Khao Mun Kati (Thai Coconut Rice)

Fragrant, fluffy Thai-style coconut rice with a lightly sweet-salty balance—perfect alongside curries, stir-fries, or grilled mains.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice
• 1 cup coconut milk (well-shaken)
• 1 cup water
• 1 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp neutral oil (optional, helps reduce foaming)

Method

• 1

  Step 1: Rinse the rice

  Rinse jasmine rice in cool water 3–4 times, swishing with your hand, until the water runs mostly clear (this helps the rice cook up fluffy, not gummy). Drain well.

• 2

  Step 2: Combine and dissolve

  Add rice to a saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Pour in coconut milk and water, then add salt and sugar. Stir well to dissolve (coconut milk can settle). If using, add the oil to help prevent coconut milk from boiling over.

• 3

  Step 3: Bring to a gentle simmer

  Set over medium heat. Once you see steady bubbles around the edges and the surface looks gently simmering (not aggressively boiling), give it one last stir to prevent sticking.

• 4

  Step 4: Steam on low

  Cover with the lid and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes. Don’t lift the lid—this is steaming time.

• 5

  Step 5: Rest, then fluff

  Turn off the heat and rest, covered, for 10 minutes (this finishes the steam and keeps grains intact). Fluff gently with a fork or rice paddle, lifting and turning rather than stirring hard.

Tips

• **Rice type matters:** Jasmine rice gives the classic Thai aroma and texture. If using another rice, liquid ratios and timing may change.
• **Creamy vs lighter:** For richer coconut rice, use slightly less water (reduce by 2–3 tbsp). For lighter, add 2–3 tbsp more water.
• **Avoid scorching:** Use the lowest heat your stove can manage once covered; coconut milk can catch on the bottom if the heat is too high.
• **Make-ahead/storage:** Cool quickly, refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat covered with a splash of water, microwave or steam until hot.
• **What to serve with:** Excellent with Thai green/red curries, basil stir-fries, grilled chicken, or anything saucy that benefits from a fragrant rice.

Nutrition (per serving, estimate)