Instant Pot rice refers to rice that is cooked using an Instant Pot, which is a brand of electric pressure cooker. Instant Pots have gained popularity for their ability to quickly and efficiently cook a variety of dishes, including rice.
Instant Pot Rice
Servings
4
servingsPrep time
30
minutesCooking time
25
minutesInstant Pot rice is convenient because it automates the cooking process and often results in evenly cooked rice. Plus, the Instant Pot can be used for other cooking methods, making it a versatile kitchen appliance. You can adjust the liquid-to-rice ratio and seasonings to suit your preferences and the type of dish you’re preparing.
Ingredients
1 cup white rice (jasmine, basmati, long-grain, etc.)
1.25 cups water
1 tablespoon butter or oil (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
Directions
- Rinse the Rice: Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold running water until the water runs clear. This step helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.
- Saute (Optional): Press the “Saute” button on your Instant Pot, and once it’s hot, add the butter or oil. Let it melt and then add the rinsed rice. Stir the rice for about 1-2 minutes until it’s lightly toasted. This step is optional but can add a nice flavor to the rice.
- Add Water and Salt: Pour in the water and add salt if you’re using it. Stir to combine everything.
- Pressure Cooking: Close the Instant Pot lid, make sure the valve is set to “Sealing,” and select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function. Set the pressure cooking time to 3 minutes for white rice. If you’re using brown rice, you may need to adjust the cooking time to around 22-25 minutes.
- Natural Release: Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. This means you don’t touch the valve; just let it sit. After 10 minutes, you can do a quick release by carefully turning the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
- Fluff and Serve: Open the Instant Pot and use a fork to fluff the rice. Fluffing the rice helps release excess moisture and separates the grains. Serve your perfectly cooked Instant Pot rice as a side dish or as part of your favorite meal.
