Warm, fragrant, and easy to prepare, this jasmine rice Instant Pot recipe brings a sense of sweet warm comfort to any meal. Whether I’m planning a weeknight dinner or need a fast side dish for last-minute guests, this recipe never fails me.
The creamy coconut milk paired with the nutty rice makes it feel just a little extra special without any extra work. I love serving this jasmine coconut rice alongside spicy stir fry or grilled chicken. And the best part? It all comes together in one pot in under 20 minutes.
What makes this Instant Pot coconut rice shine is its sweet, creamy consistency and delicate, tropical flavor, making it a favorite for gatherings of all kinds. It’s very easy for beginners, budget-friendly, and comes together in under 20 minutes, which makes it perfect for those busy weeknights or spontaneous guests. For even more ease, you can prep the aromatics ahead of time and store them until you’re ready to cook. And if you want to get creative, try topping it with toasted sesame seeds, chopped scallions, or anything that adds a little visual and flavor boost. It’s a versatile base that also pairs wonderfully with Asian-inspired meals like Easy Asian Noodles and Steak or a fresh Curried Coconut Chicken.
Gina’s Quick Tips Before You Get Started
Important Prep Tips Before Starting the Recipe:
- If your coconut milk is cold, let it warm to room temperature. This can help it mix more evenly.
- Rinse your rice well before cooking to keep it fluffy and avoid a gummy texture.
- A fine mesh strainer makes rinsing rice easier and mess-free.
Common Mistakes When Making This Recipe:
- Skipping the rinse step before cooking can make your rice sticky and dense.
- Not scraping the bottom of the pot after sautéing can trigger the Instant Pot “burn” warning, so be sure to deglaze with your liquids.
Ingredient Tips
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Avocado oil: Adds a neutral, high-heat oil base for sautéing. Sub with olive oil if preferred.
- Sesame oil: Adds a nutty depth. For a lighter taste, leave it out or use more avocado oil.
- Jasmine rice: The star of the show. Basmati rice can be used, but flavor and texture will vary.
- Coconut milk: Choose unsweetened canned coconut milk for the best texture. Avoid boxed coconut drinks.
Yes, but your rice will be slightly less creamy. Full-fat gives the best texture and flavor.
- Soy sauce: Adds salt and umami. Use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free.
How To Make Jasmine Rice Instant Pot
Rinse & Saute
Rinse your jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. Drain well and set aside. This step helps remove excess starch and ensures your rice stays fluffy.
Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté setting. Add avocado oil, sesame oil, diced onion, and garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are soft and your kitchen smells amazing.
Add the rinsed jasmine rice directly to the pot. Stir constantly for about a minute to gently toast it. This brings out a nuttier flavor in the rice.
Add Liquids & Cook
Pour in the coconut milk, water, soy sauce, and salt. Scrape the bottom of the pot well to avoid anything sticking, which can cause that dreaded burn message.
Lock the Instant Pot lid in place and set it to High Pressure for 5 minutes. The magic happens now. Let the pressure release naturally for 7 minutes once cooking is complete. Then do a quick release to let out any remaining steam.
Carefully open the lid and fluff your rice with a fork. Spoon it into a serving dish and top with furikake or your favorite garnish.
Variations, Substitutions, and Recipe Tips
Dietary Modifications: To make this gluten-free, simply swap the soy sauce with coconut aminos or tamari. For a lower-sodium version, choose a reduced-sodium soy sauce or seasoning alternative.
Flavor Enhancements: Add a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger when sauteeing the garlic for an extra kick, or toss in some lime zest before serving.
Add-In Options: Stir in frozen peas or edamame after pressure cooking for added color and protein. Mix in Instant Pot Shredded Chicken for a one-bowl meal.
Simple Substitutions: Use Rich and Tender Instant Pot Oxtail broth instead of water for deeper flavor.
Tips for Recipe Success: Let the rice rest for a few minutes after fluffing to absorb any remaining moisture and finish setting. Serve it with something hearty like Spicy Thai Chicken for a satisfying combo.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave with a splash of water or reheat gently on the stovetop, covered.
Biblical Hospitality Tips
“True hospitality opens not just the doors of our homes, but also the doors of our hearts.”
— Intentional Hospitality
A warm bowl of jasmine coconut rice is a humble side dish, but it carries a quiet elegance, just like the quiet ways God meets us in our everyday routines.
As the rice simmers and the scent of coconut fills the kitchen, we’re reminded that God often uses the simple and small to show His presence. Meals like this, quick, nourishing, and made with care, offer more than just sustenance. They offer a moment of rest, a pause, a chance to breathe deeply and remember that even in busy weeks and unexpected visits, God provides both peace and provision.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 ESV)
For more on this, you might enjoy Biblical Hospitality: 1 Peter 4:10 Lifestyle or explore A Challenge to Practice Biblical Hospitality in Everyday Life.
Hostessing Tips for Comfort Food Gatherings
- Hospitality as Ministry: Use simple meals like jasmine rice or this Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken to bless someone who needs comfort or encouragement.
- Setting a Welcoming Atmosphere: Light a candle or play soft music to turn a weeknight meal into a space where others feel loved.
- Fellowship Over Perfection: Don’t worry if the rest of the meal is store-bought. Serving it with love is what matters.
Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Who will you share this creamy, flavorful jasmine rice with? Let me know in the comments! If this recipe helped make your hosting a little easier, consider sharing it with a friend or saving it for your next gathering. And be sure to sign up for my email list for more easy recipes and faith-filled encouragement.
Easy Jasmine Rice Instant Pot with Coconut Milk
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
You can add any recipe from Intentional Hospitality to your shopping list to plan a full menu!
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice, dry
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons onion, finely diced, white or yellow
- 13.3 ounces coconut milk, canned, unsweetened
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- Furikake, optional garnish
Instructions
Rinse the Rice
- Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. Drain well and set aside. This helps prevent the rice from becoming gummy.1 cup jasmine rice
Sauté Aromatics
- Turn the Instant Pot to the Sauté setting. Add avocado oil, sesame oil, diced onion, and garlic.2 teaspoons avocado oil, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, 3 cloves garlic, 3 tablespoons onion
- Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring often, until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.
Toast the Rice
- Add the rinsed rice to the pot and sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This enhances the flavor.
Add Liquids & Seasoning
- Stir in the coconut milk, water, soy sauce, and salt. Scrape the bottom of the pot to make sure nothing is stuck (to avoid the “burn” warning).13.3 ounces coconut milk, ½ cup water, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, ¼ teaspoon salt
Pressure Cook
- Lock the lid in place. Set the Instant Pot to High Pressure for 5 minutes.
Natural Release
- When cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 7 minutes. Then carefully do a quick release to let out any remaining pressure.
Fluff & Serve
- Open the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and spoon into a serving bowl. Garnish with furikake, if desired.Furikake
Notes
- If your coconut milk is cold, letting it warm slightly can help it mix more evenly.
- Rinse your rice well before cooking to keep it fluffy and avoid a gummy texture.
- A fine mesh strainer makes rinsing easier and mess-free.
Equipment
