The 10 Best Types of Rice for Coconut Rice

As a lover of all things coconut, I have embarked on a culinary journey to discover the absolute best types of rice for coconut rice.

After countless taste tests and experiments in my kitchen, I am excited to share with you the top ten varieties that will take your coconut rice to the next level.

From the fragrant Basmati to the sticky and satisfying Jasmine, each rice brings its own unique flavor and texture to this tropical dish.

Get ready to elevate your coconut rice game with these outstanding rice options.

Basmati Rice

Basmati rice is a popular choice for coconut rice due to its long grain and aromatic properties. I love using Basmati rice when making coconut rice because it adds a unique flavor and texture to the dish.

The long grains of Basmati rice give the coconut rice a light and fluffy texture, making it a delight to eat. Additionally, the aromatic properties of Basmati rice enhance the overall taste of the coconut rice, making it even more flavorful.

When cooking Basmati rice for coconut rice, I usually rinse it thoroughly to remove any excess starch and then cook it with coconut milk for added richness. The end result is a delicious and fragrant coconut rice that pairs perfectly with many different dishes.

Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice is a popular choice for making delicious coconut rice due to its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture.

I love using jasmine rice because it adds an amazing flavor to the dish. When cooked, it becomes soft and fluffy, making it the perfect base for the creamy coconut flavor.

The aroma of the jasmine rice pairs perfectly with the coconut, creating a delightful and inviting aroma that fills the kitchen. The grains of the rice are slender and elongated, giving the coconut rice a visually appealing look.

The combination of the fragrant jasmine rice and the rich, creamy coconut sauce makes for a truly irresistible dish that is sure to please everyone’s taste buds.

Arborio Rice

If you’re looking to make a creamy risotto, arborio rice is the perfect choice for its ability to absorb flavors and create a rich, velvety texture.

Arborio rice, with its short, plump grains, is known for its high starch content, which gives the risotto its signature creaminess. When cooked, arborio rice releases its starch slowly, creating a thick, sticky consistency that coats each grain perfectly.

This type of rice also has a slightly chewy texture, adding a pleasant bite to the dish. Arborio rice is versatile and can be paired with a variety of ingredients, from vegetables to seafood or even mushrooms.

Sticky Rice

Sticky rice, also known as glutinous rice, is a popular staple in many Asian cuisines. It is loved for its sticky texture and ability to hold together well in dishes like sushi or sticky rice desserts. I absolutely love sticky rice because of its unique chewy and sticky consistency. It adds a delightful texture to any dish it is used in.

Whether I’m enjoying a plate of Thai mango sticky rice or a savory Chinese sticky rice dumpling, the sticky rice never fails to satisfy my taste buds. Its ability to hold together well also makes it perfect for sushi rolls, where it acts as a binding agent for all the ingredients.

Sticky rice is truly a versatile and delicious ingredient that adds a special touch to any Asian dish.

Brown Rice

You should try incorporating brown rice into your diet as a healthier alternative to white rice.

Brown rice is a whole grain that retains its bran and germ layers, making it more nutritious than its white counterpart. It is packed with fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.

I personally love the nutty flavor and chewy texture of brown rice. It’s also a great source of essential minerals like magnesium and selenium.

Brown rice is known for its low glycemic index, which means it helps regulate blood sugar levels and can be beneficial for individuals with diabetes.

Wild Rice

Now that I’ve covered the benefits of brown rice, let’s move on to another fantastic option for coconut rice: wild rice. I absolutely love the nutty flavor and chewy texture of wild rice. It adds a unique touch to any coconut rice dish.

Wild rice is not actually rice, but a type of grass seed. It is highly nutritious and packed with fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. This dark, long grain rice pairs perfectly with the creamy taste of coconut milk. The combination of the two creates a delightful contrast of flavors.

Whether you’re looking to elevate your coconut rice or simply try something new, wild rice is definitely worth considering. Its distinct taste and health benefits make it a wonderful addition to any dish.

Red Rice

Red rice, with its vibrant color and slightly nutty flavor, is a delicious alternative to traditional white rice. I love cooking with red rice because it adds a beautiful pop of color to any dish.

The grains are slightly chewy, giving the rice a wonderful texture. I find that red rice pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables or grilled chicken. It also works well in cold salads, adding a unique and interesting element to the dish.

Red rice is not as well-known as other types of rice, but it is definitely worth giving a try. Its distinct flavor and beautiful appearance make it a standout choice for any meal.

Black Rice

Black rice, also known as forbidden rice, has a unique nutty flavor and a striking dark color that adds a visually stunning element to any dish. I absolutely love cooking with black rice because it not only tastes delicious but also looks incredibly appealing on the plate.

The nutty flavor adds a depth to dishes that other types of rice just can’t match. Plus, the dark color provides a beautiful contrast to the other ingredients, making the dish visually enticing.

Whether it’s a simple stir-fry or an elaborate rice pudding, black rice always elevates the dish to another level. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in both savory and sweet recipes, making it a must-have in any kitchen.

Sushi Rice

You can achieve the perfect stickiness and texture for your sushi rolls by using short-grain rice.

As a sushi lover, I’ve learned that the key to a great sushi roll lies in the rice. Short-grain rice, also known as sushi rice, is the ideal choice because of its high starch content.

This starch gives the rice that signature stickiness that holds the roll together. When cooked properly, the grains of sushi rice stick together just enough to provide the perfect texture without being too mushy.

The short-grain rice also absorbs the flavors of the sushi vinegar, creating a delicious taste that complements the fresh fish and other ingredients.

Carnaroli Rice

If you’re looking for a rice variety that is known for its creamy texture, Carnaroli rice is a great choice. It is often considered the king of Italian rice due to its exceptional quality.

When cooked, Carnaroli rice retains its shape and absorbs a lot of liquid, making it perfect for risottos and creamy dishes. As a lover of Italian cuisine, I can’t help but appreciate the unique characteristics of Carnaroli rice.

The grains are plump and slightly longer than other varieties, giving it a delightful chewiness. Its high starch content contributes to the creamy consistency, making each bite a rich and indulgent experience.

Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, Carnaroli rice will elevate your dishes to a whole new level of deliciousness.