Instant Pot Rice

Instant Pot Rice is the easiest and most reliable way to prepare fluffy, perfectly cooked rice every time. With just a few ingredients and the push of a button, you can have rice ready in minutes—no need to watch the stove or worry about boiling over.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-Off Cooking: Just set it and forget it—no stirring or babysitting needed.
• Foolproof: Consistent, fluffy results every time.
• Quick and Efficient: Cooks faster than stovetop methods with less effort.
• Versatile: Works with a variety of rice types including white, jasmine, basmati, and brown rice.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Great for batch-cooking and storing for the week.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup long grain white rice (or jasmine, basmati, etc.)
• 1 cup water
• ½ teaspoon salt (optional)
• 1 teaspoon oil or butter (optional, for flavor and non-stick)

Directions

1. Rinse the Rice
   Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy.
2. Add to Instant Pot
   Add the rinsed rice, water, salt (if using), and oil or butter (if using) to the Instant Pot.
3. Pressure Cook
   Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting on High Pressure:
   • White rice: 4 minutes
   • Jasmine rice: 4 minutes
   • Basmati rice: 4 minutes
   • Brown rice: 22–24 minutes
4. Natural Release
   Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to Venting to release any remaining pressure.
5. Fluff and Serve
   Open the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 3 to 4 cups cooked rice (serves about 4)
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 4–24 minutes (depending on rice type)
• Natural Release: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20–35 minutes

Variations

• Garlic Rice: Add minced garlic before cooking.
• Coconut Rice: Replace water with coconut milk.
• Herb Rice: Stir in fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro after cooking.
• Broth Base: Replace water with chicken or vegetable broth for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooled rice in portioned freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water, covered, or warm on the stove in a covered pan with a little added liquid.

FAQs

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double or triple the amount of rice and water, just keep the 1:1 ratio. The cook time remains the same.

Do I have to rinse the rice?

Rinsing is highly recommended to remove excess starch and avoid sticky rice.

What setting do I use on the Instant Pot?

Use the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting on High Pressure.

Can I use the rice setting?

You can, but it’s typically optimized for white rice. Manual pressure settings give more control.

Will this work with brown rice?

Yes, just increase the cook time to 22–24 minutes and keep the 1:1 ratio.

Do I need to adjust the water for different rice types?

Generally, a 1:1 ratio works well for white, jasmine, and basmati rice. For brown rice, you may use slightly more water (1¼ cups per 1 cup rice).

Can I use chicken broth instead of water?

Absolutely. It adds flavor and works perfectly.

Why is my rice still hard?

Ensure you did a full 10-minute natural release. Hard rice usually results from releasing the pressure too early.

How do I prevent rice from sticking to the bottom?

Use oil or butter and make sure to deglaze the pot if you’ve sautéed anything beforehand.

Is Instant Pot rice better than stovetop?

It’s faster, more consistent, and completely hands-off, making it an excellent choice for busy cooks.

Conclusion

Making rice in the Instant Pot is a game-changer for effortless, consistent results. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this method guarantees fluffy, delicious rice every time with minimal cleanup and stress.

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