Deutsch Coconut Basmati Rice is like a flavor party in your mouth – light, fluffy, and absolutely delicious! It’s a popular rice dish in Southeast Asia and South Asia. And guess what? Thanks to our trusty Instant Pot , you can have it ready in under 30 minutes.
🙋‍♀️ What is Basmati Rice?
Rice is a staple in Asia, with basmati rice being particularly popular in South Asia, and jasmine rice is loved by Southeast Asian.
Besides jasmine rice, sticky rice / glutinous rice is also well-loved in Southeast Asia. In Northeast Asia, people have a preference for japonica rice, a type of short-grain rice commonly used in making sushi.
Basmati rice is a variety of long, slender-grained aromatic rice traditionally grown in the Himalayan region, spanning across India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
The term “Basmati” is derived from the Hindi word meaning “full of aroma”, and this rice lives up to its name with a delightful nutty and floral fragrance.
In the culinary face-off between basmati and jasmine rice, cooked basmati rice boasts firm, fluffy, and clean grains. In contrast, jasmine rice, after cooking, tends to have a stickier, starchier, and softer texture.
As a result, getting that perfect pot of basmati rice often calls for a bit more liquid than its jasmine counterpart. Basmati rice also boasts a relatively low GI compared to jasmine rice.
❤️ Why you will love this recipe?
- Fluffy and Flavorful: The dish achieves a delightful fluffiness and a burst of flavor, thanks to the infusion of coconut milk.
- Versatile: This recipe complements a wide range of Asian rice side dishes, including curry, chicken, or pork, making it a versatile choice for different meals.
- Ease and Time-saving: The use of the Instant Pot not only simplifies the cooking process but also saves you valuable time. My collection of Asian recipes with the Instant Pot is for anyone who’s a fan of this kitchen appliance.
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🍚 Ingredients
You only need some simple ingredients for this recipe:
- Basmati rice: Known for its long, slender grains and aromatic quality, Basmati rice serves as the foundation of this dish, offering a distinct texture and fragrance.
- Coconut milk: A velvety and creamy addition, coconut milk contributes richness and a tropical undertone to the dish. You could use either full-fat coconut milk or light coconut milk.
- Water: Essential for cooking the Basmati rice to perfection, water ensures the grains absorb the flavors of the coconut milk, resulting in a fluffy and delectable texture.
- Salt: A pinch of salt adds a savory element, complementing the natural sweetness of the coconut milk and creating a well-balanced taste.
đź“ť Instructions
Rinse and drain the rice – Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear and allow it to drain well.
Heat coconut milk and water – In your Instant Pot, mix together coconut milk. water and salt. Heat the liquid using the “sautĂ©” mode until it just begins to boil. Then, introduce the basmati rice into the liquid.
Cook the rice – Seal the pressure lid, then cook under high pressure for 7 minutes and let it release naturally for an additional 10 minutes.
Fluff the rice – Once done, uncover the pot. Use a spoon or chopsticks to fluff the rice.
Serve – You could top your coconut basmati rice with cilantro or toasted coconut flakes. I love to enjoy it with some fried crispy shallots.
🥢 How to serve coconut basmati rice
Basmati coconut rice is the perfect dish to complement various tropical cuisines, including Thai, Vietnamese, South Asian, Caribbean, and Hawaiian. But don’t limit yourself – if you love the combination of rice and coconut flavor, simply enjoy this dish with any of your favorite meals.
This Coconut Basmati Rice goes great with:
đź«™ How to store
Keep in the fridge: This coconut basmati rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Keep in the freezer: You can cook rice in a large batch, then separate the cooked rice into 1 or 2-person portions and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When enjoying, heat the rice in the microwave with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.
🌟 Helpful Tips
- Adjust the amount of water according to your rice. Aged basmati rice absorbs more water, so if your cooked rice is dry, add 1/4 cup of water for every cup of rice the next time you cook.
- Rinsing rice is essential to remove the starch from the rice and prevent it from becoming gluey when cooked.
- To enhance the flavor, you could add lemongrass, pandan leaves, or kaffir lime leaves to cook together with the rice.
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Coconut Basmati Rice (With Instant Pot)
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
Ingredients
- 2 cup basmati rice (480ml / 360g)
- 1ÂĽ cup coconut milk (300ml)
- 1Âľ cup water (420ml)
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse the rice until the water runs clear, then let it drain well.
- In your Instant Pot, combine coconut milk and water. Heat the liquid using the "sauté" mode until it reaches a boil. Then, add the basmati rice to the liquid.
- Close the pressure lid, then cook under high pressure for 7 minutes and allow it to release naturally for an additional 10 minutes.
- Once finished, uncover the pot. Use a spoon or chopsticks to fluff the rice.
- Enhance your coconut basmati rice with cilantro or toasted coconut flakes. I personally like to enjoy it with fried crispy shallots.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of water according to your rice. Aged basmati rice tends to absorb more water, so if your cooked rice turns out dry, add an additional 1/4 cup of water for every cup of rice in your next cooking time.Â
- Rinsing rice is an essential step to eliminate starch and prevent the cooked rice from becoming gluey.
- Enhance the flavor by including lemongrass, pandan leaves, or kaffir lime leaves while cooking the rice.
