Instant Pot Rice

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If you're looking for a foolproof way to make rice, you'll LOVE this Instant Pot Rice! It comes out tender every time.

Jump to:

• White Rice v. Brown Rice
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Why Should I Rinse Rice?
• Adding Flavor
• Recipe
• Reviews

Once I tried making rice in the Instant Pot, I will honestly never make it any other way. It's beyond simple and comes out delicious every single time! Not too mushy or watery like making rice on the stovetop.

The best part is that the Instant Pot does all the work and tending for you.

The first step is to familiarize yourself with your Instant Pot if you haven't yet - this is a great article if you're a newbie. It honestly took me a while to open up the box when I ordered mine...I was so intimidated! Turns out an Instant Pot is super easy to use and my life is changed forever.

Not only do I love cooking rice in the Instant Pot, I also use it to make corn on the cob, soups, corn chowder, mac & cheese, and so much more. It's one of my favorite appliances!

White Rice v. Brown Rice

Brown rice is the whole grain, while white rice is simply brown rice that has been processed by removing the husk, bran, and germ. Brown rice has a slightly higher nutritional benefit, but my personal preference is white rice due to the texture and ability to soak up flavors. Have no shame in your rice game!

Good news: White rice and brown rice are made almost the same way in the Instant Pot. There are two differences: The amount of water used, and the time each takes to cook. The brown rice requires more of each.

Ingredients

White Rice:

• 2 cups of white rice (such as long grain, Basmati, or Jasmine)
• 2 cups of water
• ½ teaspoon of salt

Brown Rice:

• 2 cups of brown rice
• 2-¼ cups of water
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water in a mesh strainer.
2. Add all ingredients into the pressure cooker.
3. In manual mode, set the timer. 5 minutes for white rice and 15 minutes for brown rice. The Instant Pot will take about 10 minutes to pressurize, then the actual cooking will begin.
4. Once the timer goes off, let it naturally release for about 5 minutes (just leave it alone for this time). Then, carefully move the vent open to quick release. Let the steam come out if there is any, then open the lid.
5. Fluff with a fork!

If making fried rice, stick the rice in the fridge and let cool before using (preferably over night.)

Why Should I Rinse Rice?

This is a step I used to skip early in my cooking journey because I didn't realize how important it really was!

It is worth it (and important) to rinse your rice until the water runs clear. Here is why:

• Rinsing removes any debris, like dirt and even small rocks. Rice comes from a plant, after all!
• Rinsing removes surface starch. Starch causes the rice to clump together and have a gummy texture. Wash it away and you're left with fluffy, tender rice.

Adding Flavor

There are many ways to add flavor and texture to a bowl of rice!

• Cook in half vegetable stock, half water
• Add seasonings before cooking, such as garlic powder, turmeric, or tomato paste
• Add soy sauce, lime juice, coconut oil, or salsa after cooking
• Mix with beans and/or vegetables
• Serve with curry, chickpea teriyaki, General Tso's Cauliflower, or add into tacos!

Recipe