Instant Pot turmeric coconut rice combines the savory flavor of turmeric, garlic and scallions with creamy coconut milk. Add chickpeas and kale to turn this easy recipe into a main course.

Bowl with yellow turmeric coconut rice, kale and chickpeas

When I'm craving a vegetarian or vegan meal, Instant Pot Turmeric Coconut Rice is often at the top of my list. This rice has a lightly sweet and creamy coconut flavor, perfectly balanced with the savory flavors of garlic, scallions, turmeric and black pepper. I also throw in chickpeas, which add protein and turn the rice into a main course.

However, if just rice for dinner is a little bit too light for your family, you can also serve this one-pot rice dish as a side for chicken, pork, fish or shrimp.

Yellow turmeric coconut rice on a plate with shrimp garnished with green onions

I've purposefully kept the flavors in this dish mild, because that's how my kids like it. But trust me, mild does mean not bland - this rice is really good even with mild flavors, and I love this recipe just as it is written.

That being said, I wouldn't hesitate to sneak in more garlic and scallions, some ginger and possibly a sliced hot pepper if I could. I also love kale with this rice, sauteed on the side or lightly wilted when it's stirred into the cooked rice.

However you serve this turmeric coconut rice, it's the type of comfort food we all need right now. Simple, nourishing and really yummy.

Turmeric and Black Pepper

The active ingredient in turmeric that's thought to have health benefits is curcumin. Black pepper is often paired with turmeric because it may increase the absorption of curcumin in the body.

An Easy Way to Cook Shrimp

Shrimp is one of my favorite proteins to serve with this turmeric and coconut rice.

If using frozen, raw shrimp, don't forget to defrost the bag of shrimp by putting it in the refrigerator the night before. Right before dinner, drain the shrimp and pat dry. Coat the shrimp lightly in oil and cook under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, until nice and pink. I usually shake the pan once or flip the shrimp over half way through. Finish with a squeeze of lemon, if you like.

Can I Add Chicken to Turmeric Coconut Rice?

To be honest, I haven't tried a version of turmeric and coconut rice with chicken...yet. I'll let you know when I do. Until then, try this recipe for Instant Pot turmeric chicken and rice (made with brown rice) and try adding ½ cup of coconut milk to the recipe.

OR you could try the exact recipe below, but add boneless chicken thighs on the bottom layer. Instead of choosing the rice setting, cook the rice and chicken for 8 minutes on high pressure. Let us know how it turns out!

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Instant Pot Turmeric Coconut Rice

Author: Jenny Meier | Kitchen Skip blog
Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 12
Total Time: 10
Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

Instant Pot turmeric coconut rice combines the savory flavor of turmeric, garlic and scallions with creamy coconut milk. Add chickpeas and kale to turn this easy recipe into a main course.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons coconut oil or olive oil
2 scallions, snipped into ¼-inch pieces with kitchen shears (snip the whole scallion, green and white parts)
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped (I use a garlic press)
2 cups long-grain rice, such as jasmine or basmati
2 cups water
½ cup canned coconut milk (I use full-fat)
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
¼ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 can chickpeas, drained
Optional: kale or spinach

Instructions

Using the saute function on the Instant Pot, heat the oil. Add the scallions and saute 1 minute. Add the garlic and saute 1 minute more.
Add the rest of the ingredients: rice, water, coconut milk, turmeric, salt, black pepper and chickpeas. Stir well.
Lock the lid in place. Make sure the steam valve is in the sealed position. Press the “Rice” button to program the Instant Pot to cook on the rice setting (12 minutes, low pressure)
When the cooking time is done, let the Instant Pot naturally release the pressure. Remove the lid and stir well before serving. You’ll probably need to add more salt to taste.
If adding spinach or kale, remove the lid and stir in the greens, then put the lid back on and let the rice sit for 5 minutes so the greens wilt before serving.

Notes

To reheat this rice, sprinkle a little water over it to add moisture, then heat in the microwave.

Did you know that you can mince garlic in a garlic press without removing the skin from the clove? Try it!

Category: Rice
Method: Instant Pot
Cuisine: American

Keywords: instant pot rice, turmeric, turmeric rice, coconut rice