Learn how to cook rice in the Instant Pot for perfectly fluffy rice every time! With our easy step-by-step guide and helpful tips, you’ll learn my secret to avoiding a burn notice in the Instant Pot. Keep reading to find your new favorite side dish that’s both easy and hands-off.
Rice is an important part of many cultures worldwide, and for good reason! It’s a delicious and versatile side dish with almost any entree.
Many people have trouble cooking rice on the stovetop. Maybe it always boils over, winds up sticky, or burns the bottom of the pot. If you are one of those people, let me introduce you to the wonders of cooking rice in the Instant Pot.
With our step-by-step guide and helpful tips, you’ll be surprised at how easy cooking the perfect Instant Pot rice is!
Why we love it
- It’s versatile. This is a simple and delicious side dish whether served with chicken, fish, beef, or pork.
- Budget-friendly – With food costs high, grains like rice are a bargain. Plus, it contains fiber, which can help you feel full.
- Plenty of flavor options – Rice has a mild flavor on its own; it’s a blank slate, waiting for the perfect ingredients and seasonings. This is especially true for white rice. Many different spices and herbs can add flavor to a rice dish!
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Ultimate Guide To Cooking Rice In The Instant Pot
In addition to the tips below, you’ll find more helpful information on cooking specific varieties in our individual Instant Pot rice recipe posts.
🎯 TFN Pro Tip
Sauté the rice first because sautéing it in oil or butter keeps it from sticking to the bottom of the pot, causing a burn notice.
What is the ratio of water to rice in the Instant Pot?
When cooking rice in the Instant Pot, the correct water-to-rice ratio is very important. This ensures that your rice is not too soggy or undercooked.
The ratio is 1:1 rice to water. This means that for every cup of rice, you’ll add 1 cup of liquid.
Since Instapot locks in moisture, we use slightly less water than when cooking rice on the stovetop.
For extra flavor, substitute chicken or vegetable broth for the water. This adds a robust taste and flavor.
How does the rice setting work on the Instant Pot?
Most Instant Pots have a built-in rice button setting. This function makes it easy to cook perfect rice every time. But, it’s set to pressure cook long-grain white rice. To fix that add or subtract the minutes needed for your type of rice.
How long does Instant Pot take to cook rice?
The cooking time for rice in an Instant Pot depends on the type of grain you use. Here’s a handy chart showing the Instant Pot rice cooking times:
6 Easy Steps For Cooking Rice in the Instant Pot
1. Rinse the Rice
This removes excess starch and helps prevent sticking. Use a mesh strainer and run cold water over it for about 30 seconds.
2. Set your pot to Sauté.
Turn on your instant pot and press the sauté button. Allow it to heat up until it shows it’s ready.
3. Add the ingredients to the pot
Once the IP is hot, add butter or olive oil, rice, and salt (skip the salt if using broth). Sauté for about 3 minutes, until the rice turns golden.
4. Add water or broth to the pot.
Next, add the water or broth and stir to deglaze the pot. There shouldn’t be any rice stuck to the bottom of the pot.
5. Pressure cook
Close and seal the lid. Cook on high pressure depending on the cooking time mentioned below.
- White and Jasmine: 7 minutes
- Basmati rice: 4 minutes
- Brown and Wild rice: 18 minutes
After the cooking time has elapsed, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
6. Fluff and Serve
Once all the pressure has been released, twist off the Instant Pot lid and fluff the rice before serving.
Serving Ideas
Rice is an incredibly versatile side dish that goes with almost any main course. Our favorite entrees to serve with rice are Baked chicken tenders, cast iron skillet chicken, Shake and Bake chicken tenders, and sweet chili meatballs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store it in a freezer-safe, airtight container or storage bag. When you’re ready, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and follow the reheating instructions below.
If your rice was mushy or sticky, it didn’t have enough fluid or too much. Next time, use the appropriate amount of fluid and stick to the cooking time indicated in the recipe.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
To reheat rice, simply add a tablespoon of water to the container and microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Make ahead Instapot rice is a great way to save time and effort during meal prep. Follow the cooking method above and store as directed. This is good for up to 5 days if stored properly.
If your Instant Pot shows a burn notice, it means the rice burned on the bottom of the pot. Use a quick release to release the pressure, add about 1/4 cup of water to the pot and stir. Turn the pot to saute and continue cooking until the rice is tender. Or you can reseal the pot and pressure cook it again.
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