Instant Pot Coconut Rice

Name: Instant Pot Coconut Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained in a fine-mesh colander; 1 13.5-ounce can light coconut milk; 1 cup water

by Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutrition | Jul 23, 2020 (updated: 7/27/21)

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This easy Instant Pot Coconut Rice recipe is delicious and versatile, with a delicate coconut flavor. Serve it with a spicy curry, sautéed vegetables, or your favorite main dish. This vegan side dish can be made in less than 30 minutes.

Contents show

bowl of instant pot coconut rice with chopped chives on top

Why You Need This Recipe

No matter the time of year, a bowl of warm, cooked white rice is just so comforting and versatile. And, this recipe for Instant Pot Coconut Rice is as easy as it gets.

All you have to do is combine rinsed rice, a can of light coconut milk, and some water into your electric pressure cooker. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have one of the best flavorful and fragrant rice recipes you’ve ever had. Serve your perfect rice with almost any main dish.

This recipe has only two main ingredients,
You can prep it in less than 5 minutes,
Instant Pot Coconut Rice is naturally vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, with no added sugars.

labeled ingredients for coconut rice dish

How to Make This Dish

Step One

Place your long-grain white rice in a fine-mesh colander and give it a good rinse. This step is necessary to remove any dirt, and to prevent the grain from burning in the pressure cooker.

white rice in a fine mesh colander for rinsing

Step Two

Next, pour the rinsed rice, light unsweetened coconut milk, and water into a 6-quart or 8-quart Instant Pot. Stir and then lock on the lid.

As always, please do see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.

ingredients for coconut rice in the pot of a pressure cooker

Step Three

Set the cook time to 6 minutes at high pressure. Then, when the cooking time is complete, let the pressure come down naturally for about 5 minutes using the natural pressure release.

Then, use the quick-release to release the remaining pressure. Carefully remove the lid and stir the dish before serving.

Top Tips

Be sure to rinse the rice well before cooking to make sure it doesn’t burn in the Instant Pot.
You can use full-fat coconut milk if you prefer. This will make the coconut rice very decadent and full of tropical coconut flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days in the refrigerator. Or, you can freeze any leftovers for up to several months.
If you choose to use brown rice, you’ll need to increase the cook time to 22 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use full-fat coconut milk to make this recipe?

Yes, but the nutrition info in the recipe card reflects using a can of light coconut milk. So, the nutrition data will be altered.

What kind of white rice should I use?

You can use any long-grain white rice including basmati or jasmine rice.

Can I make this recipe in a 3-quart “mini” Instant Pot?

Yes, but you need to cut the recipe in half.

picture of coconut rice up close with bits of chopped chives

Other Easy Instant Pot Rice Dishes You Might Like

I gave away my rice cooker when I realized how great rice turns out in the Instant Pot. Try these other easy recipes using simple ingredients.

Don’t miss my entire index of healthy Instant Pot recipes!

I hope you make this recipe! If you do, please leave a comment and a starred review below.

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