Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
Cooking the “perfect” rice is no easy feat. You’ve to work with exact cooking times, accurate water-to-rice ratios, temperature control, and use the right device. Traditionally, rice is cooked on a stovetop or in a rice cooker. But did you know that you can also cook rice in an Instant Pot? And actually, instant pot rice is pretty much foolproof!
An Instant Pot is like an all-in-one pressure cooker, rice cooker, frying pan, slow-cooker, and much more. Soon, you can say goodbye to uneven, mushy, and burnt rice – forever.
How to Cook Instant Pot Rice
Below, we’ll teach you how to cook rice in Instant Pot. Also, you’ll learn about various rice types, recommended settings, optional ingredients, and cooking times in our step-by-step guides.
White Rice
White rice is a staple grain where its outer husk, bran, and germ are removed. Its neutral flavor and fluffy texture make it a versatile companion to countless culinary creations – especially in Asian dishes.
Water-to-Rice Ratio: 1 cup: 1 cup
Instant Pot Settings and Time: Pressure Cook for 5-6 minutes
Optional Additional Ingredients: pinch of salt; knob of butter
How to make fluffy white rice:
- Rinse Your Rice: Begin by rinsing your white rice under cold water until its water runs clear. This removes excess surface starch, and prevents the rice from becoming overly sticky.
- Water and Seasonings: Combine the rinsed rice, water, a pinch of salt, and a small amount of butter in the Instant Pot. Stir gently to ensure even distribution.
- Instant Pot Settings: Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook, adjusting the time based on your preferred texture. Cook for 5-6 minutes.
- Sealing and Cooking: Make sure your Instant Pot’s lid is sealed properly. Then let your Instant Pot cook your rice to perfection!
- Natural Release: Allow a natural pressure release for a few minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
- Fluff and Serve: Open the Instant Pot, fluff the rice with a fork, and enjoy your perfectly cooked white rice!
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Brown Rice
In comparison to white rice, brown rice is a wholegrain rice with a bran layer. This adds extra fiber and nutrients. Also, it has a nutty flavor and chewy texture, making it a healthier option for many dishes.
Water-to-Rice Ratio: 1 cup: 1 cup
Instant Pot Settings and Time: Pressure Cook for 18-22 minutes
Optional Additional Ingredients: pinch of salt; knob of butter; drizzle of oil
How to make chewy and healthy brown rice:
- Rinse Your Rice: Begin by rinsing the brown rice under cold water to remove excess surface starch. This enhances the texture and prevents stickiness.
- Combine Ingredients: In your Instant Pot, combine your rinsed brown rice, water, salt, and a touch of olive oil or butter. Gently stir to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
- Instant Pot Settings: Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook mode, adjusting the time based on your desired texture.
- Sealing and Cooking: Make sure your Instant Pot’s lid is sealed properly. Then let your Instant Pot cook your rice to perfection!
- Natural Release: After cooking, allow for a natural pressure release for a few minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
- Fluff and Serve: Open the Instant Pot, fluff the brown rice with a fork, and serve. Enjoy the nutty aroma and chewy texture!
Basmati Rice
Basmati rice, renowned for its aromatic fragrance and long, slender grains. This premium long-grain rice variety is primarily grown in the Indian subcontinent. Its unique aroma and delicate flavor profile make it a preferred choice for both Asian and international cuisines.
Water-to-Rice Ratio: 1 cup: 1 cup
Instant Pot Settings and Time: Pressure Cook for 8-10 minutes
Optional Additional Ingredients: pinch of salt; cinnamon stick; a few cardamom pods
How to make fluffy basmati rice:
- Rinse Your Rice: Begin by rinsing the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, removing excess surface starch.
- Combine Ingredients: In the Instant Pot, combine the rinsed basmati rice, water, salt, and optional spices. Gently stir to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
- Instant Pot Settings: Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook mode, adjusting the time to match your desired texture.
- Sealing and Cooking: Make sure your Instant Pot’s lid is sealed properly. Then allow your Instant Pot to infuse your rice with aromatics.
- Natural Release: After cooking, allow for a natural pressure release for a few minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
- Fluff and Serve: Open the Instant Pot, fluff the basmati rice with a fork, and serve. You can’t beat its fragrant aroma and slender, perfectly cooked grains.
Jasmine Rice
Long-grain jasmine rice is a variety of aromatic rice that’s cultivated in Thailand. And it’s loved for its fragrant aroma, subtly sweet flavor, and floral fragrance. Jasmine rice is a staple ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine.
Water-to-Rice Ratio: 1.5 cups: 1 cup
Instant Pot Settings and Time: Pressure Cook for 5-6 minutes
Optional Additional Ingredients: pinch of salt; pandan leaf
How to make fluffy Jasmine rice:
- Rinse Your Rice: Start by rinsing your Jasmine rice under cold water until it runs clear.
- Combine Ingredients: In your Instant Pot, combine the rinsed Jasmine rice, water, salt, and optional pandan leaf. Gently stir to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Instant Pot Settings: Set the Instant Pot to high pressure cook setting, adjusting the time according to your desired texture.
- Sealing and Cooking: Make sure your Instant Pot’s lid is sealed properly. Then allow your Instant Pot to infuse your rice with aromatics.
- Natural Release: After cooking, allow for a natural pressure release for a few minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
- Fluff and Serve: Open the Instant Pot, fluff the Jasmine rice with a fork, and serve. This rice will add an aromatic touch to your culinary creations!
Wild Rice
Wild rice is known for its unique look and nutty taste. Interestingly, it isn’t a rice at all, but it’s actually the seed of a water plant! Also, this North America ingredient has a chewy texture with a rich, earthy flavor.
Water-to-Rice Ratio: 3-4 cups: 1 cup
Instant Pot Settings and Time: Pressure Cook for 25-30 minutes
Optional Additional Ingredients: pinch of salt; chopped herbs
How to make chewy wild rice:
- Rinse Your Rice: Start by rinsing the wild rice under cold water to remove any impurities. It’ll also enhance its overall texture!
- Combine Ingredients: In your Instant Pot, combine the rinsed wild rice, water, salt, and optional olive oil or herbs. Gently stir to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
- Instant Pot Settings: Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook mode, adjusting the time according to your desired texture.
- Sealing and Cooking: Make sure your Instant Pot’s lid is sealed properly, and cook your wild rice to perfection.
- Natural Release: After cooking, allow for a natural pressure release for a few minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
- Fluff and Serve: Open your Instant Pot, fluff your wild rice with a fork, and serve. Enjoy its rich, earthy taste and chewy texture!
Sushi Rice
Sushi rice, shari, or sumeshi, is a short-grain rice variety. Also, it’s seasoned with a blend of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Recognized for its sticky texture and glossy appearance, it serves as the foundation for Japanese dishes, such as sushi rolls and nigiri!
Water-to-Rice Ratio: 1.5 cups : 1 cup
nstant Pot Settings and Time: Pressure Cook for 25-30 minutes
Optional Additional Ingredients: pinch of salt; rice vinegar; sugar
How to make sticky and glossy sushi rice in your Instant Pot:
- Rinse the Rice: Start by rinsing the sushi rice under cold water until it runs clear. This will eliminate excess starch for optimal stickiness.
- Combine Ingredients: In your Instant Pot, combine rinsed sushi rice, water, and your mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Gently stir to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
- Instant Pot Settings: Set your Instant Pot to manual or pressure cook mode, adjusting the time according to your desired texture.
- Sealing and Cooking: Make sure your Instant Pot’s lid is sealed properly. And wait patiently for your your sticky white rice to cook!
- Natural Release: After cooking, allow for a natural pressure release for a few minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
- Fluff and Cool: Open the Instant Pot, fluff the sushi rice with a fork, and let it cool for a few minutes. This enhances the stickiness and glossiness of the rice.
- Perfect Sushi Rice Ready: Your sushi rice cab be used as a delicious foundation for your favorite Japanese dishes!
FAQs about Instant Pot Rice
Cooking rice in a rice cooker can get you simple and fluffy results, while the Instant Pot offers a broader range of cooking styles. Your decision ultimately depends on your individual needs and kitchen requirements.
You can achieve perfectly cooked rice by rinsing your rice, using recommended water-to-rice ratios, and adapting to different rice varieties. Use manual or pressure cook settings, and adjust your time to match your preferred texture. Allow a natural pressure release before fluffing the rice with a fork.
While the Instant Pot is versatile, it has potential drawbacks. Even though many people love using it, some people find its one-size-fits-all approach challenging. Also, the time it takes to reach pressure may increase the overall cooking duration. We’d recommend experimenting and adjusting its settings to find your preferred rice texture!
So, what are you waiting for? Let your Instant Pot work its magic, and make some Instant Pot recipes. Enjoy!
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