How To Cook Rice In An Instant Pot

Cooking a three rice blend in an instant pot is a great way to make a nutritious and flavorful alternative to plain white rice. The process is simple and convenient, and with the right preparation and measurements, you can achieve perfectly cooked, flavorful rice every time.

The first step is to choose the right wild rice blend. Consider the flavors and textures you prefer and select a blend that matches your taste. You can also create your own blend by mixing different types of rice, such as brown, white, and wild rice.

Once you have your blend, it's time to prepare your Instant Pot. Make sure it's clean and dry, and insert the inner pot. Check the pressure release valve to ensure it's not blocked. Plug in your Instant Pot and press the Pressure Cook button. Adjust the cooking time and pressure level according to the instructions for your specific wild rice blend.

Next, measure and wash your rice. Use a standard measuring cup and a kitchen scale for accuracy. A typical serving size for wild rice is 1/2 cup, which yields about 1 1/2 cups of cooked rice. Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold running water to remove any debris or impurities. Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse until the water runs clear.

Now, you're ready to start cooking! Add the washed rice, water or broth, and optional olive oil or butter to your Instant Pot. Stir to combine, close the lid, and set the pressure valve to Sealing. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting and adjust the timer according to your blend's instructions, usually around 22-25 minutes for a wild rice blend.

Once the cooking is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully release any remaining pressure and open the lid. Fluff the rice with a fork, add salt and pepper to taste, and your delicious wild rice blend is ready to serve!

You can enhance the flavor of your rice by using broth instead of water or adding herbs and spices. Wild rice blends are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to main courses. Enjoy experimenting with different blends and flavors to find your favorite combinations!

Rinse the rice

Rinsing the rice is an important step in preparing it for cooking. It helps to remove excess starch from the surface of the grains, which can make the rice sticky and clumpy when cooked. To rinse the rice, place it in a fine-mesh strainer and run it under cold water until the water runs clear. This process can be repeated several times to ensure that all the starch is removed.

For white rice, such as basmati or jasmine, a thorough rinse is recommended to achieve fluffier and more separated grains. Brown rice and wild rice blends only need a quick rinse, as they have less starch. Arborio rice, used for risotto, should not be rinsed at all.

After rinsing, drain the rice well and add it to the Instant Pot. If desired, you can also add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to the pot before adding the rice. This will help to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot and will also add a subtle flavour.

Next, add the water or broth to the pot. The general ratio for white rice is 1 cup of rice to 1 cup of water, but some recipes recommend a ratio of 1 cup of rice to 1.25 cups of water for fluffier results. For brown rice, the ratio is typically 1 cup of rice to 1 cup of water. For wild rice blends, use a ratio of 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water.

Once the rice and water have been added, secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Then, select the Pressure Cook or Manual button and adjust the time according to the type of rice being cooked. For white rice, set the timer for 3-5 minutes at high pressure. For brown rice, set the timer for 20-22 minutes at high pressure. For wild rice blends, set the timer for 25 minutes at high pressure.

After the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully release any remaining pressure and open the lid. Use a fork or spatula to fluff the rice and serve it while hot.

Add water and salt

Now that you've added the rice to your Instant Pot, it's time to add the water and salt. The water-to-rice ratio is crucial for achieving the perfect texture, so be sure to measure carefully. For every cup of rice, you'll need to add 1 cup of water. This will give you a fluffy and well-cooked blend of three rice.

If you prefer your rice with a bit more flavour, you can substitute chicken or vegetable broth for the water. This will add a savoury touch to your dish. You can also try adding half water and half coconut milk for an Asian-inspired twist.

As for salt, a pinch of salt for each cup of rice will do the trick. This will enhance the natural flavour of the rice and make it more tasty. You can always adjust the amount of salt to your preference, but it's best to start with a smaller amount and add more later if needed.

Give the water and rice a quick stir to combine them evenly. At this point, you can also add other ingredients like butter or olive oil to prevent the rice from sticking to the pot.

Now, it's time to secure the lid and get your Instant Pot ready for cooking!

Set the pressure level

To set the pressure level, follow these steps:

• Press the "Pressure Cook" button (or "Manual" on older models).
• Make sure the pressure level is set to "HIGH" and use the "-" and "+" buttons to adjust the time.
• If you need to change from "LOW" to "HIGH", press the "Pressure Level" button to toggle between settings.
• You can leave the "Keep Warm" default setting on.
• After three beeps, the display will show "ON", and two status icons at the top will indicate that the pot is heating up and the pressure is building. This will take about five minutes.
• Once the pressure is built up, the cooking timer will display. The lid's float valve will also rise as the pressure is built up.
• Once the cooking timer is done, the "Keep Warm" cycle will begin with a new timer.
• During this stage, the Instant Pot will start to depressurize and cool down. Leave it undisturbed for two to three minutes to release some of the pressure naturally (but not longer, as the rice will keep cooking).
• Then, perform a quick release to let off the remaining pressure and steam. Simply press the "Quick Release" knob button on the lid to let the steam and pressure escape from the steam release valve. On older models, point the handle to "Venting".
• Once the pressure is completely released, the float valve will go back down, and you will be able to open the lid. Fluff the rice with a fork or a spoon and serve while hot.
• Press "Cancel" to stop the "Keep Warm" cycle at this stage unless you want to keep the rice for a little longer.

Fluff the rice

Fluffing the rice is an important step to ensure that the rice is light and airy, rather than clumped together. To do this, simply use a fork to gently mix the rice. This will help to aerate the rice and remove any lumps, leaving you with light and fluffy rice.

Fluffing Rice in a Pot

First, remove the lid from the pot and leave the rice to rest for 10 minutes. This process allows the steam to dissipate and helps the rice to have an even texture. If there are flies in the kitchen, place a cotton tea towel over the pot to avoid any contamination. This method works for all varieties of rice, including basmati, brown, jasmine, and short-grain white rice.

Next, use a carving fork or rice paddle to gently mix the rice for 1 minute. Avoid using a spoon to mix the rice as this can make it mushy. Try not to stir the rice for longer than 1 minute as this can squish the grains.

Making Fluffy Rice in a Rice Cooker

Leave the rice to rest for 10 minutes with the lid on. This steams the rice and helps to ensure that the grains are fully cooked and have a fluffy consistency. Avoid the temptation to remove the lid as this lets the steam out of the cooker. This technique can be used for all types of rice, including brown, jasmine, basmati, and long-grain rice.

Then, use a rice paddle to slowly mix the grains for 1 minute. Rice paddles are designed to stir the grains without making them mushy, creating light and fluffy rice. Avoid mixing the rice for over a minute as this can make it mushy.

Serve and enjoy

Now that your rice is cooked, it's time to serve and enjoy! Here are some tips to make the most of your meal:

• Fluff the rice with a fork before serving to ensure it's light and airy.
• If you're serving the rice as a side dish, a simple drizzle of olive oil or butter and a pinch of salt can enhance its flavour.
• For a heartier meal, try adding some cooked vegetables, spices, or herbs to the rice.
• Wild rice blends go well with a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to roasted vegetables. They can also be enjoyed as a standalone side dish or mixed with other grains.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
• When reheating, add a little extra water to prevent the rice from drying out. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
• Get creative and experiment with different rice blends, cooking times, and flavour combinations to find your perfect dish!

Frequently asked questions