Steaming Rice Perfection: Using Your Pressure Cooker

Steaming rice in a pressure cooker is a quick and easy way to make rice. The process is faster than using a stovetop pot as the pressure cooker seals in hot steam to cook food faster. The key to getting it right is to use the correct water-to-rice ratio and cooking time for your cooker.

Rinse the rice first

Rinsing the rice before you cook it is an important step that should not be skipped. Rinsing the rice gets rid of any excess starches on the surface of the rice and prevents it from becoming gluey.

To rinse the rice, gently scrub the rice with your fingertips in a circular motion under cold running water. Continue to pour out the milky water and rinse until the water runs clear. It is important to then drain the rice really well to ensure that the water-to-rice ratio is accurate.

If you are using an Instant Pot, remember that the rice measuring cup that comes with the pressure cooker is only 180ml, so be sure to use the same measuring cup for both the rice and the water.

Use the pot-in-pot method

Using the pot-in-pot method to steam rice in a pressure cooker is a great option if you have an inconsistent heat source that is prone to burning rice. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, pour one cup of water into your pressure cooker, or add the minimum amount of water required for your cooker to maintain pressure. Then, place a steaming basket, trivet, or another cooking rack into the bottom of the cooker. You can also use a heat-proof bowl or pot that fits inside your pressure cooker. If you are using a bowl, a stainless steel one is ideal as it conducts heat better than glass or ceramics.

Next, add your desired amount of rice and the correct amount of water to the heat-proof bowl or pot. As a general rule, one cup of white rice needs 1.5 cups of water. However, it is important to adjust the water-to-rice ratio according to the specific type of rice you are using. You can also substitute all or part of the water with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or prepared bouillon for added flavour. Additionally, you can add a teaspoon of butter, olive oil, or any oil of your choice to the rice for extra flavour.

Now, carefully lower the bowl with the rice and water into the pressure cooker so that it sits securely on the steaming basket or trivet. Ensure that the bowl is not covered. Securely close and lock the lid of your pressure cooker, following the instructions in the manual.

Once the lid is locked, turn on the heat and set the burner to high. If you are using a stove-top pressure cooker, wait until the cooker indicates that it has reached high pressure, then lower the heat slightly to maintain this pressure for three minutes. If you are using an electric pressure cooker, set it to high pressure and let it cook for three minutes. It is important to note that the cooker will take a few minutes to build up pressure before the three minutes of cooking time. Remember to lower the heat as soon as your cooker reaches high pressure to prevent overcooking the rice.

When the three minutes of cooking time are up, remove the pressure cooker from the heat and allow for a 10-minute natural pressure release. During this time, the rice will continue to cook in the residual heat and steam. After 10 minutes, perform a quick release to open the lid. Always tilt the cooker away from you when opening the lid to avoid the hot steam. Finally, carefully remove the bowl or pot from the pressure cooker and fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Using the pot-in-pot method is a simple and effective way to cook rice in a pressure cooker, ensuring that your rice turns out perfectly cooked without burning.

Use the classic method

The classic method of steaming rice in a pressure cooker is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly steamed rice:

Step 1: Measure and Prepare the Rice

Measure out the desired amount of rice you wish to cook. For this example, we will use one cup of long-grain white rice, such as Basmati. Rinsing the rice before cooking is optional but recommended, especially for white rice, to remove excess starch and prevent the rice from becoming sticky or gluey. Rinse the rice under cold running water by gently scrubbing it with your fingertips in a circular motion. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear, then drain the rice thoroughly.

Step 2: Add Rice and Water to the Pressure Cooker

Add the rice to your pressure cooker. The general rule for the water-to-rice ratio is 1.5 cups of water for every cup of white rice. So, for one cup of rice, add 1.5 cups of water to the pressure cooker. You can also substitute all or part of the water with flavourful liquids such as chicken broth, vegetable broth, or coconut milk for added taste. Additionally, you can add a teaspoon of butter, olive oil, or any oil of your choice to the rice for extra flavour. However, it is important to never fill the pressure cooker more than halfway with rice and liquid.

Step 3: Close and Lock the Pressure Cooker

Secure the lid of your pressure cooker by following the instructions provided in the user manual. Ensure the lid is locked in place. If you are using an electric pressure cooker, plug it into an outlet and turn it on.

Step 4: Bring the Pressure Cooker to High Pressure

Place the pressure cooker on the stove and set the burner to high heat. If using a stovetop pressure cooker, wait for the cooker to indicate that it has reached high pressure. Then, lower the heat to maintain this pressure. It is crucial to adjust the heat immediately after reaching high pressure to avoid overcooking the rice.

Step 5: Cook the Rice

For stovetop pressure cookers, cook the rice at high pressure for three minutes. Electric pressure cookers may take a few minutes to build up pressure before starting the three-minute cooking timer. Refer to your pressure cooker's instruction manual to accurately time the cooking process.

Step 6: Release the Pressure

Once the cooking time is up, remove the pressure cooker from the heat source and allow for a natural pressure release. This step is crucial as it allows the rice to continue cooking in the residual heat and steam. For a natural release, leave the cooker untouched for about 10 minutes. The pressure will slowly release during this time.

Step 7: Open the Lid and Fluff the Rice

After the natural release, open the lid of the pressure cooker, tilting it away from you to avoid the escaping hot steam. Use a fork to fluff the rice gently, and your perfectly steamed rice is now ready to be served!

Add flavour with chicken broth

Chicken broth is a great way to add flavour to steamed rice. You can use chicken broth instead of water when steaming rice in a pressure cooker.

• Use low-sodium chicken broth to limit the amount of salt in your rice.
• Rinse the rice before adding it to the pressure cooker. This will remove excess starch and ensure that your rice is fluffy and not sticky.
• If you are using an electric pressure cooker, set it to high pressure for three minutes. The cooker will take a few minutes to build up pressure before the three minutes of cooking time.
• If you are using a stove-top pressure cooker, turn the heat up to high and wait for the cooker to reach high pressure. Then, lower the heat to maintain the pressure for three minutes.
• After the three minutes of cooking time, remove the pressure cooker from the heat and allow for a natural pressure release of 10 minutes. This means that the pressure built up inside the cooker will be released slowly and naturally.
• After the 10-minute natural release, do a quick release to open the lid of the pressure cooker. Tilt the cooker away from you when opening the lid to avoid the hot steam.
• Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

Use a steamer basket

Using a steamer basket is a great way to cook rice in your pressure cooker. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Pressure Cooker

Firstly, you will need to prepare your pressure cooker by adding water to the base. The amount of water required will depend on the specifications of your cooker, but generally, you should add at least one cup or the minimum amount specified by the manufacturer. This water will help to create the steam needed to cook the rice. Place the steamer basket inside the cooker, ensuring it is securely positioned.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice

Now, it's time to prepare the rice. Measure out one cup (250 ml) of long-grain white rice, such as Basmati. Rinsing the rice before cooking is optional but recommended as it helps remove excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming sticky. Rinse the rice under cold running water, gently scrubbing it with your fingertips until the water runs clear. Once the rice is rinsed and drained, add it to a heat-proof bowl or pot.

Step 3: Add Water and Seasonings

Next, you will need to add the correct amount of water to the rice. For one cup of white rice, use 1.5 cups (375 ml) of water. You can also substitute part of the water with flavourful liquids such as chicken broth, vegetable broth, or coconut milk. If you wish, you can also add a teaspoon of butter, olive oil, or any oil of your choice to the rice for extra flavour. Give the rice a gentle mix to ensure it is evenly coated.

Step 4: Place the Bowl in the Cooker

Carefully lower the bowl containing the rice and liquid into the pressure cooker, placing it on top of the steamer basket. Ensure the bowl is secure and does not have any coverings. Close and lock the lid of your pressure cooker according to the instructions in the manual.

Step 5: Bring the Cooker to Pressure

Set the burner on your stove to high heat. If you are using a stovetop pressure cooker, wait until the cooker indicates it has reached high pressure, then lower the heat slightly to maintain this pressure. For electric pressure cookers, set it to high pressure directly. The cooker will take a few minutes to build up pressure before starting the cooking time.

Step 6: Cook the Rice

Once the cooker reaches high pressure, start timing. Cook the rice at high pressure for three minutes. It is important to note that the rice will continue cooking during the natural release, so do not release the pressure immediately after the three minutes are up.

Step 7: Natural Release

After the three minutes of cooking time, remove the pressure cooker from the heat source and allow for a natural release of pressure. This means you will let the pressure built up inside the cooker release naturally without manually releasing it. For both stovetop and electric pressure cookers, set a timer for ten minutes of natural release. The rice will continue to cook and steam during this time.

Step 8: Release Pressure and Fluff Rice

After the ten minutes of natural release, it's time to open the cooker. Be very careful when opening the lid, always tilting the cooker away from you to avoid the hot steam. There may still be some pressure left, so consider using the quick-release method if your cooker has this option. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains, and your perfectly cooked pressure cooker rice is ready to serve!

Frequently asked questions