milk, brings a hint of sweetness.
Butter: use non-salted butter.
Equipment needed:
Cooking tips and step by step to make this beautiful coconut milk rice recipe:
Very easy to make the recipe. Just keep a watchful eye that it will not burn by stirring occasionally.
I do not rinse the rice as the starch it contains is the binding agent in this recipe.
- I love arborio rice, it is more starchy, and I enjoy the feel and taste when cooked.
- Bring water, whole milk, rice, and cinnamon stick to a boil. Keep an eye as the milk tends to boil relatively fast.
- Shake the coconut milk can well before opening it. It tends to coagulate and sit on a mass instead of being fluid. Not to worry, as the mass will dissolve while cooking.
- Cinnamon stick, once cooking, gives out such a great flavor that I highly recommend using it. If none is on hand, replace it with one teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
- Add coconut milk, sugar, vanilla bean seeds, pod, almond extract, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Adding the egg yolk is optional. I do want to add that it adds a nice rich flavor to your coconut rice pudding.
- Discard the cinnamon stick.
- Clean the vanilla bean for another use.
Here is a short video on how to clean your vanilla pod:
Storage instructions
If you have leftovers, place the remaining coconut milk rice in an air-tight glass container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to three days.
If you enjoyed this delicious Coconut Milk Rice, look at some of my other recipes:
- Quatre Quarts
- Rice Pudding with Dates
- Prawns with Carrot-Ginger Coconut Sauce
- Chilean Cocadas or Coconut Macaroons
- Curried Lentils, Tomato And Coconut Soup
A super easy dessert, ready in 30 minutes, can be enjoyed either lukewarm or cold. One word of advice: do not eat it all while cooking. The temptation is there, and I can vouch for it 🙂
Products and equipment used to achieve this great recipe
Nutrition Facts
Coconut Milk Rice
Amount Per Serving
Calories 499
Calories from Fat 234
% Daily Value*
Fat 26g40%
Saturated Fat 21g131%
Cholesterol 106mg35%
Sodium 48mg2%
Potassium 339mg10%
Carbohydrates 59g20%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 16g18%
Protein 9g18%
Vitamin A 260IU5%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 109mg11%
Iron 6mg33%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Coconut Milk Rice
- 10 mins prep
- 30 mins cook
- serves 4 people
Ingredients
-
1 ½ cup water
-
1 cup arborio rice
-
1 5-inch cinnamon stick
-
1 13.5 ounces unsweetened full-fat coconut milk
-
1 cup whole milk
-
¼ cup of sugar
-
1 vanilla bean, split and seeds removed
-
1 teaspoon almond extract
-
1 teaspoon unsalted butter
-
pinch of salt
-
2 egg yolks slightly beaten
Instructions
-
Bring the water, milk, rice, and cinnamon stick to a boil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, uncovered, stirring occasionally until the water is almost absorbed, 10 minutes.
-
Stir in coconut milk, sugar, vanilla bean seeds and bean, almond extract, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
-
Reduce heat to medium-low and cook rice uncovered, stirring often until the mixture has thickened to almost a pudding-like consistency, 20 minutes. Remove from heat add the egg yolk. Mix well and transfer to a large bowl.
-
Remove the cinnamon stick and vanilla bean. Keep the vanilla bean for another use. Discard the cinnamon stick. Serve lukewarm or cold.
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Originally published on December 20, 2020. Updated on December 3, 2022.
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This is the taste of childhood; it’s all coming back now!!
I am glad, nothing like enjoy a past moment with love
Coconut, cinnamon, and vanilla is a perfectly decadent flavor combination! Thank you for this delicious and fragrant arborio rice recipe.
The pleasure is all mine, thank you for stopping by Giangi’s Kitchen.
My mom used to make rice pudding, this brings back so many memories!
I am so happy it did.
Happy Holidays!
We loved the flavors in this simple rice dish. Will definitely be making again!
Thank you!
Absolutely delicious! I added some red fruits just before serving simply to add colour.
That sounds wonderful. What a great idea!
I learned how to make rice pudding when working in the retirement residence. I remember how all the residents would give me tips on how to improve it. They were all so excited when it was rice pudding for dessert.
We all have a version of this dessert, and it is so wonderful to see how many memories it stimulates. I am sure the residents where in heaven when you prepare your version to them.
Thank you for sharing
Such a creamy and comfy dessert that is so nostalgic
Comfy food at its best in my book too.
Enjoy!
Such incredible recipe! Super easy and rich flavor!
Thank you!
We used to have milk rice a lot as kids. This brought back memories! Haven’t had it in such a long time but still so goood!
Enjoy! We are never too old for good yummy childhood food.
I haven’t made this in ages, great recipe! Thanks for reminding me!!
The pleasure is all mine.
Enjoy!
Thanks for the memory. I had this as a child but forgot all about it until now. I’ll have to make this soon. So creamy and looks so satisfying.
Thank you, I am glad it brought back good memories for you.
Enjoy!
I’ve never had this before but it looks and sounds delightful!
It is one of those desserts that you want one more bite…
Enjoy!
I cannot wait to try this! It looks and sounds amazing!
You will love it.
Enjoy!
this is similar to what we used to have, you brought back memories have to try this again.
I am glad you will make it.
Enjoy!
Rice pudding is so delicious! I love it with cinnamon, vanilla and raisins. YUM!!
Raisins! Love raisins. My dad used to put them in and I always loved them.
Next time.
Thank you for stopping by.
I’ve had milk rice before, but never coconut milk rice. What a fantastic idea!!
It is a bit richer, and yet so yummy too.
I love rice pudding and welcome this lactose-free recipe. Coconut milk is such a great addition to the recipe!
Thank you.
We called this creamed rice and it was a favorite growing up. I like your version with the coconut milk and the egg for extra richness. Great recipe.
Thank you, I am so happy you enjoyed it.
Is your recipe close to this one? Love to hear how you make yours. Thank you.
Such a perfect coconut milk rice! Simple to make and full of flavor!
Thank you, I am happy you enjoyed it.
thanks for bringing back memories with this coconut milk rice – it is so soothing and just super cozy and warm
The pleasure is all mine and I am happy you enjoyed it.
Thank you for stopping by.
I love this recipe and the fact you used Arborio rice I love that and cinnamon and vanilla are my favourite flavours…the addition of coconut milk is great also Thank you
We just had this Coconut Milk Rice and it’s perfect! The taste and the texture are well blended.
Thank you for your feedback, I am glad you enjoyed it.