Cooking rice in a pressure cooker or an instant pot is a quick and efficient way to prepare this staple food. It does not compromise on texture or taste.
Whether you’re making basmati, jasmine, or regular white rice, an instant pot ensures evenly cooked grains that are light, fluffy, and delicious. Using an instant pot saves time compared to stovetop methods while maintaining the rice’s natural flavor and consistency.
In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step instructions, tips for perfect rice, and flavor variations to elevate your meals.
Cooking rice in a pressure cooker has several advantages:
Time-Saving: Cooks rice faster than traditional stovetop methods.
Consistent Texture: Pressure cooking distributes heat evenly, preventing undercooked or overcooked grains.
Energy Efficient: Uses less water and energy than boiling rice on the stove.
Versatile: Works with all types of rice, including white, brown, basmati, jasmine, and even wild rice.
To cook basic rice in a pressure cooker, gather:
1 cup rice (white, basmati, jasmine, or brown)
1.5–2 cups water (depending on rice type)
½ teaspoon salt (optional)
1 teaspoon oil or butter (optional for flavor and non-stick)
Rinse the Rice: Rinse rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This prevents clumping.
Soak if Needed: For basmati or brown rice, soak for 20–30 minutes to improve texture. Skip soaking for jasmine or white rice.
Measure Water: Use the correct water-to-rice ratio for fluffy results. White rice usually requires 1.5 cups water per cup rice, while brown rice requires 2 cups water per cup rice.
Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer or bowl.
Rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear.
This removes excess starch, preventing sticky or clumpy rice.
For basmati or brown rice, soak the grains in water for 20–30 minutes.
Soaking shortens cooking time and results in softer, more evenly cooked rice.
Skip this step for jasmine or regular white rice if you’re short on time.
Use the correct water-to-rice ratio:
White rice: 1.5 cups water per cup rice
Basmati rice: 1.5 cups water per cup rice (after soaking)
Brown rice: 2 cups water per cup rice
Add ½ teaspoon salt (optional) and 1 teaspoon oil or butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
Transfer the rinsed (and soaked, if applicable) rice to the pressure cooker.
Pour in the measured water and add salt or oil if using.
Stir gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Secure the lid of the pressure cooker and ensure the valve is set to Sealing.
Set the cooker to High Pressure according to rice type:
White rice: 3–4 minutes
Basmati rice: 4–5 minutes
Brown rice: 20–22 minutes
After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.
This step helps the rice finish cooking evenly and prevents it from sticking to the bottom.
After 10 minutes, carefully switch the valve to Quick Release to release any remaining pressure.
Open the lid carefully to avoid steam burns.
Use a fork to gently fluff the rice and separate the grains.
This keeps the rice light and prevents it from becoming mushy.
Serve the rice immediately with your favorite dishes such as curries, stir-fries, or grilled meats.
Leftover rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Reheat with a splash of water to restore its fluffiness.
Don’t skip rinsing: Removes excess starch and prevents mushy rice.
Use the right water ratio: Adjust depending on rice type and personal preference.
Avoid overfilling: Leave enough space for pressure to build and circulate.
Add flavor: Use broth instead of water or add spices like bay leaf, cardamom, or cinnamon for aromatic rice.
Optional butter or oil: Prevents sticking and adds richness.
Sauté minced garlic in butter in the cooker before adding rice and water.
Pressure cook as usual for a fragrant, buttery rice dish.
Add diced carrots, peas, or bell peppers along with water.
Pressure cook to create a nutritious one-pot side dish.
Replace half of the water with coconut milk for creamy, flavorful rice.
Pair with curries or grilled chicken for a tropical twist.
Add a pinch of saffron, cardamom, or cinnamon to water before cooking.
Pressure cook for aromatic rice perfect for festive meals.
Too much water: Leads to soggy or sticky rice.
Too little water: Rice may turn out undercooked or dry.
Opening lid too soon: Can cause undercooked rice or uneven texture.
Skipping natural release: May make rice sticky or clumpy.
Pressure cooker rice is incredibly versatile and pairs well with:
Curries and stews
Grilled or roasted meats
Stir-fried vegetables
Beans or lentil dishes
Sauces and gravies
Cooking rice in a pressure cooker is a fast, reliable, and energy-efficient method that ensures fluffy, perfectly cooked grains every time. With proper preparation, the right water ratio, and natural pressure release, you can consistently enjoy delicious rice as a side or base for meals. Experiment with herbs, spices, and flavor variations to make your rice dishes exciting and flavorful.
Mastering this technique saves time in the kitchen while giving you perfectly cooked rice every time.
