Learn how to make perfect rice in the Instant Pot! This easy method works with all long-grain varieties including white basmati rice.
I always get asked what is the best way to cook rice in the Instant Pot, and since so many of my Instant Pot recipes are served with rice. I figured that it’s time to share my Instant Pot rice recipe with you, aka the best and easiest way to cook rice in the IP!
Cooking rice in the Instant Pot is so easy. In fact, that’s the only way my husband cooks rice now. I love the fact that with the Instant Pot, following the same method, I will end up with the same result every single time. So it’s consistent, and great especially if I’m cooking for a crowd!
So whether you’re an Instant Pot newbie, or a pro, you’re gonna love this!
Table of Contents
Do I Need to Soak the Rice Before Cooking It in the Instant Pot
The answer is yes! Soaking rice for at least 15 minutes (preferably 30) helps it absorb some water for better texture, it also helps you get rid of the starchiness that you don’t need as it can make the rice sticky.
So presoak the rice in cold/room temperature water, then drain and rinse.
How to Cook Basmati Rice in the Instant Pot
- As you have soaked the rice already, rinse under running water until it runs clear and it’s ready to go in the Instant Pot.
- Add 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil just to grease the bottom of the pot. This will prevent any rice from sticking to the bottom.
- Cover with water. The water needs to cover the rice and be just half of an inch above the top of the rice.
- Add a pinch of salt, quickly stir the rice.
- Secure the lid and set the vent to SEALING. Select the PRESSURE COOK/MANUAL setting and set the cooking time for 4 minutes at high pressure. The Instant Pot will take around 7-8 minutes to come to pressure and start cooking. When the cooking program ends, naturally release the steam for 10 minutes then quickly release if any steam is left.
- Carefully remove the lid, and fluff the rice with a fork to serve. Or just add cilantro and lime juice to make my favorite cilantro lime rice!
Can I Cook This Rice Using Broth or Stock?
You sure can! Depending on what flavor you’re aiming for, you can add chicken stock just like I did in my Instant Pot whole chicken recipe. First, you can the chicken and the juices will stay at the bottom of the Instant Pot. And then you add rice to that chicken broth, and make tasty rice to serve with the chicken. It’s one of my most popular recipes on the blog for a reason!
Can I Cook Long Grain Brown Rice in the Instant Pot?
Yes, brown rice is also very easy to make in the Instant Pot but it does take longer. Check out my Instant Pot brown rice recipe for details.
Storing Cooked Rice
Cooked rice can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Serving Ideas
- Instant Pot honey sesame chicken
- Instant Pot beef and broccoli
- Instant Pot hibachi chicken
- Instant Pot shrimp and broccoli
- Instant Pot hibachi steak
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Instant Pot Rice Recipe
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice or any white long grain rice
- enough water to cover the rice by ½ inch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Presoak the rice cold water for 15-30 minutes. The longer the better. Then drain and rinse the rice.
- Add vegetable oil to the bottom of the pot, and spread it so it covers the pot very well.
- Add the rice, salt, followed by water. Add enough water to cover the rice by ½ inch. Give everything a quick stir.
- Secure the lid and set the vent to SEALING. Select the PRESSURE COOK/MANUAL setting and set the cooking time for 4 minutes at high pressure. The Instant Pot will take around 7-8 minutes to come to pressure and start cooking. When the cooking program ends, naturally release the steam for 10 minutes then quickly release if any steam is left.
- Carefully remove the lid, and fluff the rice with a fork to serve.
Notes:
- The recommended portion of rice per person is a ½–⅓ cup (90-60 grams). I usually do ⅓ cup per person.
- You can skip the oil, and add a piece of butter instead and mix it with the rice, water, and salt.
Video
Nutrition Information
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
© Little Sunny Kitchen
Elizabeth says
What does 1/2 water mean?? Thanks!
Diana says
You need enough water to cover the rice by 1/2 inch.
Debby says
My rice turned to mush. But I used the rice setting on my instapot…will that make a difference? I just threw the rice out and starting over.
Diana says
Hi Debby, sorry to hear that! I don’t use the Rice setting so I’m not quite sure how it works – but 2 things to look for is to wash the rice very well, and not to add too much liquid. I hope this helps.