Instant Pot Jasmine Rice Recipe

I absolutely love this jasmine rice recipe because it’s super easy to whip up in the Instant Pot, making it perfect for my busy millennial lifestyle. Plus, it’s so versatile and deliciously fluffy, it’s the perfect base for all my favorite meals.

The Instant Pot takes plain jasmine rice and makes it into something delightful. My favorite way to cook it involves 1 cup of jasmine rice and, surprisingly, the same amount of water.

I usually add a touch of unsalted butter to coax the rice’s nutty flavor out of hiding. I can’t stress enough how easy this makes a dish that feels anything but simple and, frankly, too often relegated to side dish status.

Ingredients

This delightful and aromatic rice has an abundant and elegant flavor.

It is a great source of carbohydrates, offering a delightful and elegant energy boost.

H2O: Essential for boiling the rice to fluffy perfection, H2O hydrates the grains in cooking.

Salt (optional): Boosts flavor, eliciting the inherent sweetness of the jasmine rice.

Optional fat (unsalted butter or oil): Yields a creamy, rich texture in the finished rice; can also add a light buttery or nutty flavor that enhances the rice’s taste profile.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or oil (optional)

Instructions

1. Wash the jasmine rice with cold water until the water runs clear to remove extra starch.

2. Place the rinsed rice in the Instant Pot.

3. Add 1 cup of water to the rice.

4. If you are looking to improve flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

5. If desired, add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter or oil for richness.

6. Ensure that the pressure release valve is set to the sealing position and close the lid of the Instant Pot.

7. Choose the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and set the timer for 3 minutes on high pressure.

8. After the cooking time is over, allow the pressure to reduce naturally for 10 minutes, and then release the remaining pressure by hand.

9. Open the lid with care, and using a fork, fluff the rice.

10. Serve warmly as a side or the base for whatever meal you’ve got going. Relish!

Equipment Needed

1. Instant Pot
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. Fork
5. Fine-mesh strainer or bowl (for washing rice)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use brown jasmine rice instead of white?Q: Does brown rice take longer to cook than white rice, and why?

  A: Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and water ratio. Brown rice usually takes more water and a longer cooking time.

• Q: What is the ideal water-to-rice ratio for jasmine rice in an Instant Pot?
• Q: Should I rinse the jasmine rice before cooking?A: Yes, rinsing before cooking jasmine rice aids in the removal of excess starch, which allows for a fluffier final product, that is, a fluffier rice.
• Q: How long should I cook jasmine rice in the Instant Pot?A: Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, let it naturally release for 10 minutes, and then open the lid.
• Q: Can I add more flavor to the rice?You can use unsalted butter, oil, or broth instead of water to flavor up the dish.
• Q: Is it necessary to add salt?Adding salt is optional. It enhances the flavor but is not required.
• Q: Can I double the recipe?You can indeed double the recipe. Just be sure to keep the rice-to-water ratio at 1:1 and don’t go over the max fill line of your pot.

Substitutions and Variations

1 cup basmati rice (replacing jasmine rice)
1 cup vegetable broth (use instead of water for more flavor)
1/2 teaspoon of soy sauce (for an umami flavor, instead of salt)
1 tablespoon coconut oil (substituting unsalted butter with it gives a hint of coconut flavor)

Pro Tips

1. Rinsing rice thoroughly is key to achieving the perfect texture. Make sure you repeat the rinsing process until the water is completely clear; this usually takes about 3-4 washes.

2. Toasting the rice slightly in the Instant Pot using the sauté function before adding water can enhance its flavor. Just heat the butter or oil, add the rice, and stir for 2-3 minutes until it’s lightly fragrant.

3. For an added layer of flavor, consider substituting chicken or vegetable broth for the water. This will infuse the rice with a savory base, adding depth to your dish.

4. After fluffing the rice, let it sit uncovered for a few minutes. This allows excess moisture to evaporate, ensuring the rice grains are separated and not sticky.

5. If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, reduce the water to 3/4 cup. For softer rice, increase the water slightly, by about 2 tablespoons, adjusting to your preference.