Get perfectly cooked steamed rice every time with this Instant Pot Rice recipe. No more mushy, overcooked, or undercooked rice — the Instant Pot removes the guesswork and delivers fluffy, separate grains that pair beautifully with stir-fries, curries, and grilled proteins.
Instant Pot Rice Recipe
This method works equally well with basmati or jasmine rice. Both varieties bring a delicate, slightly nutty aroma and a light, fluffy texture that makes them ideal as a side dish, base for fried rice, or accompaniment for sauces and soups. If you prefer hands-off cooking and consistent results, pressure-cooking rice in an Instant Pot is one of the easiest, most reliable approaches.
I started using an electric pressure cooker years ago and now rely on it for nearly all rice cooking. The process is simple: rinse, add water, seal, cook briefly at high pressure, then allow a natural release. The result is rice with the right balance of tenderness and “bite.”
Try this rice with Blackstone Steak Bites or a simple stir-fry for an easy weeknight meal.
Recipe Shopping List
Before you start, make sure you have the following basic items. For exact quantities, see the recipe card below.
- Basmati or jasmine rice
- Water
- Salt
Necessary Tools
- Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
- Fine mesh strainer
- Fork or rice paddle for fluffing
Want richer rice? Try the Instant Pot Stick of Butter Rice for a buttery twist.
How To Make This Recipe
Below is a concise overview of the method. Follow the full ingredient amounts and timing in the recipe card further down.
- Rinse – Measure the rice, then rinse thoroughly in cool water until the water runs clear. Use a fine mesh strainer—this removes excess surface starch and prevents gummy rice.
- Pot time – Place the rinsed rice into the Instant Pot, add water and salt, close the lid, and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
- PRESSURE – After the cook time, allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes. Then carefully vent any remaining pressure and open the lid.
- Fluff – Gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
- Enjoy – Serve hot as a side, use as a base for fried rice, or refrigerate for later use.
Pairs wonderfully with sweet chili shrimp, teriyaki meatballs, or any stir-fry.
Recipe FAQ
What is basmati rice?
Basmati is a long-grain rice with a slightly nutty aroma and a light, fluffy texture. It is commonly served with Indian-style dishes but works well with many cuisines. When cooked properly, basmati has a tender grain with a pleasant bite and separates easily rather than clumping together.
Should you soak rice before cooking?
Soaking is optional. For this Instant Pot method, soaking is not necessary. Rinsing the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear is the most important step to remove excess starch and keep the grains from becoming sticky.
How do you keep rice from sticking to the pot?
If rice tends to stick in your cooker, lightly coat the inside of the inner pot with a small amount of oil or cooking spray before adding rice and water. This helps reduce sticking, especially with basmati rice.
Recipe Card — Instant Pot Rice
Yield: 8 servings | Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 3 minutes | Natural pressure release: 15 minutes | Total time: 23 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 cups basmati rice (or jasmine)
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice thoroughly in cool water until the rinse water runs clear. Drain in a fine mesh strainer.
- Place the rinsed rice in the Instant Pot and add the water and salt. Close the lid and set the vent to sealing.
- Select manual/high pressure and set the timer for 3 minutes.
- When the timer finishes, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, carefully vent any remaining pressure and open the lid when it is safe to do so.
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork and serve hot.
Notes
- Rinsing is essential to remove excess starch and achieve separate, fluffy grains.
- For fried rice, cool the cooked rice in the refrigerator overnight for best texture.
- Lightly oiling the inner pot before cooking can reduce sticking for some rice types.
Nutrition Information (per 1 cup serving)
Calories: 191 | Total Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 0mg | Carbohydrates: 0g | Fiber: 0g | Sugars: 0g | Protein: 0g
Serve This With
Instant Pot rice is a versatile base. Consider serving it with:
- Chicken broccoli stir-fry
- Honey garlic ginger stir-fry
- Beef bulgogi or Mongolian beef
- Sesame shrimp or honey pecan shrimp
- Grilled salmon or teriyaki meatballs
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to restore moisture.