Toasted Coconut Rice - Instant Pot or Stovetop

Super easy, slightly sweet, and totally addictive. Toasted Coconut Rice is a side dish loved by everyone and perfect for your next Asian-inspired or tropical main dish.

Trust me, you won't have leftovers when you make this recipe. But not to worry! Next time you're craving a yummy flavored rice, check out our other rice recipes. From Mexican rice to cranberry rice, there is plenty to choose from!

This recipe has become a staple side dish in our family. The rice is moist and tender with subtle undertones of natural coconut flavor. But the sweet, toasted coconut on top is what really blows it out of the water (and makes you want seconds and thirds).

We were first inspired by Our Best Bites version. With that inspiration we created a version of our own, leaving out the vinegar and sugar, adding onion for more flavor, and topping the rice with toasted coconut (a truly worthy addition). We also adjusted the measurements and process once the Instant Pot came around, so now there are two great cooking options!

We have plenty more Instant Pot Rice Pilaf Side Dish ideas if you want to add to your repertoire.

Why it's great

• It uses economical, staple pantry items. Who doesn’t need more easy, filling sides that don’t break the budget? 
• It comes together very quickly, perfect for a last minute meal plan or an easy weeknight dinner. 
• It can be frozen and reheated perfectly. I have done it this way many times before parties so that I can focus on cooking the main dish, and it always comes out great. Here are my tips on how to freeze cooked rice.
• Because it is cost-effective and can be frozen ahead of time, this rice makes an excellent crowd pleaser. Try it for your next summer party! 
• The flavors are subtle, yet bright. It compliments almost any summertime, asian, or tropical dish, so you have a lot of serving options! 

Ingredients

Shredded coconut: Sweetened coconut is a must, since it is the only source of sweet for this recipe.
Butter: Salted preferably.
Onion: Yellow or sweet.
White rice: Use long-grain rice since it is less starchy and sticky than short-grain.
Coconut milk (unsweetened): This is the key ingredient to the subtle coconut flavor.
Water: The main cooking liquid.
Salt: Kosher salt draws out the coconut flavor.
Green onions: These are optional as a topping, but add a refreshing, bright touch.

Instructions

This rice is super simple. Start by toasting the shredded coconut. Then saute the onion and butter in the Instant Pot or in a pot on the stove. Stir in the rice, then add the coconut milk, water, and salt. Cook the rice on the rice setting in the Instant Pot or for about 20 minutes on the stove. Then fluff the rice with a fork and top with the toasted coconut and green onions.

For a crowd

Because this rice freezes and reheats so beautifully, it is a no-brainer side when you’re serving a crowd. Make as many batches as you need depending on the size of your crowd. Serve the day of making, or follow the freezing instructions below and reheat the day of serving.

**Note: The size of your Instant Pot or pot on the stove may only hold 1-2 recipes. My 6 quart Instant Pot can hold a double recipe. If you need more, make separate batches.

Questions & Answers

More great sides

• If you're loving the tropical flavors, you'll like this Pineapple Rice. It uses fresh or canned pineapple and can be made in the Instant Pot or on the stove.
• Another family favorite rice recipe is this Brown Butter Rice Pilaf or this easy Orange Rice. Both are simple to make and super flavorful.
• If you're looking for another asian side, try this Easy Asian Slaw Salad. A few simple ingredients and a 5 minute dressing is all you need!

Tips & Tricks

• One secret for all rice recipes is to let the raw rice toast in the butter for about one minute before you add the liquid. Stir it very well at this point, making sure every granule is covered in butter. This helps prevent sticky or clumpy rice. 
• Fluff the rice really well for an airy, fluffy texture. To fluff, use a fork and scratch the tines across the surface of the rice, starting shallow and moving deeper as you go. 
• This is a very moist rice. If you don’t like it quite as moist or want to avoid clumpy rice, let the rice cool an extra ten minutes after fluffing it. This will let extra steam/moisture escape before serving.

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