Basmati Rice (Instant Pot Recipe)

Name: Basmati Rice (Instant Pot Recipe)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 24 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Basmati rice; 2 tablespoons butter (olive oil, or ghee); 2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth (vegetable broth, or water (using hot liquid helps IP come to pressure faster))

This Basmati Rice Instant Pot recipe is beyond simple to make, and it’s incredibly delicious. Light and tender, no sticky or gluey grains. Start up your pressure cooker, and in just 15 minutes, you’ll be serving a perfectly fluffy rice side dish for dinner!

Two white bowls of Instant Pot Rice with a stack of white plates, striped cloth, and golden serving spoon at the background.

This long-grain rice is perfect for absorbing all of those delicious flavors. But cooking it can be tricky, especially if you use a traditional pot on the stovetop.

Love rice? We have more recipes! Try our Brown Rice, Rice-a-Roni, coconut rice, Blackstone chicken fried rice, Jasmine rice, and teriyaki chicken pineapple bowls.

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What is Instant Pot Basmati Rice?

Basmati rice has a nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture. It’s the perfect canvas for all of your favorite dishes.

It’s much easier to make in the pressure cooker than a stovetop method. You’ll never go back to cooking it the old-fashioned way on the stovetop once you’ve tried this easy.

Plus, it’s a foolproof recipe every time. This versatile dish can be served as a side or as a main and can be easily customized to your taste.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Basmati rice: You can use any long-grain rice.
Butter: You can substitute with olive oil.
Broth: We use low-sodium chicken broth but you can also use vegetable broth or salt and water.

Ingredients for instant pot basmati rice recipe: rice, broth, and butter with a pressure cooker in the background with a wooden spoon.

How to Cook Basmati Rice in an Instant Pot

Rinse. The first step is to rinse and drain the rice well and then set it aside to drain completely.

Sauté. Set the pressure cooker to sauté.

Add butter or oil to the pot and let it heat.

A wooden spoon putting a butter in the Instant Pot.

Once the pot is ready, add grains and sauté until the rice begins to turn golden (3-5 minutes).

Deglaze the pot. Add the broth to the pot, and stir to mix and deglaze the pot.

Press cancel to end sauté when done.

Pressure cook. Close and seal the lid, and turn the vent to seal (if needed). Set the pot manually to high pressure for 4 minutes.

Ready to serve. When the pressure cooking time is complete, do a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. This means leave the pot undisturbed.

Then, perform a quick release by carefully turning or pressing the pressure release lever or button (refer to your pot’s instructions).

Fluff before serving by stirring it.

Cooked Basmati Rice in an Instant Pot with a wooden spoon.

Variations for this Rice Side Dish

There are so many delicious ways to switch up this recipe! Here are a few of our favorite variations:

For an aromatic option, add garlic, onion, or other aromatics during sauteing for extra flavor.
Add protein to make it a complete meal. Tasty options include cooked chicken, hibachi shrimp, shredded pork, or tofu for a complete meal.
Toss in some vegetables, like canned peas, carrots or green beans after pressure cooking.
Add a spice like turmeric, garam masala, or cumin for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This is the perfect side dish for all of your favorite dishes! Serve it with recipes like pork chops, buttermilk-bined pork chops, Sweet chili meatballs, Bisquick oven-fried chicken, Blackstone vegetables, Crockpot chuck roast, or baked chicken tenderloins.

A white bowl of Instant Pot Rice ready to serve.

How to Store

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to four days in an airtight container. Reheat the leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

If you want to meal prep or make this recipe ahead of time, cook a big batch and portion it out into individual containers.

Two white bowls of Instant Pot Basmati Rice with a stack of white plates and golden serving spoon at the background.

Can I freeze pressure cooked basmati rice?

Yes, it can be frozen for up to four months. Defrost in the fridge or microwave or at room temperature before reheating.

To reheat, microwave or heat it on the stovetop (with 2 tablespoons of water) until completely reheated.

Instant Pot Basmati Rice FAQs

What is the ratio of basmati rice to water?

The ratio pressure cooker is usually 1:1. This means that for every cup of rice, you’ll need one cup of water.

But if you’re a fan of softer stickier rice, then increase the amount of water to 1 1/4 cups.

Should basmati rice be soaked before cooking?

No, you don’t need to soak it before cooking. However, rinsing and draining it well before cooking will help keep it from becoming mushy.

Why is my basmati rice mushy?

If it’s mushy, it’s likely because you’ve cooked it too long, did not do a quick release, or used too much water. Do not cook for more than 6 minutes. And, use the correct ratio of liquid when cooking.

How do I make basmati rice not sticky?

If it’s sticky, it’s likely because you didn’t rinse it completely. Rinse until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.