Instant Pot Rice

So long, rice cooker! This Instant Pot rice comes out perfectly every time. Fluffy and flavorful, it's delicious as a side dish, in grain bowls, and more.

Instant pot rice

I first tried this Instant Pot rice recipe last fall, and to be honest, I don’t think I’ve cooked rice any other way since. Nothing against the stovetop or the rice cooker, of course, but the convenience and reliable results of this Instant Pot rice recipe just can’t be beat. It’s super quick and easy, and the rice comes out tender, fluffy, and flavorful every time. If you have an Instant Pot, you have to try it!

Overhead shot of uncooked white rice scattered on dark blue background

How to Make Instant Pot Rice

This recipe couldn’t be simpler! To make it, you’ll need two ingredients:

  1. White rice
  2. Water

This recipe only works for white jasmine or basmati rice, as other kinds of rice, like brown or black rice, have different cooking times. I haven’t nailed down a pressure cooker method for cooking black rice yet, but if you have brown rice, you can find cooking instructions in this post!

Pouring water into Instant Pot with rice

Rinse the rice well and place it in the Instant Pot. Pour in the water and secure the Instant Pot’s lid.

Pressure cook on high pressure for 3 minutes, and then allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally. When the float valve drops, remove the lid.

Fluff the rice with a fork, and enjoy!

Serve the rice right away, or allow it to cool to room temperature. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.

Fluffy white rice in Instant Pot with fork

Instant Pot Rice Recipe Tips

  • Rinse the rice. Whether you’re cooking rice in the Instant Pot or on the stove, I always recommend rinsing it first. To do this, place it in a fine mesh strainer set over a bowl, and rinse the rice under running water until the water runs clear in the bowl. This process washes away excess starches that can cause the rice to clump, giving it a lighter, fluffier texture once it’s cooked.
  • Scale the recipe to your Instant Pot. I always cook 2 cups of rice at a time in my 6-quart Instant Pot. Because it’s on the larger side, just 1 cup tends to scorch on the bottom of the pot. But if you have a smaller, 3-quart Instant Pot, feel free to make just 1 cup of rice! You’ll use the same cook time and rice to water ratio.
  • Not sure how to use your rice? We can help! I’m guessing that you’ll have no trouble coming up with ways to eat your rice, but if you do need some inspiration, we have tons of ideas! Toss it with olive oil or butter and salt for a simple side dish, or serve it alongside a curry or stir fry. Turn it into cilantro lime rice to make zesty stuffed peppers or Chipotle-style burrito bowls. Or leave it plain and add it to a DIY grain bowl with your favorite vegetables, a protein, and a tasty sauce. Find 15 of our favorite rice bowl recipes here!

Instant Pot rice recipe

More Favorite Pressure Cooker Recipes

If you love this Instant Pot rice recipe, try making one of these dishes in the Instant Pot next:

Instant Pot Rice

rate this recipe:
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Serves 4
This easy Instant Pot rice recipe comes out perfectly every time! Light, fluffy, and fragrant, it's delicious as a side dish, in grain bowls, and more. Find our favorite serving suggestions in the post above.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups uncooked white jasmine rice, well rinsed
  • 2 cups water

Instructions

  • Combine the rice and water in a 6-quart Instant Pot. Secure the lid and Pressure Cook on High for 3 minutes.
  • Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally. When the float valve drops, remove the lid.
  • Fluff the rice and enjoy.

Notes

Yield: about 6 cups cooked rice

7 comments

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Rate this recipe (after making it)




  1. Bob Sanders
    04.23.2023

    Why are we rinsing white rice? I don’t get it?

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      04.27.2023

      Hi Bob, rinsing the rice removes starches from the outsides of the grains that can make them sticky. Hope this helps!

    • Stephanie
      08.21.2023

      Hi Bob !
      When naturally releasing the pressure on the rice do you shut off the ‘keep warm’ mode ?

      Thanks for your reply

  2. Laurie
    01.16.2023

    I cooked rice in the Instant Pot but didn’t like the way it stuck to the pot, making clean up a pain, I started cooking rice as you would spaghetti and it only takes about 5 minutes of cooking time and is so fluffy!! Of course, wash rice. I got a specific colander to wash and drain the rice. So quick and easy!! And, you can save the rice water for other things.

  3. Chanel
    11.21.2022

    Does this method work with Basmati rice as well?

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Hello, we're Jeanine and Jack.

We love to eat, travel, cook, and eat some more! We create & photograph vegetarian recipes from our home in Chicago, while our shiba pups eat the kale stems that fall on the kitchen floor.