I love sharing how to cook rice in Instant Pot with a fuss-free method that never disappoints. Using one cup of your chosen rice, the right amount of water, a pinch of salt, and a touch of oil, I achieve perfectly tender results whether you prefer basmati, jasmine, or brown rice.

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I recently discovered a way to make perfect Instant Pot Rice that totally changed my meal game. I always start with 1 cup of rice, whether I’m using long grain white, basmati, jasmine, or even brown rice – just remember, if it’s brown then you’ll need 1 1/4 cups of water while the others only need 1 cup.

I add about 1/2 teaspoon salt (more if I feel like it) and sometimes a teaspoon of oil or butter which really helps prevent sticking. I’ve spent some time figuring out exactly how to cook rice in Instant Pot and how long to pressure cook it so it never gets mushy or underdone.

It’s all about tweaking the settings on the Instant Pot lid and using the rice button correctly. I’ve tried different methods and ended up with a recipe that actually impresses everyone when serving pressure cooker rice.

Give it a try and see how it works for you!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s super simple and the steps are easy to follow, even if sometimes I mess up a little. I also really appreciate that it works with different kinds of rice, whether i’m using jasmine, basmati, or brown so i can mix it up depending on what i’m in the mood for. Another big plus is that the tips, like rinsing the rice and adding a bit of oil or butter, really help keep the rice from sticking together which has saved me loads of trouble. Lastly, using the Instant Pot makes it really fast and convenient, so i don’t have to spend forever in the kitchen and i always end up with warm, fluffy rice every time.

Ingredients

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Rice provides carb energy and fiber, plus a little protein for a balanced meal.
Long-grain, jasmine, or basmati rice each offer their own unique textures and aromas.
Brown rice gives extra fiber and nutrients, its a heart-healthy option.
Water hydrates ingredients, ensuring even cooking and keeping the rice tender.
Salt amplifies natural flavors and enhances the savory taste of the dish.
Oil or butter stops sticking and adds a subtle creaminess to each bite.
Choosing the rice type determines the water ratio and overall texture of your meal.
Simple ingredients combine in the Instant Pot for perfect, foolproof rice every time.
A pinch of creativity transforms this basic recipe into a personalized meal.

Ingredient Quantities

1 cup rice (choose one: long grain white, basmati, jasmine, or brown)

Water: use 1 cup for white, basmati, or jasmine rice or 1 1/4 cups for brown rice

1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon oil or butter (optional, helps prevent sticking)

How to Make this

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1. Start by measuring out 1 cup of rice, and if you like, give it a quick rinse under cold water, then drain it well.

2. Put the rinsed rice into the Instant Pot insert.

3. Add the water according to the type of rice you are using (1 cup for white, basmati, or jasmine and 1 1/4 cups for brown).

4. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon salt and pour in 1 teaspoon of oil or add a small spoonful of butter if you’re using it.

5. Give everything a gentle stir making sure the rice is evenly distributed in the water.

6. Secure the Instant Pot lid firmly and set the steam release valve to the sealing position.

7. For white, basmati, or jasmine rice, set your Instant Pot to high pressure for around 4 minutes; if you’re making brown rice, set it for about 22 minutes.

8. When the cooking time is finished, let the pot naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes before turning the valve to fast release for any remaining pressure.

9. Once the pin drops, remove the lid carefully and fluff the rice with a fork.

10. Serve warm and enjoy your perfectly cooked Instant Pot rice every time!

Equipment Needed

1. Measuring cup – to accurately measure the rice and water
2. Fine mesh strainer – for a quick rinse under cold water and draining the rice
3. Instant Pot (with its inner pot and lid) – for pressure cooking the rice
4. Stirring utensil – like a spoon or spatula for mixing the rice with water, salt, and oil/butter
5. Fork – to fluff the rice after pressure releasing it

FAQ

Q: Can i use different types of rice?

A: Yup, you can use long grain white, basmati, jasmine, or even brown rice. Just remember the water amount changes; 1 cup for white, basmati, and jasmine while brown needs a bit more, like 1 1/4 cups.

Q: Is it necessary to add oil or butter?

A: It's not mandatory but adding 1 teaspoon oil or butter really helps to prevent the rice from sticking so its worth it.

Q: How do i know if the rice is cooked right?

A: Check that the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. The Instant Pot does a great job so you really get it perfect every time if you stick to the ratios.

Q: Do i need to rinse the rice before cooking?

A: Rinsing helps to remove extra starch and gets the rice fluffier, so its a good idea to rinse it well under cool running water.

Q: Can i adjust the salt amount?

A: Sure, start with 1/2 teaspoon salt but feel free to increase or decrease it to match your taste. Its all about finding what works best for you.

Instant Pot Rice (That’s Perfect Every Time!) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Rice: If you dont have your preferred variety, you can try quinoa or even barley instead. Just keep in mind they may need different liquid ratios and cook times.
Water: For extra flavor, swap water with chicken or vegetable broth but remember to adjust the salt accordingly.
Salt: If you’re looking to mix it up, you can use garlic salt or a pinch of seasoned salt instead but be careful as the flavors can get more intense.
Oil or Butter: If you dont have butter, try coconut oil or even a light drizzle of olive oil. They both work well to help prevent sticking while adding a bit of flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Try soaking the rice for like 10-15 minutes before adding it in the Instant Pot. this helps remove the extra starch and can make the rice come out even fluffier.
2. If you like a richer flavor, briefly fry the rice in a little butter or oil using the saute function before pressure cooking. It gives you a nice toasted flavor that makes the dish extra tasty.
3. Avoid stirring the rice too much after you add the water, cause that can break up the grains and make things a bit mushy.
4. Once it’s done cooking, let it sit with the lid on for a few minutes to let the steam finish the job if you havent already, that extra rest time really helps each grain separate better.