Discover the secret to perfectly cooked rice with this foolproof Instant Pot Rice recipe! Whether you prefer nutty brown rice or classic white long-grain, this easy method guarantees fluffy rice in your pressure cooker every time. With a hands-off cooking process and a speedy result, you’ll never make rice on the stove again!
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Updated July 2023
Instant Pot Rice: The Foolproof Way to Perfectly Cooked Grains
Are you tired of ending up with overcooked or undercooked rice every time you try to make it on the stovetop? With this foolproof Instant Pot Rice recipe, you’ll say goodbye to inconsistent rice-cooking experiences forever. Say goodbye to waiting by the stove for your rice to cook. This method for cooking rice in the Instant Pot guarantees fluffy, perfectly cooked grains each time. Long-grain, short-grain, brown or white, your rice is sure to turn out perfect making it a kitchen essential.
Recipe Ingredients
You don’t need anything special to make rice in the pressure cooker. This recipe sticks to the basics for a tried and true result.
- Avocado Oil, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, or Cooking Spray: A tiny amount of oil is used to coat the bottom and sides of the Instant Pot inner pot. This simple step ensures that the rice won’t stick and creates an easy cleanup process.
- Brown Rice or White Long-Grain Rice: The star of the show! Choose between nutty and wholesome brown rice or the classic and tender white long-grain rice based on your preference.
- Water: The liquid that brings the rice to life! Precise measurement of water ensures that your rice comes out with the perfect texture and consistency.
- Fine Sea Salt (Optional): A pinch of salt is added to enhance the flavor of the rice. It’s optional, but it brings out the natural taste of the grains.
What Type of Rice to Use
For this recipe, we like to use either brown rice or long-grain white rice. White rice cooks in a whopping 3 minutes! If you’re using brown rice, you should cook it for about 22 minutes instead. Wild rice would take closer to 30 minutes. Keep in mind that these cook times do not include the time it takes to build up and release the pressure from the Instant Pot.
How to Make Instant Pot Rice
To make rice in a pressure cooker, you simply rinse the rice to remove the excess starch, add water, set it and forget it. The process couldn’t be easier!
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Lightly coat the bottom and sides of the inner pot of your Instant Pot with coconut oil, olive oil, or cooking spray. This prevents the rice from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
- Rinse the Rice: Measure the brown rice or white long-grain rice into a large colander or bowl and rinse it under cold water. Gently rub the rice together with your fingertips and continue rinsing until the water runs clear. Drain well and add the rinsed rice to the Instant Pot.
- Add Water and Salt (Optional): Using the same measuring cup as the rice, measure out the appropriate amount of water according to the type of rice you’re using (1:1 ratio for both brown and white rice). Add a pinch of salt if desired for enhanced flavor.
- Cooking Time: Close the Instant Pot lid and turn the valve to the sealing position. Press the MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK button and set the cooking time to 3 minutes for white rice or 22 minutes for brown rice.
- Pressure Release: Allow the Instant Pot to come to pressure, which takes about 15 minutes, and then let it cook for the selected time. After the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. Use a long spoon to carefully release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to venting, then unlock and remove the lid.
- Fluff and Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork, and it’s ready to serve! Enjoy the perfectly cooked grains as a delightful side dish or as a base for your favorite meals.
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Rice
Want a few more tips for making rice in your Instant Pot? Read on!
- Rinse & Drain Rice Well: It’s important to rinse the rice until the water becomes clear. You can rinse it using the inner pot of the Instant Pot, if desired. Just add the rice, run it under cold water and rub the rice together using both hands. This will get rid of excess starches on the surface and prevent the rice from becoming gluey. Be sure to drain it to avoid cooking it with too much water.
- Use the Right Amount of Water and Measuring Cup: Proper water-to-rice ratio is essential. We recommend using the same measuring cup. Follow the 1:1 ratio to achieve well-cooked rice.
- Select the Right Cooking Time: The cooking time varies for white rice and brown rice. Adjust the settings accordingly to get the best results.
- Natural Release After Cooking: Allowing the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes helps in achieving fluffy and tender rice.
- Can I Double the Recipe? Sure! Use equal proportions of water and rice and cook it for the same amount of time. You can make however much you’d like following this ratio – just remember not to fill your Instant Pot more than halfway.
Storage and Freezer Instructions: How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Having leftover rice on hand is always a time-saver. Leftover rice should be stored in an airtight container or resealable bag and refrigerated. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Reheat the rice over low heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring every so often and adding a splash of water to make up for lost moisture.
If you want to keep it for a more extended period, you can also store your rice in the freezer. Frozen rice lasts for up to 3 months and should be thawed overnight in the fridge before it’s reheated.
To reheat rice, simply place it in the microwave with a damp paper towel over the top to retain moisture. Heat it on medium power in short intervals, fluffing the rice occasionally, until it’s warmed through.
Serving Suggestions: Versatility on Your Plate
- Pair your freshly cooked rice with your favorite stir-fry or curry for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Use the rice as a base for flavorful bowls with grilled vegetables, protein, and your favorite sauces.
- Toss the rice with some fresh herbs and a light dressing for a refreshing rice salad.
- Serve with Chicken: I love sitting down to a warm plate of rice and Orange Chicken. I swear, you’ll never be tempted to order takeout again!
- Serve with Tofu: You didn’t think I’d leave you without a vegan option, did you? This Orange Tofu is an amazing meatless alternative to orange chicken.
- Make a Burrito Bowl: Wondering how you can use leftover rice? These Vegan Burrito Bowls are ultra hearty and delicious.
- Make Fried Rice: Another great dish to make with leftover rice is, of course, Fried Rice! This easy recipe is so tasty. And it’s so much healthier than takeout!
Variations and Substitutions: Get Creative
- Coconut Rice: Add a tropical twist to your rice by cooking it with coconut milk instead of water.
- Spanish Rice: Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers before adding the rice and water to create a flavorful Spanish-inspired dish.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Mix in some chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty and refreshing side dish.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other types of rice in the Instant Pot? Yes, you can use other types of rice such as jasmine, basmati, or short-grain rice in the Instant Pot using the same 1:1 ratio of rice to water. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the type of rice you choose.
- What can I add to the rice for extra flavor? You can customize the rice by adding various ingredients like garlic, herbs, or even broth instead of water. Experiment with your favorite seasonings to enhance the taste.
- Can I double or triple the recipe? Absolutely! To double or triple the recipe, maintain the 1:1 ratio of rice to water. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the rice cooks thoroughly.
- How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy or undercooked? The key to perfectly cooked rice lies in accurately measuring the water and following the recommended cooking times. Be sure to rinse the rice before cooking and allow the natural pressure release to maintain the ideal texture.
More Instant Pot Recipes
Need more yummy dishes to cook up in your Instant Pot? These recipes won’t disappoint!
This fail-proof recipe for Instant Pot Rice makes the most delicious white or brown rice in your pressure cooker! With a hands-off cooking process and a speedy result, you'll never make rice on the stove again!
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil olive oil or cooking spray, to prevent sticking
- 1 cup brown rice or white long-grain rice
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt optional
- Lightly coat the bottom and the sides of the inner pot of the Instant Pot with oil (this prevents sticking).
- Measure rice into a large colander or bowl and rinse under cold water. Gently rub rice together with your fingertips. Drain and continue rinsing under cold water until the water is clear. Drain well and add to Instant Pot.
- Measure out water using the same measuring cup as the rice. Add water to rice. Add a pinch of salt, if desired.
- Cover and lock the lid. Turn the valve to sealing and press MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK: For White Rice - cook for 3 minutes. For Brown Rice - cook for 22 minutes.
- Allow the Instant Pot to come to pressure (about 15 minutes) and cook for selected time. After the selected time and the rice is cooked, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release for 10 minutes. Using a long spoon, release the remaining pressure by turning the valve to venting , then unlock and remove the lid.
- Fluff with a fork and serve warm.
- Store leftovers in a sealed container or zip-top bag in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Use a 1:1 ratio to double or triple the recipe (e.g. 2 cups water, 2 cups rice)
Disclaimer: This updated post was generated on July 29, 2023 by ChatGPT, an AI language model, and all info should be reviewed and validated by a human for accuracy and relevancy before implementation.
Did you try this recipe?
Bernice -
So handy! We make rice in a rice cooker but ours broke and haven’t ordered a new one yet. Tried this and the rice came out perfect! Thanks!
JoAnn -
Hey, ILOVe rice & have totally SWITCHED to making rice the instant pot way. I almost always make brown rice, thanks for the time info for white rice: that I didn’t know.
Johnna -
What a great guide! I can’t wait to try this in our new IP!