How To Cook Rice in the Instant Pot

How To Cook Rice in the Instant Pot

4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups white

    basmati, or jasmine rice

  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 cups long grain brown rice
  • 2 1/4 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 cups wild rice
  • 3 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Directions

  1. 1

    Rinse the rice. Measure the rice into a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cool running water for about a minute or until the water runs clear.

  2. 2

    Combine the rice, water, salt, and butter in the Instant Pot. Dump the rice into an Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker. Note that the water amounts are different depending on the rice you’re using! Add the water and salt to the rice and stir to combine. Toss the butter in, and don’t worry if it floats.

  3. 3

    Pressure cook the rice on high. Lock the lid in place and set to cook under HIGH pressure for the following times: White rice: 5 minutes Brown rice: 10 minutesWild rice: 15 minutes The Instant Pot will take 8 to 10 minutes to come up to pressure.

  4. 4

    Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes. When the cook time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes.

  5. 5

    Release any remaining pressure, fluff, and serve. Quick release any remaining pressure release. Uncover, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve immediately.

How To Cook Rice in the Instant Pot

How To Cook Rice in the Instant Pot

37 min4 servings

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About this Recipe

Tired of inconsistent stovetop rice? Learning how to cook rice in the Instant Pot is a game-changer, delivering perfectly fluffy grains every time, with minimal effort. This approach takes the guesswork out of dinner, making it easier to achieve that ideal texture.

Why This Recipe Works

The Instant Pot excels at creating a consistent cooking environment, which is the secret to perfect rice. This method ensures your grains are evenly hydrated, preventing both mushiness and undercooked centers. By offering specific ratios for white, basmati, jasmine, long grain brown, and wild rice, this recipe guarantees reliable results across a variety of your favorite types.

What to Expect

With this Instant Pot method, you can expect beautifully cooked rice that's ready to complement any meal. Your white, basmati, or jasmine rice will be light and fluffy, with distinct grains. For long grain brown rice, anticipate a tender, slightly chewy texture that holds its shape. And if you opt for wild rice, it will emerge with its characteristic chew and earthy flavor, each grain perfectly cooked through. The addition of a touch of butter and salt enhances the natural flavor of the rice, making it a versatile base for countless dishes.

Customization & Variations

The beauty of cooking rice in the Instant Pot is its flexibility. While this guide covers specific types, you can easily adjust the fundamental seasoning. Feel free to:

  • Vary the amount of kosher salt to suit your preference.
  • Increase or decrease the unsalted butter for a richer or lighter finish.
  • Experiment with different aromatics like a bay leaf or a strip of lemon peel added to the water before cooking, if you enjoy those flavor notes.

Serving & Context

Perfectly cooked rice is the foundation of so many meals. Serve your Instant Pot rice alongside stir-fries, curries, roasted vegetables, or grilled proteins. It's an ideal staple for weeknight dinners or meal prep, always ready to absorb the flavors of your main dish.

Frequently Asked Questions