This post has been updated with new images and Instant Pot instructions on Aug 26th, 2019.

If you have been following us long enough, you will know we love to flavors our classic rice recipe. Bored of the classic plain rice, give your rice a twist. After the Turmeric Rice, Lemon Rice, Lentil Rice, Mexican Rice, it was time to add this Green Coconut Rice Recipe to the blog. 

Coconut Rice with Cilantro

Usually when you think of coconut rice you think of the white rice cooked in coconut milk or coconut meat. However what sets this rice part from other coconut rice is that it's cooked with not only coconut meat but also infused with the flavors of fresh garlic and lot of cilantro. It's so full of flavors that it's impossible to not fall in love with the aroma and flavors of the rice.

Here is why you will love this rice.

✔ First, it's a one pot meal. Looks fancy but is super easy to make and comes together quickly.

✔ Second, it's sure to please a crowd and is always a hit. People will never fail to ask you for the recipe of this one. In fact often times for potlucks and parties I get requests to make this rice.

✔ Green Blender Masala Paste

✔ It's great as a side or maincourse with some homemade yogurt. Don't be surprised if this turns out to be the star of the meal.

✔ If you ever luck out with any leftovers, pack it for lunch the next day. It's only a couple times that I actually leftovers of this rice, most times it's all gone.

✔ It's perfect for weekend meal preps too.

✔ Stove top and Instant Pot Coconut Rice Recipe

Coconut Rice Recipe / How to make Coconut Rice

Making this rice is very simple, whether you make it on the stove top or an Instant Pot, it comes together quickly. I have shared both set of instructions for this recipe, Stove top and Instant Pot Coconut Rice.

Step 1 : Green Coconut Cilantro Masala Paste / Green Rice Masala

The key to this rice is the green coconut cilantro masala paste. All you need for the paste is

Coconut meat or desicated coconut

Lots of Cilantro

Garlic

Chilies (optional) 

Just add these ingredients into a blender and make it into a smooth paste, adding water as required.  You can store this green rice masala for later use too. I have shared the instructions below.

Step 2: Temper the condiments

Irrespective of stove top of Instant Pot, temper the condiments like cumin, bay leaves, cloves, black cardamom, and cinnamon sticks in oil or ghee. If you don't have them all handy, you can use whatever you have but they definitely enhance the flavors and add a lovely aroma to the rice.

Step 3: Saute 

After about 30 second of adding the condiments, throw in the chopped onions. Saute them until they change their color. Once they change the color add the green rice masala until the oil starts separating. This roughly takes about 5-8 minutes.  

Step 4: Toast the rice

Now throw in the rice and toast it for a minute in the oil and masala.

Step 5 : Cook the rice

Add salt and water depending on how your are cooking the rice stove top of Instant Pot. Measurements are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Once the rice if ready, garnish with cilantro.

Instant Pot Coconut Rice

If you are making this  Instant Pot Coconut Rice in your Instant Pot or Mealthy Pot, then all the above steps remain the same. You make the blender masala paste, saute the condiments and onions and then cook the green rice masala, toast the rice and lastly cook the rice.

Tip : Just make sure to thoroughly deglaze the pot before you start pressure cooking to avoid the burn. 

Rice to Water Ratio : 1 part rice : 1.5 parts water

Pressure Cook for 6 minutes

Natural Release.

Stove Top Coconut Rice 

Before the electric pressure cookers I always made this rice on the stove top. The steps remain the same as above, making the blander masala paste, sauteing the condiments and onions, cooking the green rice masala, toasting the rice and cooking it either in a pot or a pan. It's important to cover the lid here while cooking. The rice to water ration remains the same too. Cooking times may vary depending on the type of heating. 

How to store the green rice masala? 

Once you blend the ingredients, add some salt to the masala if you don;t plan to use it immediately. It acts as a natural preservative. Then you can either refrigerator this masala for 2-3 days or freeze it in freezer safe air tight containers for upto 6 months. 

Can I meal prep this rice?

Yes, I often made this rice for large gatherings and I always made it ahead of time, like a day before. I would just refrigerate it and then warm it up in the microwave after sprinkling it with some water and then forking it to loosen the grains. 

Can I use Coconut Milk to make this rice?

You could, but that will result in a lumpy texture rather than each grain being separate. If you don;t mind the texture, sure you could. 

Where can I get grated Coconut?

It's easily available at any Asian grocery store in the frozen section. You could even use dry desiccated coconut, but for deeper flavors try using the wet coconut meat.

Benefits of Coconut

• Coconuts are a rich source of saturated fats. 90% of fatty acids in it are saturated.
• Recent studies show that the long chain saturated fatty acids in coconut oil are not associated with IHD risk, instead, they raise HDL (good cholesterol).
• Coconut Oil improves blood Cholesterol levels.
• Fatty acids in Coconut Oil improve brain functions
• Coconut oil helps you burn more fat.

If you want to enjoy the goodness of coconut and an awesome medley of flavors in your mouth, this rice is a must try.

More Rice Recipes

How to make perfect rice every time (Instant Pot Recipe)

Turmeric Rice

Lemon Rice

 Lentil Rice

 Mexican Rice

Continue to Content

Coconut Rice with Cilantro

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Coconut Rice with Cilantro - This vegan Coconut Rice recipe with cilantro is a one-pot recipe where you marry flavors of freshly grated coconut, garlic and cilantro. Easy side or relish it as is. Vegan. Gluten-Free. Dairy-Free. Lunchbox Option. Under 30 minutes.

Print

Ingredients

• 1 cup Cilantro
• 1 cup Coconut, shredded or meat
• 8-10 Garlic cloves
• 3 Green Chillies (optional)
• 4 tbs Coconut Oil / Ghee or clarified butter
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 3 Black Cardamoms
• 5 Cloves
• 3 Bay Leaves
• 3 Cinnamon Sticks
• 1 cup Onions, diced
• 1 cup Rice
• 1.5 cup water
• Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 1 : Green Coconut Cilantro Masala Paste / Green Rice Masala

Just add the coconut, cilantro, garlic and chilies into a blender and make it into a smooth paste, adding water occasionally as required. 

Step 2: Temper the condiments

Irrespective of stove top of Instant Pot, temper the condiments. Cumin, bay leaves, cloves, black cardamom, and cinnamon sticks in oil or ghee. If you don't have them all handy, you can use whatever you have but they definitely enhance the flavors and add a lovely aroma to the rice.

Step 3: Saute 

After about 30 second of adding the condiments, throw in the chopped onions. Saute it until they change their color. Once they change the color add the green rice masala until the oil starts separating. This roughly takes about 5-8 minutes.  

Step 4: Toast the rice

Now throw in the rice and toast it for a minute in the oil and masala.

Step 5 : Cook the rice

Add salt and water. Deglaze thoroughly.

Instant Pot Instructions

Pressure Cook for 6 minutes and allow pressure to naturally release.

Stove Top Instructions

Cover with a lid initially, until the water starts to boil. Open the lid and allow to cook on medium heat until each grain is separate. Do not stir the rice when it's cooking. Depending on the texture of rice you like, if you feel the need to add water, add small amounts gradually.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Instant Pot DUO60 6 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker and Warmer
• 
  Instant Pot Ultra 6 Qt 10-in-1 
• 
  Mealthy MultiPot 9-in-1 Programmable Slow and Pressure Cooker
• 
  Royal White Basmati Rice, 20 Pound
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• 
  McCormick Gourmet Bay Leaves-2 oz
• 
  Black Cardamom Pods | Smokey, Dried, Indian Seasoning Spice | 100% Pure |  (5 oz.)
• 
  McCormick Cinnamon Sticks, 8 oz
• 
  Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, 16 Ounce

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