Learn How to Cook Perfect Instant Pot Rice (Pressure Cooker Rice) every single time with these easy step-by-step instructions and foolproof recipe. Ready in just 20 minutes!
Perfect Instant Pot Rice
The best rice I have ever made has been thanks to my Instant Pot. Yes, there, I said it. The Instant Pot, just in case you’re new to this crazy contraption, is basically a multi-function pressure cooker with a fancy interface and a spinny knob. The more I use it, the more I love it. Especially when it comes to cooking things like rice and dried beans. I mean, no one actually enjoys cooking those things, right? The Instant Pot is there to do it for you, and faster!
It may sound like I’m trying to sell you an Instant Pot, and I’m not. For no personal benefit to myself anyways. But, if you struggle to get perfectly soft, fluffy rice that isn’t crunchy, gummy, or mushy, you may want to snag one when they go one super-sale (I do recommend that you get at least the 6-quart or 8-quart if you have a large family).
Ok anyway, let’s learn how to make the best Instant Pot rice ever.
RELATED: Instant Pot Chickpeas (No Soaking Required)
What is Rice?
Rice is the edible seed of a grass. There are more than 136,000 varieties of cultivated and wild rice species, but Oryza sativa, or Asian rice (with more than 40,000 varieties), is the type we’re most familiar with.
There are three main types of rice: long-grain rice, medium-grain rice, and short-grain rice.
Before processing, every grain, or seed, of rice contains three layers: a tough outer hull (or husk), the bran, and starch-rice inner endosperm. You’ll also find the nutrient-dense germ, or embryo, of the seed adhering to the endosperm. The extent of processing determines if you have white or whole-grain brown rice.
- White rice: Rice that has been milled (processed) and therefore stripped of the husk, bran, germ. After milling, white rice is then polished which removes even more of the very little remaining nutrients. The only part that remains is the carb-heavy endosperm. White rice cooks up faster and softer when compared to brown rice.
- Brown rice: Much less processed, brown rice is considered a whole grain as the only part of the grain that is removed is the outer (inedible) hull. Nutty, aromatic, and chewier, it takes longer to cook brown rice.
RELATED: Different Types of Rice: Varieties and What to Do With Them
How to Cook Perfect Instant Pot Rice
To prepare rice using this method you will need a 6-to 8-quart Instant Pot or some kind of electric pressure cooker. You will also need the following two ingredients,
- Long-grain white rice
- Water or other liquid
You do not need to add olive oil or butter or salt unless you would like to add those things for flavor. Add them before cooking rice or after, totally up to you.
Can I use any type of rice with this recipe?
No. This recipe is intended for long-grain white rice. Although the rice to water ratio is the same for both brown and white rice when using your Instant Pot, the cooking times are very different. Use any of the following long-grain white rice varieties:
- Basmati rice (white)
- Jasmine rice (white)
- American (standard) Long-Grain White Rice
RELATED: Instant Pot Brown Rice Recipe
Do I have to wash my rice before cooking?
Well, no. But it is highly recommended for two reasons. First, you have no idea where that rice has been. It’s traveled long and far, so even if just for good measure, we should probably wash it to get it clean. The second (and more important) reason is to remove the surface starch stuck to your ice. Let this surface starch stick around and your rice will turn out clumpy, gummy, and not so perfect.
How to Cook Instant Pot Rice Step-by-Step
1. For perfect rice, you need to wash. Use a measuring cup to measure your rice and transfer to a large bowl (I like to use the bowl of my Instant Pot to save on dishes). Rinse rice under cold running water and gently use your hand to fold the rice over itself from one end of the pot to the other. Drain the rice using a fine-mesh strainer. Continue rinsing and draining until the water runs nearly clear. Drain thoroughly.
2. Transfer the washed rice to the inner pot of your Instant Pot and cover with a 1:1 ratio of rice to liquid (for example, one cup rice with one cup water). Secure the lid on top of your Instant Pot and turn the steam valve to the sealing position.
3. Cook the rice on manual high pressure for 3 minutes. After the timer is complete, natural release for 10 minutes before switching to quick release (turn venting knob to venting position).
4. Carefully open and remove the lid. Gently fluff rice with a fork or rice paddle.
5. Season with a pinch of kosher salt and serve immediately with your favorite stir fry, roasted veggies, or store leftovers for later use.
How to reheat leftover rice?
First and foremost, let’s store out leftovers properly. Always allow your rice to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Your rice will naturally start to dry out a bit and clump together the longer it is stored in the refrigerator. This is especially true for starchier rice or rice that is already quite sticky after cooking.
Thankfully, it’s super easy to reheat rice in the microwave so that it is soft and fluffy and it takes just a couple minutes.
Simply transfer your rice to a plate, sprinkle with a tablespoon or two of water (just a small amount of water if you’re reheating only a small amount), and cover with a damp paper towel. Cook on high until heated through.
RELATED: How to Cook Perfect Rice on the Stovetop
Water to Rice Ratio
As it turns out, the perfect water to rice ratio is 1:1 or one cup of water for every one cup of rice. The reason for such a small volume of cooking liquid (as compared to cooking rice on the stovetop or electric rice cooker) is that your Instant Pot is completely sealed. Moisture through evaporation can’t take place, so less water is needed to cook your rice.
Try These Delicious Rice Recipes,
- Coconut Rice Recipe (How to Make Coconut Rice)
- Fast and Easy Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
- Cranberry Saffron Rice Recipe
- Easy Thai Fried Rice Recipe (Khao Phat Kaphrao)
More Instant Pot Recipes,
Instant Pot Chicken with Potatoes Recipe
Easy Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe (Instant Pot)
How to Make Instant Pot Bone Broth
Easy Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs (Instant Pot)
If you try making this Instant Pot Rice Recipe, please leave me a comment and let me know! I always love to hear your thoughts.
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How to Cook Perfect Instant Pot Rice (Pressure Cooker Rice)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice - Jasmine or basmati
- 1 cup water
- pinch of salt - (optional)
Instructions
- Place the rice in a large bowl filled with cold water. Swish around the grains using one hand then drain the cloudy water through a fine-mesh strainer. Repeat this process of filling, swishing, and straining until the water turns clear (it will take at least 3-4 changes).
- Place the rice and cold water in the bowl of a large Instant Pot. Add a pinch of salt, if desired.
- Secure the lid and place the steam release valve in the SEALING position.
- Select "Manual" or "Pressure Cooker" mode and cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 3 minutes. After the timer is complete, release pressure naturally for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, manually switch the valve to "venting" - be careful! Use an oven mitt or kitchen towel to cover your hand as the steam is HOT!
- Remove lid and season with additional salt or seasoning, to taste. Fluff with a fork and serve warm.
Jessica's Notes
Nutritional Information
(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)
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