Discovering the secrets to cooking perfect, white, and fluffy rice in your Instant Pot is easier than you think. In this straightforward guide, we'll show you how to cook Instant Pot Rice with step-by-step instructions. Whether you're a kitchen beginner or looking to simplify your cooking routine, get ready to ace the art of making flawless rice. You won't need a rice cooker ever again!
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Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Consistency: Instant Pot rice delivers flawlessly fluffy and tender rice every time.
- Effortless Preparation: The Instant Pot simplifies the process; no constant stirring is needed.
- Versatile Side: This fluffy white rice pairs well with a variety of dishes or sauces.
📋 Ingredients
- White Rice: The star of the show, white rice serves as a versatile base, transforming under pressure cooking into fluffy, tender grains.
- Olive Oil: A touch of olive oil prevents the rice from sticking to the pot and adds a subtle richness that enhances the overall flavor.
- Water: Steams under pressure to create the perfect texture - not too hard, not too soft.
- Dried Parsley (For Garnish): A sprinkle of dried parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness, elevating the visual appeal and taste of the dish.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
🔀 Substitutions & Variations
- Rice Variety Options: Instead of standard long-grain white rice, experiment with brown rice, jasmine, or basmati. Each type offers a unique texture and flavor profile, though you may need to adjust the liquid ratio and cooking time.
- Liquid Substitutions: Swap water for broth (vegetable, chicken, or beef) to infuse more flavor into your rice. A half-and-half mix of water and broth can provide a balanced, savory taste.
- Flavor Enhancements: Boost the taste by adding seasonings like garlic, ginger, or herbs. For a pilaf-style twist, mix in vegetables such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers during cooking.
If you love to experiment with flavors then be sure to check out our Instant Pot Spanish Rice or Hibachi Fried Rice recipe.
🔪How to Make Instant Pot Rice
Here are your instructions for cooking rice in the Instant Pot.
- Add olive oil to the Instant Pot.
- Rinse rice using a fine mesh strainer. Place one cup of rice in the Instant Pot, then pour 1 cup of water over the rice.
- Secure lid on Instant Pot and set the seal. Set the pressure cooker button for 5 minutes and cook.
- Next, let your Instant Pot count down and quick release the steam, fluff rice, and serve. Sprinkle with dried parsley if desired.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Proper Liquid Ratio: Ensure you have enough liquid in the pot. Insufficient liquid can cause the food to stick to the bottom and trigger the burn notice. Follow the recommended liquid-to-food ratio in your recipe.
- Max Fill Limit: Never fill your rice and water more than half way as it needs space to absorb and expand.
What Herbs Can I Add to Instant Pot Rice?
If you're looking for alternatives to parsley to add flavor and freshness to your rice, consider these options:
- Cilantro: This herb has a bright, citrusy flavor and pairs well with a variety of dishes, including rice.
- Chives: Chopped chives can add a mild onion flavor and a pop of green color to your rice.
- Basil: Fresh basil leaves can add a sweet and slightly peppery flavor to your rice.
- Dill: Dill has a unique flavor that complements rice well, offering a slightly tangy and herbal taste.
- Thyme: Fresh thyme leaves or dried thyme can add an earthy and savory note to your rice.
- Oregano: Especially if your dish has Mediterranean flavors, oregano can be a great substitute for parsley.
Do Different Kinds of Rice Have Different Cooking Times?
Yes, they definitely do. If you're cooking brown or wild rice, it will take much longer to come up to pressure and release all steam as well as cook through.
Other Instant Pot Rice Times
If you are cooking something other than long grain white rice, here are the cooking times:
- To cook basmati (white) rice: 4-8 minutes
- To cook jasmine rice: 3-5 minutes
- To cook brown rice (long/short): 22-28 minutes
- To cook wild rice 25-30 minutes
💭 FAQs
Yes! White rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, basmati rice, and even wild rice can be cooked in an Instant Pot. The key is adjusting the water ratio and cooking time based on the type of rice.
The "Rice" button is an automatic low-pressure setting designed for white rice. For better control, it's often recommended to use Manual (Pressure Cook) mode with specific time settings for different rice types.
To prevent sticking, rinse the rice well before cooking and lightly coat the bottom of the pot with oil or butter. Also, make sure to follow the proper water-to-rice ratio.
Absolutely! Using chicken or vegetable broth instead of water adds extra flavor. You can also mix in garlic, butter, salt, or herbs before cooking for more taste.
Store leftover Instant Pot rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it cools to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
Yes, you can freeze cooked rice; whether it it's white rice, Instant pot brown rice or fried rice, your rice can be frozen. Allow it to cool to room temperature, place it in a sealed, airtight container or freezer bag, and it can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months for later use.
Serving Suggestions
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Pot Rice:
- Sweet and Sour Tofu – A perfect balance of flavors with a slightly crispy texture.
- Lemon Coriander Soup – A refreshing and zesty soup to start the meal.
- Honey Chili Potatoes – Crispy potatoes coated in a sweet and spicy glaze.
- Schezwan Eggplant – A bold and fiery dish for those who love spice.
- Crispy Lotus Stem – Crunchy and slightly sweet with a hint of chili.
🍜 Related Recipes
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How To Cook Instant Pot Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup White Rice
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 cup Water
- 1 teaspoon Parsley
Instructions
- Add oil to instant pot. Then add 1 cup of rice, then pour 1 cup of water over rice. Next, secure lid on instant pot and set the seal. Tap manual mode and set for 5 minutes.
- Pressure cook for 5 minutes
- Quick release the steam, fluff rice and serve.
- Sprinkle with dried parsley if desired.
I would add a dash of salt to the rice, and I would use butter if it going to be used for a sweet preparation. I have an 8 qt, so water portion should be at least 1 1/2 cups; therefore rice portion should be 1 1/2 cups. This will make 3 cups of rice.
The IP is amazing for rice. It's way quicker than my zojirushi rice maker and takes 1/3 of the time for nearly the same result. I typicaly use the rice setting. This is a great base recipe that can be modified (salsa added for mexican rice; chicken better than bouillon, garlic and saffron with pine nuts for a savory rice, etc.
looks easy to make
I just bought my IP and am very excited to try this 🥰
We use rice a lot in our house lol. Thanks for posting!
oh us too. It's a main staple!
Your rice looks so fluffy and light. I have a rice cooker but it does not come out that nice. I will have to get an instant pot and try rice this way.
We usually make our rice in a rice cooker but we have an Instant Pot so will definitely be trying out your method above too!
Yum, we love rice. I will have to try this. I've never tried to make it in the Instant Pot before. I usually just do stove top.
My son is complaining that my rice cooker is too small. So I need to show him this recipe so he can make more rice for his meals.
I've not made rice in ages. The kids do like it I just forget to cook it. I should probably get an instant pot then I would make it much more.
I never thought to make rice in an Instant Pot. I can't wait to try this!
We eat so much rice, and the instant pot would be a great option when it comes to preparing it. So convenient!
The rice looks so delicious and thanks for the chart, it's really helpful.
I love having instant pot rice. It seems to taste better that way too. It has been awhile since I've made it though.
My rice has not been as good as it once was. I thought it was the brand, now I think I may need an instant pot.
I love this version of instant pot rice because it's got olive oil and herbs. We usually just use rice cooker and it's just plain rice and water, so we need to have the cooked rice with something saucy.
We love eating rice and it's great to know some cooking tips to make it more convenient and fast. Looks quite delicious as well.
I still cook rice the old school way in a pot. but i do want an instant pot
I have a rice cooker so I have never tried cooking rice using an instant pot. Thank you for the tips and tricks!
I’m a huge fan of basmati rice, thanks for sharing this cooking option.
Cooking rice can be tricky especially when trying different varieties. It's something I struggle with. I don't have an instant pot, yet, but I'm glad to read about the ease of rice making. Cheers.
I have never tried making rice in an Instant Pot before, but it certainly sounds like something that I need to try. Thank you for the helpful tips!
I love Rice! Our family loved it. I can't eat without it. This is a great technique. I'll try this!
Now that is some good looking rice. I love having rice for a side.
Such an informative post! I have never cooked rice in the instant pot. So, thanks for sharing all the details and tips with us 🙂