Tillie Doyle
The Instant Pot is a popular choice for cooking rice, and for good reason. It's a hands-off, foolproof way to cook fluffy rice that practically cooks itself. The Instant Pot is especially useful for cooking rice because you don't need to wait for the water to boil, tend the pot, or stir the rice. The pressure-cooking method gives rice a slightly different texture than stovetop cooking, but many people prefer it. You can cook both white rice and brown rice in the Instant Pot, but you need to choose the right setting for each variety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rice Type | White, brown, jasmine, basmati, wild, red, black |
| Rice Amount | 1-4 cups of rice |
| Water Amount | 1:1 rice to water ratio |
| Rice Cooker Size | 3-quart, 6-quart |
| Rice Cooker Type | Instant Pot, electric pressure cooker, Japanese rice cooker |
| Rice Settings | Automatic "rice" setting, manual setting, multigrain setting |
| Cook Time | 3-32 minutes |
| Preparation | Rinse rice until water runs clear, fluff rice with a fork |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Rice to water ratio: 1:1
Cooking rice in an Instant Pot is easy, hands-free, and simple. The first step is to rinse the rice under cold water by gently scrubbing the rice with your fingertips in a circular motion. Pour out the milky water and continue rinsing until the water is clear. This process washes away excess starches that can cause the rice to clump, giving it a lighter, fluffier texture once it’s cooked. It also removes dirt and dust. Be sure to drain the rice well to ensure the water-to-rice ratio is accurate.
Next, transfer the rice to your Instant Pot. The rice-to-water ratio in an Instant Pot is 1:1, so for every cup of rice, you need one cup of water. This is less water than you would use for cooking rice on a stovetop because there is very little evaporation when using a pressure cooker. Swish your pot around to make sure all the rice is covered.
Finally, secure the lid and pressure cook on high for three minutes. Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally. When the float valve drops, remove the lid and fluff the rice.
This method works for any type of rice, but it's worth noting that brown rice can be a little tricky, and the water ratio depends on personal taste. If you like your brown rice to be softer or fluffier, add an additional 1-2 tablespoons of water before cooking.
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Rinse the rice first
Rinsing the rice before cooking it in an Instant Pot is an important step that should not be skipped. It helps get rid of excess starch on the surface of the rice grains and prevents the rice from becoming gluey.
To rinse the rice, place it in a fine mesh strainer or colander set over a bowl. Rinse the rice under running water, gently scrubbing the rice with your fingertips in a circular motion. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear in the bowl, indicating that most of the excess starch has been removed. For best results, ensure that the rice is drained well so that the water-to-rice ratio is accurate when you begin cooking.
Some people recommend rinsing basmati rice at least 6 times before cooking it in an Instant Pot, to ensure that the rice grains cook up separate and fluffy. However, even if you are short on time, it is beneficial to rinse the rice for at least 30 seconds or so, until the water runs mostly clear.
The rinsing process is especially important if you are cooking a larger quantity of rice in your Instant Pot. While the maximum capacity of Instant Pots varies depending on the model, it is generally recommended to not exceed 16 cups of cooked rice in a single batch. This translates to approximately 5.3 cups of raw rice, although some users have reported success with cooking up to 4 cups of raw rice at a time. Using the standard 1:1 rice to water ratio, this would require 5.3 to 8 cups of water, respectively.
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Cooking times for white rice
To cook white rice in an instant pot, start by rinsing the rice under cold water. Gently scrub the rice with your fingertips in a circular motion. Pour out the milky water and continue rinsing until the water is clear. Drain the rice well to ensure the water-to-rice ratio is accurate. This step is important as it helps get rid of excess starch on the surface and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
Next, combine the rice and water in the instant pot. The general rule is to use a 1:1 ratio of rice to water. However, some sources recommend using slightly less water (1 cup of rice to 0.9 cups of water) to achieve a less sticky consistency. If you are using a 6-quart Instant Pot, it is recommended to cook at least 2 cups of rice at a time, as cooking smaller amounts may cause the rice to scorch on the bottom of the pot.
Once the rice and water have been added to the instant pot, secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes. You can also experiment with cooking times ranging from 4 to 7 minutes, depending on the desired consistency. After cooking, allow the instant pot to release pressure naturally. When the float valve drops, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
The cooking time for white rice in an instant pot remains the same regardless of the quantity cooked. However, it's important to note that different types of rice, such as brown or black rice, have varying cooking times and may require adjustments to the recipe.
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Cooking times for brown rice
To cook brown rice in an Instant Pot, start by rinsing the rice under cold water. Gently scrub the rice with your fingertips in a circular motion, then pour out the milky water and continue rinsing until the water is clear. Next, combine the rinsed rice and water in a 6-quart Instant Pot. The rice-to-water ratio should be 1:1, but some prefer to add slightly more water for softer rice. Secure the lid and Pressure Cook on High for 20 minutes. The entire cooking process will be longer than this, as it will take a few minutes for the Instant Pot to build pressure. When the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally. This will take about another 20 minutes, giving the rice a chance to steam and absorb any remaining water. When the float valve drops, remove the lid and fluff the rice.
There are some variations to this method. Some prefer to cook on high pressure for 22 minutes with a 10-minute natural release, while others suggest a cooking time of 15-25 minutes on Manual high pressure.
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Natural pressure release
The natural pressure release step is crucial because it allows the pressure inside the Instant Pot to gradually decrease. This gradual decrease in pressure ensures that the rice continues to cook gently and absorbs the right amount of water. Skipping this step or attempting a quick release can result in rice that is undercooked or unevenly cooked.
For example, when cooking basmati rice, it is recommended to rinse the rice multiple times and drain off the water before cooking. After adding a bit of salt to the water, the Instant Pot lid should be locked, and the vent should be closed. The "rice" button should be pressed, and the cooking time should be set for 7 minutes. After the cooking time is complete, the pressure should be naturally released for 5 minutes, followed by a quick release by opening the vent.
The natural pressure release time can vary depending on the type of rice being cooked and the specific recipe being followed. For instance, some recipes recommend a natural pressure release time of 15 minutes, while others suggest a shorter duration of 5 minutes. It is important to refer to the specific instructions for the type of rice being cooked to determine the appropriate natural pressure release time.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the natural pressure release step is not the same as the initial cooking time under pressure. The cooking time under pressure refers to the active cooking process, while the natural pressure release is a passive step that allows the pressure to gradually decrease. By following the recommended cooking time and allowing for a natural pressure release, you can achieve perfectly cooked rice with a pleasing texture.
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