Coconut Rice Recipe (Instant Pot and Stove Top Instructions)

This Coconut Rice will become a staple recipe in your kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and is a delicious side dish the whole family loves. 

I think everyone should have a staple rice recipe. Plain brown or white rice can get boring and bland which is why I came up with my Ginger Jasmine Rice. Then I discovered Coconut Rice. It’s super simple (only 2 simple ingredients!), but more than just plain rice. It’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making over and over again.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is the texture. The coconut milk makes it super creamy, and keeps it from tasting dry. It also adds the perfect hint of flavor that pairs so well with just about any dish, but especially dishes with Thai-inspired flavors. A couple of recipes this would be perfect with are my Coconut Curry Lentil Bowls or my Coconut Lime Chicken Bowls.

This Coconut Rice Recipe is also packed with nutrients. The jasmine rice contains lots of iron which is especially helpful in strengthening your immune system this time of year. The canned coconut milk is loaded with healthy fats which are not only good for you, but extremely filling! Pair this recipe with some protein and veggies, and you’ve got yourself a delicious, healthy, and satisfying meal!

Tips:

1. Finish with a dash of salt and pepper for some added flavor. You can also add other spices/herbs depending on what you serve it with such as garlic, cilantro, or lime zest.
2. Unsweetened canned coconut works best here, not the kind you get in a carton.
3. When you have leftovers and are wanting to reheat it, make sure you do it right so it doesn’t dry out! If you’re using a microwave to heat it up, place an ice cube on top. After it’s warm, the ice cube will be almost completely melted. You can take out whatever’s left of the remaining ice cube and enjoy! If you’re using the stove top, make sure you spread out the rice evenly. Splash in some water, and cover on low heat for about 5 minutes and serve!

Ingredients Needed:

Jasmine Rice- Unlike brown and white rice, jasmine rice has a long grain. It can help improve your immune system, supports digestive health, and contains lots of iron. It is a bit softer and fluffier than regular white or brown rice which is perfect with the coconut milk!

Coconut Milk- Coconut milk is super creamy and full of healthy fats. The coconut flavor combines so well with the jasmine rice. It contains antioxidants, can strengthen your immune system, and is great for hair and skin. The texture of the rice from using the coconut milk is also super delicious!

How to make Coconut Rice:

Instant Pot:

1. Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer, and strain until the water runs clear.
2. Place the rice and coconut milk in the inner pot and mix well.
3. Press the manual or pressure cook button and adjust the time to 4 minutes.
4. When the timer beeps, let the pressure release naturally.
5. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve. Enjoy!

Stove Top:

1. Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and strain until the water runs clear.
2. In a small saucepan, add the rice, coconut milk, and water, and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until water is mostly absorbed which will take about 17 – 20 minutes.
4. Fluff rice with a fork and serve. Enjoy!

Coconut Rice FAQS

What goes well with coconut rice?

Coconut rice goes well with so many different dishes. Some more ideas in addition to the ones I gave you above are to serve it with Honey Garlic Chicken, Jerk Chicken, and Pan Fried Salmon.

Does coconut jasmine rice taste like coconut?

You may be surprised that this recipe only has a subtle coconut flavor, but you can definitely taste it. If you don’t like coconut flavor, you probably won’t like this.

Should you soak jasmine rice before cooking it?

Since jasmine rice is naturally soft, it doesn’t need to be soaked. I recommend rinsing it before cooking to remove some of the starch, which can cause gummy rice.

Is Jasmine Rice healthier than white rice?

Jasmine rice is just another kind of white rice. Whole grain forms of jasmine rice are a healthier option you can use if you would prefer! The whole grain forms contain more fiber, nutrients, and beneficial plant compounds!

What spices could I add to this recipe?

You could add a wide variety of spices depending on what route you want to take. Salt and pepper would be the simplest spice combination that would add the perfect amount of flavor. Garlic, ginger, lime zest, and toasted coconut flakes would also be a delicious combination!

How should I store leftovers?

You can just store the rice in an airtight container in the fridge. Usually, rice won’t last for longer than about a day. If you aren’t planning on eating all the rice the same day, you could always just half the recipe. This recipe is easy to make, and doesn’t take long so it would be better to make it fresh!

How should I reheat leftovers?

When you reheat the rice in a microwave, place an ice cube on top. Once it’s warm enough, the ice cube will be almost melted. Just discard the ice cube, and enjoy! If you’re reheating it on the stove, spread the rice out evenly in your pot or pan. Splash in some water, and cover on low heat for about 5 minutes.

Do I have to use canned coconut milk?

I recommend canned coconut milk for this recipe. If you use carton coconut milk, the consistency will be different than if you use canned. Carton coconut milk doesn’t have the fat content of canned coconut milk, so it’s a lot more watery and typically contains more ingredients than canned coconut milk, which is thicker and creamier. Don’t be afraid of fat! Our brains need it!

Looking for other staple recipes? Try my Instant Pot Farro, Homemade Oat Milk, and Homemade Italian Dressing.

If you make this recipe or any of my other healthy recipes, please share it on Instagram  and I’ll feature you! Also, if you try it, please leave a comment with a star rating below! Those star ratings are so helpful in helping my recipes get discovered. I appreciate you!

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