This easy Instant Pot Coconut Rice recipe is delicious and versatile, with a delicate coconut flavor and no added sugar. Serve it with a spicy curry, sautéed vegetables, or your favorite main dish. This flavorful side dish can be made in less than 30 minutes.

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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 easy recipe for Instant Pot Coconut Rice is as simple 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,
  • I used light coconut milk which helps reduce the calories and fat in this recipe,
  • 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.

cooked coconut rice in the instant pot

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.
  • If you prefer a sweet coconut rice, feel free to add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar to the pot before cooking.
  • You can also serve your cooked coconut rice with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

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.

Can I use coconut water in this recipe?

Coconut water is not traditional for making coconut rice. Use canned coconut milk instead.

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!

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bowl of cooked white rice with chives on top

Instant Pot Coconut Rice

★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews
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Description

This easy Instant Pot Coconut Rice recipe is delicious and versatile, with a delicate coconut flavor and no added sugar. Serve it with a spicy curry, sautéed vegetables, or your favorite main dish. This flavorful side dish can be made in less than 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained in a fine-mesh colander
  • 1 13.5–ounce can light coconut milk
  • 1 1/2 cups water

Instructions

  1. In the base of a 6-quart or 8-quart Instant Pot, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, and water. 
  2. Lock the lid on the pot and set the time to 6 minutes and high pressure. 
  3. When the cooking time is complete, let the pressure come down naturally for about 5 minutes. Then, use the carefully quick-release to release the remaining pressure.
  4. Remove the lid and use a serving spoon to stir and serve the rice.

Notes

  1. You can easily double this recipe.
  2. Store any leftovers in a tightly-sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Or, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Defrost and reheat before serving.
  3. If you choose to use brown rice, you’ll need to increase the cook time to 22 minutes.
  • Category: Side dish
  • Method: Instant Pot pressure cooker
  • Cuisine: Asian

Keywords: pressure cooker coconut rice, instant pot white rice with coconut milk

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