How to Cook Rice in an Instant Pot

Why to Use an Instant Pot for Rice?

The Instant Pot is more than just a pressure cooker—it’s a time-saving kitchen tool that delivers reliable results. Here are some advantages of cooking rice in an Instant Pot:

• Consistent Texture: The pressure cooking ensures rice is evenly cooked.

• Hands-Free Cooking: Once the settings are on, the Instant Pot does the work.

• Versatility: You can cook white, brown, jasmine, basmati, and even wild rice with slight adjustments.

• Meal Prep Friendly: You can cook larger batches without worrying about sticking or burning.

Ingredients You Will Need

For basic Instant Pot rice, gather the following:

• 1 cup of rice (white, jasmine, basmati, or brown)

• 1 to 1 ¼ cups of water (depends on rice type)

• ½ teaspoon salt (optional)

• 1 teaspoon oil or butter (optional, for fluffiness)

Tip: Rinse rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps prevent sticking and clumping.

Step-by-Step Method to Cook Rice in an Instant Pot

Cooking rice in an Instant Pot involves three main steps: preparation, cooking, and resting.

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy.

Step 2: Add Rice and Water to the Instant Pot

Transfer the rinsed rice to the Instant Pot. Add water according to the rice type:

• White Rice / Jasmine Rice: 1 cup rice to 1 cup water

• Basmati Rice: 1 cup rice to 1 cup water

• Brown Rice: 1 cup rice to 1 ¼ cups water

Add salt and oil or butter if desired.

Step 3: Set the Cooking Program

• Close the lid and make sure the pressure valve is set to “Sealing.”

• Select the Pressure Cook or Manual mode:

  • White/Jasmine/Basmati Rice: 4–6 minutes on high pressure

  • Brown Rice: 22–24 minutes on high pressure

Step 4: Natural Release

Once the cooking cycle is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. This ensures the rice finishes cooking evenly. Afterward, carefully switch the valve to Venting to release any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Fluff and Serve

Open the lid, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and serve immediately. Fluffing prevents the grains from sticking together and keeps the texture light and airy.

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Rice

1. Use the Right Water Ratio: Too much water can make rice mushy; too little can make it dry. Always adjust according to rice type.

2. Rinse Thoroughly: This removes starch and improves texture.

3. Avoid Overfilling: The Instant Pot should never be more than halfway full when cooking rice to prevent overflow.

4. Experiment with Flavor: Add spices, herbs, or broth instead of water for added flavor.

5. Quick Cleanup: Line the pot with a silicone liner or lightly oil the bottom to prevent sticking.

Cooking Different Rice Varieties

• White Rice: Quick and fluffy; cooks in 4–6 minutes with natural release.

• Brown Rice: Chewy and nutty; needs longer cooking, around 22–24 minutes.

• Basmati Rice: Long-grain and aromatic; cooks similar to white rice but benefits from soaking 20–30 minutes beforehand.

• Jasmine Rice: Soft and fragrant; uses a 1:1 ratio and 4–5 minutes cooking time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not rinsing rice: Leads to sticky and gummy texture.

• Skipping natural release: Can cause unevenly cooked rice.

• Incorrect water ratio: Too much or too little water affects fluffiness.

• Overfilling the Instant Pot: Rice may overflow during cooking.

By following these tips, you’ll get perfect rice every time, whether it’s for a stir-fry, curry, or as a side for your main dish.

Storing and Reheating Instant Pot Rice

• Storage: Cool leftover rice quickly and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: Portion rice into freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Sprinkle a little water over the rice and microwave or steam until warm. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Conclusion

Cooking rice in an Instant Pot is simple, fast, and reliable. With the right water-to-rice ratio, proper rinsing, and a little patience during natural release, you can enjoy perfectly cooked, fluffy rice every time.

Experiment with different rice types, add flavor with spices or broth, and enjoy rice as a versatile base for countless meals. The Instant Pot truly makes cooking rice easier and more consistent than traditional stovetop methods.