Did you know you can use a pressure cooker as a rice cooker? Here’s how to make Instant Pot rice, including both brown rice and white rice.

Instant Pot Rice

One of the reasons Alex and I didn’t want to buy an Instant Pot was that we had too many gadgets. We prefer taking a minimalist approach to cooking tools. But did you know you can use an Instant Pot just like a rice cooker? We gave our rice cooker the boot and haven’t looked back since! Here’s how to cook the best Instant Pot rice, including instructions for both brown rice and white rice. It’s only slightly faster than the stovetop, but it works perfectly every time!

What is an Instant Pot / pressure cooker?

An Instant Pot is a programmable electric pressure cooker. While some people have been wary of pressure cookers due to the dangers of those used in the 1970’s, today’s pressure cookers are safe and becoming mainstream. 

The pressure cooker we use is Instant Pot brand: we use this 6 quart Instant Pot. But there are many other brands of electric pressure cookers. The concept is to cook foods at high pressure, which cuts down on cooking time and makes for even cooking. We like that it keeps things off the stove where we are usually cooking other components of our meals.

Pressure Cooker Rice

How to cook Instant Pot rice (pressure cooker rice)

Alex and I cook rice quite a bit, but it wasn’t until recently that we mastered our method for Instant Pot rice. As noted above, cooking rice in the Instant Pot is only a few minutes faster than cooking it on the stovetop. So why bother learning how to cook rice in an Instant Pot? We like that it cooks it perfectly every time, and we don’t have to worry about checking a pot that’s simmering on the stove. In that way, it’s just like a rice cooker.

Our magic formula for our Instant Pot rice is as follows, and it’s different for white and brown rice. This recipe is currently for long grain rice only; we’ll update it once we’ve tested short grain rice! Use the pressure cooker to do the following:

  • Instant Pot White Rice: Pressure cook on high for 8 minutes and then use the natural release process for 10 minutes.
  • Instant Pot Brown Rice: Pressure cook on high for 20 minutes and then use the natural release process for 10 minutes.

As always, we have found that there are variations in rice brands and Instant Pot / pressure cooker brands. If the timing in this Instant Pot rice recipe is a little off, you can make minor adjustments to the cook time. Let us know in the comments below how it goes for you!

We made Instant Pot rice for our Best teriyaki vegetable stir fry recipe! Here are some more of our best rice recipes.

Instant Pot Rice

How to freeze rice

We’ve found that cooking two cups of rice works the most reliably with this easy Instant Pot recipe. If you’re making a recipe that calls for just one cup of rice, I recommend making rice in the Instant Pot as the recipe below instructs and freezing the leftovers for later.

To freeze rice, you first need to let it cool completely either on the counter or in the fridge. This will prevent the rice from sticking together once frozen. You can then freeze the rice in a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to reheat the rice, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it on the stove with a little bit of water.

how to cook rice in instant pot

Looking for vegetarian & vegan Instant Pot recipes?

Instant Pots and pressure cookers are helpful for cooking all sorts of foods: and not just meat! In addition to this Instant Pot rice, we’re starting to build up a collection of vegetarian and vegan Instant Pot recipes. You can make pressure cooker quinoa, dried beans and chickpeas, mashed potatoes, and even soups. Here are some of our favorite pressure cooker recipes.

This recipe is…

Vegan, vegetarian, plant-based, and gluten-free.

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Instant Pot Rice

How to Cook Rice in an Instant Pot


  • Author: Sonja
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: About 6 cups 1x

Description

Did you know you can use a pressure cooker as a rice cooker? Here’s how to make Instant Pot rice, including both brown rice and white rice.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups white or brown long grain rice (American long grain, basmati, or jasmine)*
  • 2 cups water
  • Kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice. Then add it and the water to the Instant Pot and stir. Lock the lid of the Instant Pot. Place the pressure release handle (vent) in the “Sealing” position.
  2. Cook on high pressure for EITHER: 8 minutes (white rice) or 20 minutes (brown rice): Press the Pressure Cook button, making sure the “High Pressure” setting is selected, and set the time. Note that it takes about 5 minutes for the pot to “preheat” and come up to pressure before it starts cooking. (During cooking, avoid touching the metal part of the lid.)
  3. Natural release for 10 minutes: After the Instant Pot beeps, set a timer and wait for 10 minutes to let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure. Then vent any remaining steam by moving the vent to “Venting”, covering your hand with a towel or hot pad. Never put your hands or face near the vent when releasing steam. (The pressure indicator in the lid may drop on its own during this time, meaning that there is no remaining steam in the pot.)
  4. Open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in kosher salt to taste. Serve immediately, or store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. (Note: When reheating leftovers, it’s helpful to add a tiny bit of water and then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave — adding the water helps to rehydrate the rice so it’s not dry!)

Notes

*A note on quantities: we’ve found cooking 2 cups rice works the most reliably in our Instant Pot. If you’re making a recipe that only calls for 1 cup rice, you can freeze the leftovers and reheat. 1 cup of dry rice makes about 3 cups cooked.

  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Pressure Cooker
  • Cuisine: International

Keywords: Instant Pot Rice, Pressure Cooker Rice, How to Cook Rice, Brown Rice, White Rice

About the authors

Sonja & Alex

Meet Sonja and Alex Overhiser: Husband and wife. Expert home cooks. Authors of recipes you'll want to make again and again.

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6 Comments

  1. When I cook my rice I put the salt and about a tsp. of oil in the water at the beginning. Also very important is to thoroughly rinse the rice well before cooking. The 1 to 1 ratio is good for dryer individual grains. If you want/need “gummy” race add up to 1/4 cup water to every 2 cups of water and you can even rinse the rice less.

    I find adding salt at the beginning if a recipe I need up to one half less. It’s healthier.

  2. I just bought my IP and still experimenting. I didn’t add the salt as I was having the rice with stir fry. Perfect timing for Jasmine. I might add a touch more water next time as it was just a little dry. However I think this ratio would be great for fried rice. All in all pretty good! Thanks!

  3. Do you have an opinion about short grain rice. I had in a Korean restaurant with Dolat babimbop and it was crunchy and good. I saw your recipe, but your rice is long grain?