Cooking Instant Pot basmati rice is a game-changer! This method gives you light, fluffy, and perfectly tender grains—no more sticky or gluey rice. It’s so effortless and foolproof that I’ve completely ditched stovetop cooking, and once you try it, you probably will too!
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What is Basmati Rice?
Basmati rice is a long-grain, aromatic rice variety known for its light, fluffy texture and distinct nutty flavor. Native to the Indian subcontinent, it’s prized for its ability to stay separate and non-sticky when cooked.
Basmati’s signature fragrance and delicate taste elevate any meal, whether paired with a bold, spicy dish like our blackened chicken tenders or enjoyed alone. It’s perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions!
Love rice? We have more recipes! Learn how to cook brown rice in Instant Pot, Instant Pot rice-a-roni, coconut rice Instant Pot recipe, Blackstone chicken fried rice, jasmine rice in Instant Pot, and teriyaki chicken pineapple bowls.
Why We Love This Basmati Rice Instant Pot Recipe
- Perfect texture every time
No more guessing how to cook basmati rice in Instant Pot! This method ensures light, fluffy, and separate grains—never sticky or mushy. - Quick and hands-free
Using the rice setting or manual pressure cooking makes cooking basmati rice effortless. Just set it and let the Instant Pot do the work! - Foolproof and versatile
Whether for curries, meal prep, or stir-fries, this basmati rice Instant Pot recipe delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results every time.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Basmati rice: You can use any long-grain.
- Butter: You can substitute with olive oil.
- Broth: We use low-sodium chicken broth, but you can also use vegetable broth.
Recipe Variations
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 sautéing 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.
- Stir in some frozen or canned vegetables. I recommend frozen peas or diced carrots, or canned green beans. Preheat them in the microwave first, then add them after pressure cooking is complete.
- Add a spice like turmeric, garam masala, or cumin for extra flavor.
How to Cook Basmati Rice in 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.
- Once the pot is ready, add the grains and sauté until the it turns 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 leaving 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.
🎯 TFN Pro Tip
Always rinse it until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This prevents sticky or clumpy grains. For extra flavor, cook it with a bay leaf, a pinch of salt, or a splash of broth instead of water. Fluff with a fork after cooking for the best texture!
Serving Suggestions
Instant Pot Basmati Rice is the perfect side dish for so many meals! If you’re wondering how to cook basmati rice in Instant Pot for meal prep or everyday dinners, this recipe makes it effortless. It’s a great base for butter chicken, classic curries, or even a simple veggie stir-fry.
For a comforting, home-cooked meal, try it with sour cream pork chops recipe, pork chops buttermilk, meatballs in sweet chili sauce. Its light, fluffy texture balances out hearty proteins, making it a go-to side for everything from Bisquick oven baked chicken to beef chuck roast Crock Pot. You can even toss it with Blackstone vegetables or chicken tenderloins baked in oven for a healthy and satisfying dish.
If you prefer a nuttier, slightly chewier option, you can easily swap in brown basmati rice using the same basmati rice Instant Pot method, just with a longer cook time. No matter what you serve it with, this recipe guarantees perfect every time!
Recipe FAQs
I find that the perfect pressure cooker ratio is 1:1, which means that for every cup of rice, you’ll need one cup of water. But if you’re a fan of softer, stickier rice, increase the amount of water to 1 1/4 cups.
No, you don’t need to soak it before cooking rice. However, rinsing and draining it well before cooking will help keep it from sticking.
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 proper ratio (see above) of liquid when cooking.
If it’s sticky, it’s likely because you didn’t rinse it thoroughly. Rinse until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
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. You can also freeze rice for up to 3 months (see below for how to freeze rice).
If you want to meal prep or make this recipe ahead of time, cook a big batch and portion it out into individual containers.
Yes, you can store it in your freezer for up to three months. Defrost it 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 thoroughly reheated.
Looking for more side dishes?
If you tried this Instant Pot basmati rice recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Instant Pot Basmati Rice
Equipment
- Instant Pot - or other electric pressure cooker
- mesh strainer
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)
Instructions
- Rinse and drain rice well, and set aside.
- Set the pressure cooker to sauté, and add butter or oil to the pot. Once the pot is hot, add the rice and sauté until the rice begins to turn golden brown, 3-5 minutes. Press the cancel button to end sauté.
- Add broth to the pot; stir with a spoon to combine and deglaze the pot, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Attach, close, and seal the pressure cooker lid according to the manufacturer's instructions. Manually set the unit to cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
- When the pressure cooking cycle is complete, allow a natural pressure release (leave the pot undisturbed) for 10 minutes, then initiate a quick release by carefully turning or pressing the pressure release button (refer to your pot's instructions). Fluff the basmati rice with a fork before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
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