Instant Pot Yellow Rice

What is Yellow Rice?

There are many types of Yellow Rice from different countries and regions – Spanish Yellow Rice (arroz amarillo), Indian, Indonesian, Mediterranean, South African, Middle Eastern Yellow Rice…and more!

Though they can be made with a variety of ingredients depending on the region, generally, they’re made with rice and turmeric.

Turmeric is a common spice used in Asian cuisines for coloring, flavoring, and dyeing.

Growing up, whenever my dad cooks up an Indonesian feast for us, Nasi Kuning (aka Indonesian Turmeric Rice or Yellow Rice) is a must!

Even though it’s may not be a glamorous main dish, it’s definitely a delicious shining star on the table! A comforting little treat that lures us into going back for seconds, thirds, and more.

So we’ve developed this Instant Pot Yellow Rice Recipe inspired by the traditional Indonesian Turmeric Coconut Rice. In fact, it’s an upgraded luxury savory version of our coconut rice.

You’ll love the tasty coconut aftertaste & fragrance that linger in your mouth (especially if you’re a coconut lover)!

*Pro Tip: This yellow rice will go really well with our glorious Indonesian Beef Rendang.

Time to cook Yellow Rice in Instant Pot!

Step-by-Step Guide: Instant Pot Yellow Rice

Here are the few simple pantry ingredients for cooking Yellow Rice in Instant Pot:

Coconut Milk: 100% unsweetened coconut milk – this is the best tasting one out of the 4 brands we tried while developing recipes. It’s not diluted, no additives, stabilizers, thickeners, gums, or preservatives.

*Pro Tip: please note that the coconut milk we used in this yellow rice recipe is NOT the beverage or refrigerated type of Coconut Milk.

Rice: We’re using Jasmine rice for this easy yellow rice recipe, but Basmati rice will also work!

Tools for Instant Pot Yellow Rice

• Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker
• Wooden Spoon
• Pyrex Measuring Cups

Optional – Rinse Rice

*Note: Some people like to rinse their rice while others might prefer not to rinse, so this step is optional.

First, rinse the jasmine rice under cold water by gently scrubbing it with your fingertips in a circling motion.

Then, pour out the milky water, and continue to rinse until the water is clear (roughly 3 times).

*Note: Be sure to drain the jasmine rice really well.

Pressure Cook Yellow Rice

Then, add 1 tsp (3g) turmeric powder, ¼ tsp (1.5g) table salt, minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp (15ml) regular soy sauce, and 1½ cup (375ml) unsalted chicken stock in Instant Pot. Mix well.

Add 2 cups (400g) Jasmine rice in Instant Pot, then make sure all the rice is submerged in the chicken stock mixture.

Finally, layer 1 cup (250ml) 100% pure unsweetened coconut milk on top (as shown in the below photo). Do not mix.

With Venting Knob in Venting Position, close the lid, then turn Venting Knob to Sealing Position.

• Pressure Cooking Method: Pressure Cook at High Pressure for 5 minutes, then 10 minutes Natural Release.

After 10 minutes, release the remaining pressure by turning the Venting Knob to Venting position.

Remove the lid carefully.

Fluff & Season

ohh~ it smells so amazing! The pleasantly sweet coconut & savory aroma filled the kitchen. 🙂

*Note: The yellow jasmine rice will look a bit wet when you first open the lid.

Add 1 tbsp (15ml) unsalted butter on cooked yellow rice, then fluff rice with a rice paddle or fork.

Then, taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt (roughly 1 – 3 large pinch of salt).

Garnish & Serve Instant Pot Yellow Rice

We toasted some coconut flakes to add to this easy yellow rice as a garnish, but it’ll taste yummy on its own. 🙂 

Enjoy this Aromatic & Flavorful Yellow Rice in Instant Pot!

More Instant Pot Rice Recipes

Instant Pot Sticky Rice

Instant Pot Fried Rice

Instant Pot Coconut Rice