Instant Pot Coconut Rice is a creamy coconut rice recipe made with jasmine rice and coconut milk, offering fluffy texture, quick pressure cooking, and restaurant-style flavor. Jasmine rice cooks in the Instant Pot with coconut milk and water to create a lightly sweet, aromatic side dish that pairs perfectly with seafood, curry, or grilled meats.
If you enjoy simple rice sides like our Instant Pot Basmati Rice or our Instant Pot Jasmine Rice.
Instant Pot Coconut Rice Recipe at a Glance 🔎
- 🕒 Prep Time: 5 minutes
- ⏱️ Cook Time: 3 minutes pressure + 10 minute release
- 👥 Servings: 2 to 3
- 🔥 Cook Method: Instant Pot pressure cooking
- 🍽️ Cuisine (or General Category): Asian-Inspired Side Dish
- 👩🍳 Pair With: Salmon Rice Bowl, Coconut Shrimp Bowl, chicken curry, roasted vegetables
- ⭐ Difficulty Level: Easy
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Our favorite presentation is spooning the rice into small bowls with lime wedges and cilantro or scallion for a simple but restaurant-style side. ~Jami
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Why We Love This Recipe
- Rich Coconut Flavor: Coconut milk gives the rice a subtle sweetness and aroma that makes a simple side dish feel special.
- Fast Pressure Cooking: The Instant Pot cooks jasmine rice in minutes with almost no effort.
- Perfectly Fluffy Texture: Rinsing the rice and using a natural pressure release keeps the grains light and separate.
- Versatile Side Dish: Coconut rice pairs well with seafood, curry, grilled chicken, or vegetable stir fry.
Key Ingredients
Here's everything you'll need to make this fluffy, sweet rice.
- Jasmine Rice: Fragrant long-grain rice that cooks beautifully in the Instant Pot and stays fluffy when rinsed well before cooking.
- Canned Coconut Milk: Use unsweetened canned coconut milk from the international aisle, not the thin coconut beverage sold in cartons. The canned version is richer and gives the rice its signature coconut flavor. Shake the can before opening so the cream and liquid combine evenly. If you prefer extra richness, you can replace a few tablespoons of the water with coconut cream.
- Water: Balances the coconut milk so the rice stays fluffy instead of heavy.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Jasmine Rice: Basmati rice can be used for a slightly lighter texture.
- Salt: Soy sauce or coconut aminos can add savory depth.
- Diet: This recipe is naturally vegan and dairy-free.
- Ginger Coconut Rice: Add grated fresh ginger before cooking.
- Coconut Lime Rice: Stir in lime zest and juice after cooking.
- Equipment: The recipe can be adapted to a rice cooker with the same ingredients.
How To Make Instant Pot Coconut Rice
STEP ONE: Rinse the Rice
Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes starch and keeps the rice fluffy.
STEP TWO: Combine Ingredients
Add the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, and salt to the Instant Pot.
If desired, add grated ginger, minced garlic, or sugar to the coconut rice.
Stir gently to combine.
STEP THREE: Pressure Cook, Natural Release, and Fluff
Secure the lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then vent the remaining pressure.
Fluff the rice with a fork.
STEP FOUR: Serve
Serve with a squeeze of lime and green onion (optional).
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Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Rinse rice well for a fluffy texture.
✔️ DO Use full-fat coconut milk for the best flavor.
Storage
Store leftover Instant Pot coconut rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave with a splash of water or coconut milk to restore moisture.
Instant Pot Coconut Rice Recipe FAQs
Yes. Instant Pot coconut rice cooks quickly and evenly using pressure cooking. The method creates fluffy rice while infusing it with coconut flavor.
Jasmine rice is most commonly used for its fragrant aroma and soft texture. Basmati rice also works well if you prefer lighter grains.
The ideal ratio for Instant Pot coconut rice is 1 cup jasmine rice, ¾ cup full-fat coconut milk, and ¼ cup water. Using only coconut milk can make the rice dense or slightly sticky because coconut milk contains fat and natural coconut solids that thicken the cooking liquid. Mixing coconut milk with water keeps the grains light and fluffy while still delivering rich coconut flavor.
Coconut rice can become mushy if the liquid ratio is too high or the rice isn't rinsed well before cooking. Jasmine rice releases surface starch during pressure cooking, which can cause the grains to stick together. Rinsing the rice until the water runs clear removes that starch and helps the grains stay separate. Using a mix of coconut milk and water also keeps the texture light and fluffy.
Coconut rice pairs well with curry, grilled seafood, roasted vegetables, and tropical dishes.
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📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Coconut Rice (Easy 3 Ingredient Recipe)
Equipment
- Instant Pot (pressure cooker)
- Fine mesh strainer (for rinsing rice)
- Measuring Spoons
- Fork (for fluffing rice)
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- ¾ cup full-fat unsweetened coconut milk
- ¼ cup water
- pinch salt optional
Optional Flavor Additions (Choose One)
- ½ to 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 small garlic clove minced
- ½ teaspoon sugar great if serving with spicy dishes
Optional Garnish
- lime and green onion (scallion)
Instructions
- Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. This removes excess starch and helps keep the grains fluffy.
- Add the rinsed rice to the Instant Pot along with the coconut milk, water, and salt. If using ginger or garlic, stir them in now.
- Secure the lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select High Pressure and cook for 3 minutes.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to vent any remaining pressure. Open the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork.
- Add optional ingredients and garnishes for added flavor if desired. Serve warm as a side dish.
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Video
Notes
- Rinse rice until the water runs clear.
- Allow the 10-minute natural release.
- Fluff rice gently with a fork instead of stirring.
- Let the rice rest for a minute before serving.
Jami Powell says
We love the subtle flavor of coconut in this jasmine rice. It pairs so well with Asian-inspired seafood dishes and curry recipes.