Best Instant Pot Rice Recipes (+ Free Cheat Sheet)

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Can you cook rice in an instant pot or pressure cooker?

Absolutely!

Most instant pots come with a rice setting already, which helps take out some of the guesswork when you're first learning how to use an instant pot.

However, this setting is intended for making plain white rice only. If you want to make brown rice or something more involved that just plain rice, you’ll have to make manual adjustments.

How long does rice take in the instant pot?

The cook time depends on the type of rice you are making and whether you're just making plain rice versus a more sophisticated rice side dish.

White rices like jasmine rice or basmati rice cook the fastest, clocking in at around 20 minutes, whereas brown rice needs closer to 40 minutes.

Some try to speed up the process by cooking the rice longer & then just using the quick pressure release, but we don’t recommend it.

You'll run the risk of your rice overcooking and coming out too mushy, so stick to the natural pressure release option.

Tips for cooking rice in an instapot

There are a few smart tips you can follow to make sure your rice comes out just right.

Tip 1. Before you start, be sure to wash your rice a few times first to rinse off the excess starch.

You’ll need to do this more than once because there is a LOT of extra starch. It’s impossible to wash all of it off completely, but your water should be noticeably clearer after two or three washings which is sufficient.

If you forget to do this step, the excess starch will make your rice gummy or clump together which we don’t want, right?

Tip 2. You also want to use the right water to rice ratio.

For cooking plain rice in an instant pot, the ideal ratio to use is 1 cup of water per 1 cup of uncooked rice. This ratio holds true regardless of the type of rice you are cooking: jasmine, basmati, brown, wild, you name it!

The only situation where you may modify this is if you are making something other than plain rice.

Tip 3. Spritz some cooking spray or add a small bit of any cooking oil before you start cooking the rice.

Cooking rice water has a tendency to bubble up, which sometimes leads to your instapot spitting and spewing a little. The oil keeps the bubbles in check, and also makes the rice stick less to the inside of your pot.

Tip 4. Finally, use the natural pressure release rather than quick-release option.

Anyone who’s tried to speed up the cooking time by cooking longer & using quick-release knows that your rice can easily overcook and come out too mushy.

A bonus time management tip: starting cooking your rice first and use the cooking time to prep the rest of your meal. Chances are you’ll finish both around the same time and can get right to eating. Win!

How to Cook White Rice in an Instant Pot - Step by Step Instructions

Step 1. Prewash your rice grains thoroughly a few times to rinse off the excess starch.

Step 2. Put your washed rice into the instant pot*. Add 1 cup of water for each cup of uncooked rice.

Step 3. Add a small spritz of cooking spray or a teaspoon of any type of cooking oil.

Step 4. Close and seal your instant pot, then turn it on to the RICE setting. If there is none, set to cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.

Step 5. Let the instant pot finish cooking and release pressure under the NATURAL RELEASE setting.

Step 6. Fluff and mix rice, then serve and enjoy!

Instant pot rice recipes

If you want to make other kinds of rice or a fancier rice dish, read on to see other delicious rice creations you can make with your instant pot*.

Brown rice

This kind takes foreverrrrrrr on the stove, so you definitely want to check out this instant pot recipe to get it out on the table quicker.
Total time: 22 minutes
(via Eating on a Dime)

Jasmine rice

Yeah, like the aromatic kind you find in Thai restaurants!
Total time: 17 minutes
(via Meatloaf and Melodrama)

Sticky rice

Popular in Southeast Asian cuisine. Also referred to as sweet rice or glutinous rice. Here’s a dessert version with coconut milk and mango. Yum!
Total time: 30 minutes
(via What to Cook Today)

Basmati rice

This is a slightly nutty in flavor, long-grain rice that you’ll commonly find in Indian cuisine.
Total time: 25 minutes
(via Pressure Cook Recipes)

Sushi rice

Uses Japanese rice and LOTS of vinegar.
Total time: 40 minutes
(via The Foodie Eats)

Fried rice

An easy Asian style rice with peas, carrots, and egg.
Total time: 11 minutes
(via Happy Foods Tube)

Congee

Also known as jook or Chinese rice porridge. This comforting, homey dish is for Chinese people what like chicken noodle soup is for Americans, or minestrone for Italians.
Total time: 90 minutes
(via It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken)

Biryani

An aromatic Indian dish with fragrant basmati rice, veggies, and spices.
Total time: 40 minutes
(via Piping Pot Curry)

Mexican rice

This healthified instant pot rice and beans dish serves as perfect comfort food. Love topping the rice and black beans with avocado and a dollop of Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.
Total time: 47 minutes
(via 365 Days of Crockpot)

Cilantro lime

As in a Chipotle copycat recipe. The key here is using lime that’s fresh!
Total time: 20 minutes
(via Food Faith Fitness)

Spanish rice

A very simple tomato-based rice.
Total time: 35 minutes
(via Nora Cooks)

Jollof rice

This is an African-style, tomato-based rice that’s spiced with ginger, cinnamon, garlic, and other flavors.
Total time: 40 minutes
(via Recipes from a Pantry)

Wild rice

This instant pot rice pilaf has lots of great flavors, courtesy of onions, mushrooms, parsley, and vegetable bouillon.
Total time: 51 minutes
(via A Pinch of Healthy)

Rice and broccoli

Personally, we love adding MorningStar Farms Chik patties to create an easy weeknight dinner that everyone in the family will love.
Total time: 15 minutes
(via The Censtable Shoppin)

Curry soup

This warm dish packs a bit of heat and is perfect during the fall when butternut squash is in season.
Total time: 60 minutes
(via Slimming Eats)

Pudding

And rice for dessert! This recipe can be served warm or cold, and can actually make a pretty good breakfast.
Total time: 19 minutes
(via The Typical Mom)

More Recipes to Try

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