This instant pot coconut rice is an easy, 20-minute recipe that is versatile, delicious, & totally kid-friendly. The perfect side dish for any meal!

a bowl of instant pot coconut rice topped with chopped cilantro and two lime wedges

What Makes This Recipe Great

Recently I made my Pan-Seared Chilean Sea Bass for dinner and served it alongside this amazing instant pot coconut rice! It was a huge hit with my family and I just had to share my recipe with all of you.

Using simple, easy-to-find ingredients, this coconut rice is the perfect side dish for a variety of proteins, and pairs well with veggies, curry, & more– you really can’t go wrong!

In just 20 minutes, you can make this recipe in a rice cooker or an instant pot with little prep and minimal cleanup. Win!

Recipe Highlights

  • 20-Minute Recipe
  • Budget-friendly
  • Only 4 ingredients
  • Multiple cooking methods
  • A family-friendly, versatile recipe
  • Serve with fish, steak, chicken, and more

Ingredient Notes

ingredients for this recipe in white nesting bowls on a wood cutting board

Jasmine Rice: Make sure to rinse your rice before cooking! This will help prevent the rice from getting mushy.

Coconut Milk: Use a can of full fat coconut milk and stir before measuring. Avoid using coconut milk from the carton, as it is too thin for cooking. My favorite brands are Thai Kitchen Organic and Native Forest.

Chicken Broth: You can also use vegetable broth to make this recipe vegan if you prefer. I love Kettle & Fire brand chicken bone broth!

Sea Salt: I love cooking with sea salt, but regular table salt will work just fine.

Recipe Step by Step

step by step photos showing how to make this recipe
  1. Mix the ingredients together in the instant pot. 
  2. Lock the lid, turn the vent to sealing, and cook on manual high pressure for 6 minutes. 
  3. Let it naturally release for 10 minutes, then release the steam. 
  4. Use a fork to fluff the rice.

Mary’s Tips & Tricks

Garnish: Garnish with a lime wedge and chopped cilantro- tastes amazing and the squeezed lime adds the perfect citrus twist!

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop.

Instant Pot: This is the pressure cooker that I have! It’s held up great over time and throughout multiple uses. The 6 qt is the perfect size for my family of 5.

Alternative Methods

Instant Pot Rice Cooker Feature:

  1. Add all the ingredients to your Instant Pot and stir.
  2. Close the lid into the locked position and turn the vent to sealing.
  3. Press the rice function and cook for 5-6 minutes. 
  4. Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then turn the vent to “venting” to remove any additional pressure.
  5. Open the lid and fluff with a fork.

Coconut Rice in a Rice Cooker:

  1. Add all the ingredients to your rice cooker and stir.
  2. Set your rice cooker to “cook”.
  3. Once the rice is done cooking, leave the rice on warm for another 10 min. If your rice is still firm, add 1/4 cup of water.
  4. Fluff with a fork and serve!

Note: All rice cookers vary. Be sure to follow the cooking instructions on your particular rice cooker.

a closeup of coconut rice in a bowl, garnished with lime and cilantro with a silver fork digging into the rice.

How to Serve This Recipe

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this coconut rice in a rice cooker?

Yes! Coconut rice in a rice cooker is super easy! If you want to use a rice cooker instead of an instant pot, simply pour all the ingredients into your rice cooker, and cook according to your rice cooker’s instruction manual. Leave on warm for 10 minutes after it’s done cooking, fluff with a fork, and serve!

Can I make this recipe keto-friendly?

Actually, yes! I’ve already made a delicious keto-friendly coconut cilantro lime cauliflower rice that you will love!

Will coconut milk burn in the Instant Pot?

No! As long as you stir everything well before cooking, this should not be an issue. When the rice is done cooking, I recommend turning off the “keep warm” button so it doesn’t get crusty on the bottom.

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Instant Pot Coconut Rice

This instant pot coconut rice is an easy, 20-minute recipe that is versatile, delicious, & totally kid-friendly. The perfect side dish for any meal!
5 from 5 votes
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Ingredients

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • Mix the ingredients together in the instant pot.
  • Lock the lid, turn the vent to sealing, and cook on manual high pressure for 6 minutes.
  • Let it naturally release for 10 minutes, then release the steam.
  • Use a fork to fluff the rice.

Notes

Garnish: Garnish with a lime wedge and chopped cilantro- tastes amazing and the squeezed lime adds the perfect citrus twist!
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop.

Alternative Methods

Instant Pot Rice Cooker Feature:
  1. Add all the ingredients to your Instant Pot and stir.
  2. Close the lid into the locked position and turn the vent to sealing.
  3. Press the rice function and cook for 5-6 minutes. 
  4. Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then turn the vent to “venting” to remove any additional pressure.
  5. Open the lid and fluff with a fork.
Coconut Rice in a Rice Cooker:
  1. Add all the ingredients to your rice cooker and stir.
  2. Set your rice cooker to “cook”.
  3. Once the rice is done cooking, leave the rice on warm for another 10 min. If your rice is still firm, add 1/4 cup of water.
  4. Fluff with a fork and serve!
Note: All rice cookers vary. Be sure to follow the cooking instructions on your particular rice cooker.

Nutrition

Calories: 281kcal, Carbohydrates: 39g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 11g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 373mg, Potassium: 181mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 1IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 24mg, Iron: 2mg