Name: Pumpkin Coconut Rice Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup light coconut milk; 1 cup vegetable broth; ½ cup canned pumpkin; 1 cup white rice; Pinch of sea salt

There’s something so cozy and comforting about this Pumpkin Coconut Rice Recipe. The creamy coconut milk blends beautifully with the subtle sweetness of pumpkin, making it a perfect twist on regular rice that’s easy to make but feels special enough for anything from weeknight dinners to holiday spreads.

A white pot filled with creamy, orange-colored risotto is shown from above. The risotto has soft, plump rice grains with a slightly sticky texture that clumps together. A silver spoon is scooping a portion from the middle, creating a small mound of the creamy rice. The inside edges of the pot have a light orange stain from the risotto. The pot sits on a light beige cloth with some folds, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Coconut Rice Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Pumpkin Coconut Rice Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Coconut Rice Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can't get enough of this recipe because it’s one of those effortless dishes that packs flavor and comfort. I love sharing it with friends who say it tastes like a little hug in a bowl!

Simple and Quick: It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
Unique Flavor Combo: The pumpkin and coconut milk create a creamy, subtly sweet base that’s unexpected and delicious.
Versatile Side Dish: Pairs wonderfully with both savory and mildly spiced mains.
Comfort Food Vibes: It’s warm, soothing, and perfect for cooler evenings without being heavy.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe calls for a short list of ingredients that blend together to create creamy, tender rice with a touch of natural sweetness. Each ingredient brings an essential element to the table, and you’ll find them all pretty easy to source.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy light coconut milk, a small white ceramic bowl of clear golden vegetable broth, a small white ceramic bowl holding smooth bright orange fresh pumpkin purée, a simple pile of uncooked white rice grains spread neatly on the surface, and a few sparkling white sea salt crystals scattered beside the ingredients, all arranged in perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Light coconut milk: Adds richness and a mild tropical flavor without overpowering the pumpkin.
Vegetable broth: Deepens the savory background and helps the rice cook with more flavor than plain water.
Canned pumpkin: Provides moisture, a lovely earthy sweetness, and a gorgeous golden color.
White rice: Perfect for absorbing all the flavors; I use long-grain white for fluffy results.
Sea salt: Just a pinch enhances every ingredient’s natural taste.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

One of the fun parts about this Pumpkin Coconut Rice Recipe is how easy it is to put your spin on it. I often tweak it slightly depending on my mood or what I have on hand, and it always turns out delicious.

Variation: Sometimes I add a little cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the pumpkin’s warmth—super cozy for fall!
Dietary tweaks: Using vegetable broth keeps it vegan and dairy-free, but feel free to swap in chicken broth if you prefer.
Texture variation: Try using jasmine rice for a more fragrant dish or brown rice for extra chew and nutrition (just increase cooking time).

Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Coconut Rice Recipe

A close-up image of a white bowl filled with bright yellow rice, garnished with small green pumpkin seeds scattered on top. In the foreground, a silver fork held by a woman's hand is lifting a small scoop of the rice. The bowl sits on a white plate, all placed on a white marbled surface. In the blurred background, there are two small white bowls, one with orange powder and the other with green seeds. The scene is bright and clean, showing a simple but colorful meal. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients and Start Cooking

Begin by placing the light coconut milk, vegetable broth, canned pumpkin, white rice, and a pinch of sea salt in a medium saucepan. Stir everything together so the pumpkin is evenly mixed into the liquids. I like to use a whisk here to make sure the pumpkin doesn’t clump up. Then turn your heat to medium-high and bring it to a gentle boil. Watch it closely, so it doesn’t boil over—it can get foamy with the coconut milk.

Step 2: Simmer Until Tender and Fluffy

Once boiling, cover your pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer quietly for about 15 to 20 minutes. Check at the 15-minute mark; you want all the liquid to be absorbed, and the rice should be tender but not mushy. When it’s done, give it a gentle stir with a fork, then cover again and let it sit off the heat while you finish the rest of your meal. This resting time lets the rice finish steaming perfectly.

Top Tip

After making this recipe countless times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take it from good to great. They really help nail the texture and flavor every single time.

Even Mixing: Whisk the pumpkin into the coconut milk and broth really well before heating to avoid clumps.
Watch Your Heat: Keep the simmer at low-medium so it doesn’t burn at the bottom or boil over.
Rest Before Serving: Letting the rice sit covered off the heat helps it fully absorb moisture and fluff up.
Perfect Rice: Using good-quality white rice makes a difference—try to avoid any that’s been sitting in your pantry forever.

How to Serve Pumpkin Coconut Rice Recipe

Pumpkin Coconut Rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped fresh cilantro on top for a little crunch and fresh color. A squeeze of lime juice adds a nice brightness too, especially if you’re serving it with rich or spicy mains.

Side Dishes

This pumpkin coconut rice pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, sautéed greens, or even a fragrant curry. Whenever I serve it with roasted vegetables, it feels like a complete meal that balances creamy, sweet, and savory elements.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or special occasions, I’ve molded this rice into festive shapes using small bowls or ramekins, then gently inverted onto plates. It creates an elegant presentation that impresses guests without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pumpkin coconut rice stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I usually cool it completely before refrigerating to keep moisture levels consistent.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this rice a couple of times by spreading it out on a sheet tray first, then transferring it to a freezer bag to avoid clumping. It reheats nicely without losing too much texture—just defrost slowly in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

To reheat, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water over the rice and microwave it covered, or steam gently on the stovetop. This helps bring back the creaminess and prevents the rice from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes! If you want to use fresh pumpkin, roast or steam it until soft and puree it before adding to the recipe. Keep in mind fresh pumpkin might have a slightly different texture and moisture level, so adjust the liquid accordingly.

Is this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Using vegetable broth and light coconut milk makes this recipe completely vegan and dairy-free. Just double-check your broth ingredients to be sure they’re plant-based.

Can I make this recipe with brown rice?

You can swap in brown rice, though it requires a longer cooking time—usually about 40-45 minutes. You may need to add extra broth or water to ensure it cooks fully and stays moist.

How can I add extra flavor?

Try tossing in warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, or a pinch of nutmeg. Adding finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley right before serving also brightens the dish beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Coconut Rice Recipe is one of those simple gems I keep coming back to because it’s both reliable and surprisingly delightful. It’s perfect for when you want to elevate plain rice into something comforting and memorable with minimal fuss. Trust me, give it a try—you’ll want to make it a staple in your home too!