Instant Pot Rice Recipe

Rice is life, right? Let me take you on a quick journey of how I transformed plain white rice into the fluffiest, most delicious cloud of goodness – all with the magic of an Instant Pot.

Making totally dreamy rice in the Instant Pot is one of my culinary superpowers. It’s almost a no-fail recipe, and you can absolutely work with it to make whatever kind of rice you want.

Also, rice is a great vehicle for various kinds of flavors and deliciousness.

Instant Pot Rice Recipe Ingredients

• White Rice: A starchy staple, providing a quick source of carbohydrates for energy.
• Water: Essential for cooking rice, creating steam needed for perfect texture.
• Vegetable Oil or Unsalted Butter: Adds richness, prevents sticking, and enhances flavor.
• Salt (optional): Enhances flavor, balancing the dish while highlighting natural rice taste.

Instant Pot Rice Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup white rice (such as Basmati or Jasmine)
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)

How to Make this Instant Pot Rice Recipe

1. Wash the rice under cold running water in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear, being careful not to let the rice escape, to remove excess starch.

2. Insert the rinsed rice into the Instant Pot.

3. In the Instant Pot, over the rice, pour 1 cup of water.

4. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or unsalted butter to the blend.

5. When utilizing, sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of salt over the rice.

6. Make certain that the lid of the Instant Pot is secured, and that the valve is definitely set to the sealing position.

7. Choose the Pressure Cook or Manual setting and set the cooking time to 4 minutes at high pressure.

8. Let the pressure drop naturally for 10 minutes after cooking, then carefully release any remaining pressure.

9. Take off the lid and carefully use a fork to separate the grains of rice, fluffing them as you go.

10. Serve the rice warm alongside, or as part of, your main meal.

Instant Pot Rice Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Fine-mesh sieve
2. Instant Pot
3. Measuring cup
4. Measuring spoons
5. Fork

FAQ

• Q:Can I substitute brown rice for white rice? A: Certainly, but you must modify not only the timing but also the amount of water used. For brown rice, use 1 cup of rice with 1 1/4 cups of water and a much longer cooking time of 60 minutes at high pressure.
• Q:Is rinsing the rice necessary before cooking it? It is advisable to rinse the rice to remove surplus starch. This is a good preventive measure to keep the rice from being excessively sticky and clumping together.
• Q:Can I double the recipe? A: Yes, you can double the recipe. Just double the ingredients but keep the cooking time the same.
• Q:If the rice is too dry, what should I do? A: Put a few tablespoons of water in with the rice and set the Instant Pot to the sauté function for a few minutes. Stir until the water is absorbed and the rice is back to, if not perfect, at least acceptable, texture.
• Q:How do I avoid the “Burn” message on my Instant Pot?
  A: Make sure there is sufficient water, do not disturb the rice by stirring it in the water, and confirm the parts of the rice cooker that seal it and are supposed to let steam out are intact.
• Q:Can I add spices or herbs for more flavor? A: You can add whole spices or dried herbs with the rice and water for extra flavor. But if you want to add some fancy fusion of flavors, do it in step 3.
• Q:Is it necessary to use oil or butter? A: Using oil or butter helps keep the rice from sticking and adds flavor, but you can leave it out for an oil-free version. (Rice can be made without using any fats, and it will still turn out fine.)

Instant Pot Rice Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can substitute white rice (like Basmati or Jasmine) with brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time.
For water, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth to add flavor.
Substitute vegetable oil or unsalted butter in your recipes with olive oil or coconut oil.
You can substitute soy sauce or seaweed seasoning for salt to add umami.

Pro Tips

1. Toast the Rice Before rinsing, briefly toast the rice in a dry pan over medium heat to enhance its nutty flavor. Once you notice a slight color change and smell the aroma, remove it from heat and rinse as usual.

2. Add Aromatics For added flavor, consider sautéing some finely chopped onions, garlic, or ginger in the Instant Pot using the sauté function before adding rice and water. This can impart a subtle, savory depth to the rice.

3. Use Broth Instead of Water Substitute the water with chicken, beef, or vegetable broth to add more flavor to the rice. Ensure it’s low-sodium to adjust seasoning according to your taste.

4. Let It Sit After releasing the pressure and fluffing the rice, let it sit in the open pot for a few minutes to allow any excess moisture to evaporate. This step ensures a perfect, non-sticky rice texture.

5. Add Fresh Herbs After fluffing the rice, mix in some chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or mint for a burst of fresh flavor and color to complement the richness of the rice.