Learn how to make fluffy coconut rice on the stove or in an Instant Pot with white rice and coconut milk! This recipe is simple and delicious paired with Thai, Indian or Caribbean cuisines.
This incredibly easy coconut rice recipe is made with jasmine rice and canned coconut milk for a flavorful dish that can be used in so many ways!
Enjoy it as a side dish, mix in extra ingredients for even more flavor, pair it with your favorite curry recipe, or use it as a base for bowls.
It's effortless to make fluffy coconut rice in the Instant Pot, but if you don't have one, it's simple to make it on the stovetop too!
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Ingredients
- White rice - Preferably jasmine rice, but any variety of long-grain white rice will work. I do not recommend using medium or short-grain rice, as the texture will become mushy.
- Coconut milk - I recommend using a can of full-fat coconut milk for the best flavor. If you want to add even more coconut flavor, use a can of coconut cream.
- Note: Coconut milk is made from simmering one part shredded coconut in one part water. Coconut cream is made from simmering four parts shredded coconut cream in one part water, thus making it thicker and richer, with more coconut flavor.
- Water, or coconut water - Another way to add more coconut flavor is by using coconut water, instead of water to make the rice.
- Salt
- Sugar (optional) - I usually do not add sugar to my coconut rice, but if you'd like the rice to be slightly sweeter, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar, along with the salt in this recipe.
Instructions
I’ve included step by step photos below to make this recipe super easy to follow at home. For the full detailed recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
To make coconut rice in an Instant Pot, use the following directions.
Step 1: Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Add the rinsed white rice, coconut milk, water and salt to an Instant Pot, stir to combine the ingredients.
Step 2: Place the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the steam release valve is set to "sealing". Set the pressure to high for 3 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure. Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
I love this method for cooking coconut rice in a pressure cooker because it's so easy and you can double the recipe to make a big batch for meal prepping!
To make this recipe on the stovetop, use the follow instructions.
- Rinse the jasmine rice in a fine mesh strainer until it runs clear. This will rinse off excess starch, so that your rice is light and fluffy!
- Add the coconut milk and water to a medium saucepan on the stove over high heat.
- Bring the liquid to a boil.
- Add the salt and rinsed rice and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from the heat and keep covered. Let rest for 15 minutes.
- Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
Serve the rice immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Frequently asked questions
- Is coconut rice good for you? Coconut rice has a number of benefits. The coconut milk offers protein and nutrients such as manganese, magnesium, copper, iron, and potassium. Rice is easy to digest, gives you energy, and has iron, magnesium, and B vitamins. However, coconut rice is high in calories and fat, which may not be ideal for everyone's diet.
- Does coconut rice taste like coconut? Coconut rice has a subtle coconut flavor that is both savory and sweet, but it isn't overwhelming.
- How do you make it sweeter? If you prefer a sweeter flavor you can mix in 1-2 tablespoons of sugar before cooking.
- What type of rice should I use? Jasmine rice is best for making coconut rice. Long grain rice is another good option. Avoid medium and short grain varieties as they can be too sticky.
- What can I add to it? Add extra flavor to this rice by cooking it with fresh ginger or ginger powder, garlic powder or onion powder. You can also mix in chopped pistachios, cashew pieces, diced papaya or mango, lime juice or zest, chopped cilantro, or peppers, after the rice is cooked.
What to serve with it
Coconut rice is versatile and pairs well with so many cuisines!
- Thai
- Indian
- Caribbean
How to make other types of rice and grains
Learn how to make rice, lentils and quinoa for the base of your next bowl!
- How To Cook White Rice - 3 Ways
- Instant Pot Sushi Rice
- How To Cook Brown Rice - 3 Ways
- Black Lentils - 2 Ways
- How To Cook Quinoa - 3 Ways
Recipe
Coconut Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 13.5 ounce can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 ½ cups water or coconut water
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Rinse the jasmine rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
- Add the coconut milk and water to a medium saucepan on the stove over high heat.
- Bring the liquid to a boil.
- Add the salt and rinsed rice, bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from the heat and keep covered. Let rest for 15 minutes.
- Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
- Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Notes
- How to make it in an Instant Pot:
- Ingredients
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 13.5 can coconut milk
- ½ cup water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Instructions
- Rinse the jasmine rice in a fine mesh strainer until it runs clear.
- Add all of the ingredients to an Instant Pot. Make sure the steam release valve is set to “sealing”.
- Set the pressure to high for 3 minutes.
- Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure.
- Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
- Coconut rice has a subtle coconut flavor, but it isn't overwhelming. To add more coconut flavor, use coconut cream, instead of coconut milk. And use coconut water instead of regular water.
- If you prefer the coconut rice to have a sweeter flavor, mix in 1-2 tablespoons of granulated sugar before cooking.
- Always use long-grain white rice for this recipe. Using short or medium grain rice will result in the coconut rice turning out gluey, instead of fluffy.
Julie
This was so good (and easy)! Made it in the Instant Pot with long grain white rice and it was delicious!
Whitney Bond
So glad you enjoyed it Julie! Thanks for sharing!