Instant Pot Coconut Rice

This easy Instant Pot coconut milk rice recipe is rich, fragrant with a slightly sweet, buttery coconut flavor. Coconut rice is a perfect side dish and pairs well with many cuisines - Thai, Indian, and Caribbean. Vegan and Gluten-free. Stovetop instructions are also included!

Coconut rice, also known as coconut milk rice, is a popular Thai-style dish prepared by cooking long-grain white rice like Jasmine rice in coconut milk and water (or broth).

Coconut rice is slightly sticky and creamy in texture with a subtly sweet flavor. You can taste the coconut flavor in every bite, So delicious! This coconut rice perfectly pairs with Thai, Tropical, Indian, and Caribbean dishes or can be eaten on its own.

Check out my Indian-style Coconut Milk Pulao if you want a variation.

Ingredients

To make this recipe, you’ll need only four simple ingredients:

• Long grain White Rice – You can use any long-grain white rice like Jasmine or Basmati. Traditionally, Jasmine rice is used in making coconut rice. It has a mild floral aroma that goes very well with coconut milk, making it extra delicious. For the restaurant-style flavor, I recommend sticking with jasmine rice.
• Coconut Milk - Use unsweetened full-fat coconut milk for the best flavor and texture. We like to use Chaokoh Coconut Milk or Thai Kitchen Brand coconut milk. You can substitute it with light coconut milk. However, the rice will not be as rich and creamy but still turns out delicious.
• Water – I used plain water in this recipe. You can add coconut water or vegetable broth to make it extra flavorful.
• Salt – a little to season the rice.

How to Make Coconut Milk Rice in Instant Pot

Rince, the jasmine rice 2-3 times until the water runs clear (removes extra starch), and drain the remaining water.

Add the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, and salt to the Instant Pot steel insert. Stir well.

Close the lid securely, and turn the vent to "SEALING". Select the PRESSURE COOK/MANUAL (High Pressure) setting and set the cooking time to 4 minutes.

When the Instant Pot beeps, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure before removing the lid.

Fluff the rice with a fork or ladle, and serve coconut rice your favorite main dish.

Stovetop Instructions

Here are steps to cook coconut rice on a stovetop pot. The rice-to-coconut milk water ratio will remain the same for the stovetop.

1. Rince, the jasmine rice 2-3 times until the water runs clear (removes extra starch), and drain the remaining water.
2. Combine canned coconut milk, water, and salt in a large pot and bring it to a boil on medium heat.
3. Then add the rice, and stir to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes – until rice is fluffy and liquid has been absorbed.
4. Remove from heat and allow the rice to sit for another 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, and you are ready to serve.

How to Serve Coconut Rice?

You can enjoy coconut rice as a side dish with grilled veggies, Tropical (Hawaiian), Caribbean, or South East Asian foods such as Thai, Malaysian, or Indian foods. Some ideas for pairing are.

• Veggies: Roasted Cauliflower, Zucchini, or Broccoli
• Protein: Tofu or Black beans.
• Fruity Salsa: Pineapple Salsa or Mango Salsa.
• Curries: Chickpea Curry, Veg Curry, Thai Red Curry, or Thai Panang Curry

Tips

• Rinse rice: This will help to remove excess starch and make the rice fluffy instead of mushy.
• Liquid to rice ratio: Follow the rice to coconut milk to water ratio provided in the recipe to get the right texture.
• Softer Rice: use an additional ¼ cup of water to make softer coconut rice.
• Use jasmine rice for the best flavor.
• Let the coconut rice sit covered for 10 minutes after cooking to achieve the perfect texture.
• If you think your coconut milk is separated, don't worry, as the pot heats up, solids from the coconut milk will melt.

Variations & Substitutions

• Coconut flakes: Add toasted coconut flakes over the top for an extra coconut flavor.
• Coconut milk: Use full-fat coconut milk (unsweetened) for the best flavor. You could use light or low-fat coconut milk, but your rice may not be as rich and flavorful.
• Brown rice: You can use brown jasmine rice instead of white jasmine rice if you prefer. To cook brown jasmine coconut rice, Follow the same steps as above and MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK (High Pressure) for 22 minutes. 

Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions

• Make-Ahead: You can easily make this coconut milk rice a day before and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Store: You can store leftover coconut rice in an airtight container in the fridge for two or three days. 
• Freeze: Cool down the rice completely and store it in the freezer-safe airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: To reheat, add a little water or leftover coconut milk to the rice and heat it on the stovetop or microwave. This helps to keep the rice fluffy and moist rather than dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Instant Pot Basic Series

• Instant Pot Jasmine Rice
• Instant Pot Brown Rice
• Instant Pot Sona Masoori Rice
• Instant Pot Calrose Rice
• Cook Chickpeas (Soak & No-Soak Method)
• One Minute Quinoa
• How to Cook Beets

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