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The Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker is an excellent way to cook perfect Making rice in the Instant Pot is one of the easiest ways to get perfectly fluffy, tender grains every single time. With just a quick rinse and a short pressure-cooking cycle, you get consistent results without watching a pot or worrying about boiling over. It’s especially useful when you’re cooking other dishes on the stovetop and want one less thing to manage.
This rice comes out light, separate, and beautifully cooked whether you use basmati, jasmine, or another long-grain variety. It’s ideal for meal prep, busy weeknights, or anytime you need a dependable side dish that goes with everything from stir-fries to soups and curries.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Perfect texture. The Instant Pot cooks rice evenly and reliably without guesswork.
Hands-off cooking. No stirring or monitoring — just set it and let it finish.
Versatile side dish. Works with countless meals, from curries to casseroles.
Large batch friendly. Makes plenty for family meals or weekly meal prep.
Ingredient Notes
- Long-grain white rice – Basmati or jasmine both work beautifully and cook to fluffy perfection.
- Water – Equal parts rice and water are ideal for long-grain rice in the Instant Pot.
- Salt – Enhances flavor without making the rice taste salty.
Steps to Make Perfect Instant Pot Rice
- Rinse or soak the rice to remove excess starch.
- Add the rice, water, and salt to the Instant Pot.
- Lock the lid and set the cooker to high pressure.
- Let the rice cook and then naturally release for several minutes.
- Fluff with a fork before serving.
Tips
- Rinse the rice until the water is mostly clear to prevent stickiness.
- Use a natural release for at least 10–12 minutes to ensure even texture.
- Add a teaspoon of oil or butter to help keep grains separate.
- Fluff gently with a fork — don’t stir — to avoid breaking the grains.
Recipe Variations
- Garlic rice. Add a smashed garlic clove to the pot before cooking.
- Butter rice. Stir in a tablespoon of butter after cooking for richness.
- Herbed rice. Sprinkle in parsley or cilantro before serving.
- Broth-based rice. Replace the water with chicken or vegetable broth for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside stir-fries, curries, or braised dishes.
- Pair with roasted meats or grilled vegetables.
- Add it to burrito bowls or meal-prep containers.
- Use as a base for fried rice or skillet meals.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store cooked rice in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool it quickly before sealing to maintain texture and safety.
Freeze: Suitable for freezing. Portion into freezer bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Rice freezes well and maintains a good texture when reheated.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave with a splash of water to restore moisture, or steam briefly on the stovetop.
This Instant Pot coconut rice is flavored with coconut milk, cilantro, and green onions. It’s a fabulous choice for an Asian main dish. Or try this Parsi rice, a Persian dish made with brown basmati rice and a fabulous array of spices. There’s no need to stir and fuss with this amazing Instant Pot risotto, or add broccoli and cheese to your Instant Pot rice for a memorable side dish.
Perfect Instant Pot Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- ½ tsp fine salt
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in a mesh strainer under running water until the water is mostly clear.2 cups long-grain white rice
- Put the rice in the Instant Pot and add the water and salt. Stir to combine.2 cups water | 1/2 tsp fine salt
- Lock the lid in place, choose high pressure, and set the timer to 3 minutes. It will take about 5 to 8 minutes for the pressure to build and cooking to start.
- When the rice is done, let the pressure come down for 10 minutes, then release the remaining pressure.
- Fluff the rice and transfer it to a serving bowl.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
