Creamy & Aromatic: The Ultimate Instant Pot Coconut Rice Recipe

Transform your ordinary white rice into an extraordinary side dish with this incredible Instant Pot Coconut Rice recipe. Known for its rich, creamy texture and subtle, tropical flavor, this coconut rice is a true crowd-pleaser and remarkably easy to prepare in your pressure cooker. The addition of full-fat coconut milk infuses the rice with a delectable creaminess and a delicate sweetness that perfectly complements a wide array of meals, from savory teriyaki chicken to authentic Thai curries. Get ready to elevate your dinner experience with this simple yet sophisticated dish!

Using an Instant Pot or any electric pressure cooker simplifies the process of making perfectly cooked rice, ensuring consistent results every time. This recipe is designed to deliver fluffy, flavorful rice with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. If you’re looking for a delightful twist on classic rice, this Instant Pot Coconut Rice is an absolute must-try. Let’s dive in and create some culinary magic together!

How to Make Perfect Instant Pot Coconut Rice

Crafting perfect coconut rice in your Instant Pot is surprisingly straightforward. This recipe is a testament to the simplicity and efficiency of electric pressure cookers. With just a few staple ingredients and your trusty appliance, you’ll be able to create incredibly creamy and flavorful coconut jasmine rice that truly can’t be beaten.

While I personally use the Instant Pot brand, any electric pressure cooker should yield fantastic results with these instructions. The key to perfectly cooked rice, whether white, brown, or flavored like this coconut version, lies in using the manual high-pressure setting. Many pressure cookers come with a dedicated “rice” button, but I find that the manual setting, with a precise cooking time, offers more consistent and superior results for texture and flavor. So, if your pressure cooker has a manual high-pressure option, you’re all set to follow this delicious recipe!

What makes this Instant Pot coconut rice recipe even better is its “dump and go” nature. There’s no sautéing, no complex layering – just combine the ingredients, set the pressure, and let your Instant Pot do the magic. This method ensures the rice absorbs all the rich coconut flavor, resulting in a wonderfully creamy, aromatic, and utterly delicious side dish every single time. It’s a game-changer for anyone looking to add a gourmet touch to their meals with minimal fuss.

What You’ll Need To Make Instant Pot Coconut Rice

One of the beauties of this Instant Pot Coconut Rice recipe is its simplicity, requiring only a handful of readily available ingredients. Despite the minimal list, each component plays a crucial role in creating the exquisite flavor and texture we’re aiming for.

• Jasmine or Basmati Rice: The foundation of our dish, these long-grain white rice varieties are perfect for their fragrant aroma and distinct texture.
• 14-ounce can of Full-Fat Coconut Milk: This is the star ingredient, providing the luscious creaminess and signature coconut flavor. Opt for full-fat for the richest taste and texture.
• Water: To ensure the proper liquid ratio for perfectly cooked, fluffy rice.
• Sugar: A touch of sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the coconut and balances the flavors.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out all the delicious nuances and seasoning the rice to perfection.

That’s it! With these basic ingredients, you’re well on your way to enjoying a truly delightful and exotic side dish.

Choosing the Best Rice for Coconut Rice

When it comes to making the best Instant Pot coconut rice, the type of rice you choose significantly impacts the final result. I’ve found that long-grain white rice varieties, specifically jasmine or basmati rice, work exceptionally well for this recipe. Their delicate aroma and fluffy texture, when cooked correctly, beautifully complement the rich coconut flavor.

Jasmine rice, often called Thai fragrant rice, is prized for its soft texture and subtle, floral aroma. It creates a wonderfully tender and slightly sticky coconut rice, perfect for soaking up sauces. Basmati rice, originating from India, offers a nuttier flavor and a distinctly separate, fluffy grain when cooked, making for a lighter, more defined texture. Both are excellent choices, so feel free to use whichever you prefer or have on hand.

While you might be tempted to experiment, I highly recommend sticking with white rice for this particular recipe as instructed in the recipe card for the best results. If you wish to make coconut brown rice, be aware that brown rice requires a significantly longer cooking time in the Instant Pot—around 24 minutes—and a different liquid ratio due to its tougher outer bran layer. This extended cooking time would change the overall consistency and might overcook the coconut milk, altering its delicate flavor. For that authentic creamy, mildly sweet coconut rice experience, long-grain white rice is the way to go.

What to Serve with Instant Pot Coconut Rice

The subtle yet distinct flavor of this Instant Pot coconut rice makes it incredibly versatile and a perfect accompaniment to a wide range of dishes. It offers a more exciting and flavorful alternative to plain white rice, truly enhancing any meal.

I absolutely adore using it as the foundation for homemade rice bowls. Imagine a bed of fluffy, fragrant coconut rice topped with juicy teriyaki chicken, vibrant stir-fried vegetables, or even grilled shrimp. The mild sweetness and creamy texture provide a beautiful contrast to savory proteins and crisp veggies, making every bite a delight.

Beyond rice bowls, this coconut rice pairs exceptionally well with a variety of Asian-inspired cuisines. It’s a fantastic match for my Hawaiian BBQ chicken recipe, bringing a taste of the tropics to your plate. It’s also an excellent base for Hawaiian Haystacks, adding a new layer of flavor to this classic comfort food.

Naturally, this recipe shines when paired with Thai dishes. Its creamy profile makes it a delicious Thai coconut rice that perfectly complements the spicy and aromatic flavors of Thai curries. I frequently serve it with my Instant Pot Coconut Curry Chicken or my Green Curry Coconut Salmon, where it balances the heat and enriches the overall flavor experience. It’s also wonderful with any stir-fry, grilled fish, or even plant-based curries.

Don’t be afraid to get creative! This coconut rice can elevate simple weeknight dinners or become a sophisticated side for special occasions. Its versatility truly knows no bounds, making it a staple in my kitchen.

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Coconut Rice

Achieving perfectly fluffy and flavorful Instant Pot coconut rice is simple, but a few tips can make all the difference:

• Rinse Your Rice: Don’t skip rinsing the rice in cool water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, which prevents the rice from becoming overly sticky or gummy.
• Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: For the best creamy texture and rich flavor, always opt for full-fat canned coconut milk. Light coconut milk will result in a less creamy and less flavorful dish.
• Natural Pressure Release is Key: Allowing for a natural pressure release for at least 7 minutes (as specified in the recipe) is crucial. This step allows the rice to finish cooking evenly and absorb all the liquid, preventing it from being too wet or mushy. A quick release immediately after cooking can lead to undercooked grains or a starchy texture.
• Fluff with a Fork: Once the pressure has fully released and the lid is off, use a fork to gently fluff the rice. This separates the grains and incorporates any remaining coconut cream, ensuring an even distribution of flavor and a beautiful, airy texture.
• Storage and Reheating: Leftover coconut rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, sprinkle a tablespoon or two of water over the rice, cover, and microwave until heated through, or gently warm it in a saucepan on the stovetop.

This Instant Pot Coconut Rice is more than just a side dish; it’s an experience. Its creamy texture and delicate flavor elevate any meal, making it a staple in my kitchen and, I hope, in yours too. Give it a try, and prepare to be amazed by how easily you can create such a delicious and aromatic rice!

If you give this recipe a try, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, or snap a photo and tag it with @TheAlexDaynes on Instagram!  I love to see what you’ve been cooking. It always makes my day!

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