How to Cook Rice in the Instant Pot

Using an Instant Pot results in perfectly fluffy rice, every time! In this post, I’m sharing how to cook rice in an Instant Pot, plus answering several FAQs about Instant Pot rice.  

Perfect Instant Pot Rice, Every Time! 

I love using my Instant Pot to cook quick and easy dinners, but if I’m being honest I mostly use it to cook rice and other grains. 

I know I could just cook rice on the stovetop or in a rice cooker, but making rice in an Instant Pot requires much less time and the only thing I have to memorize is a basic water to rice ratio that’s perfect for every type of rice. No more babysitting overflowing pots of rice on the stovetop for me! 

My only note before we dive into my preferred method for cooking rice in an Instant Pot is to remember that your Instant Pot will take extra time to pressurize and release. So, while the Instant Pot rice cook times listed in this post are speedy, you’ll also need to take that extra time into account.  

Wondering if you can cook rice in the Instant Pot? Yes, you can! Here’s how. 

Ingredients for Instant Pot Rice

I’m sure you could add extra seasonings to your Instant Pot rice, but this is what you’ll need to make plain rice. 

• Rice: Any kind will work. I’ve listed specific cook times later in this post. 
• Water: Tap water works just fine here. 
• Salt: Optional, but recommended. I typically add ½ teaspoon salt per 1 cup dried rice.  

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

Instant Pot Water to Rice Ratio

One of my favorite reasons for cooking rice in an Instant Pot is that the water to rice ratio is the same no matter what variety of rice you’re cooking. So useful, right? 

The Instant Pot water to rice ratio you need to remember is 1:1, meaning that for every 1 cup of dried rice you’ll need 1 cup of water. 

When cooking rice on the stovetop or in a rice cooker, the water to rice ratios will differ drastically depending on the type of rice you use. That’s because the water releases steam as it cooks, and it needs extra water in the pot to keep the rice moist and fluffy. 

When making rice in an Instant Pot, the lid seals in all that extra steam so none of the water is lost. That makes the 1:1 water to rice ratio perfect! 

Tip: Some people recommend doing a 2:1 water to rice ratio for wild rice. Feel free to test it to see which texture you prefer! 

How to Cook Rice in an Instant Pot 

No matter how much or what variety of rice you’re cooking in an Instant Pot, the instructions and cook times will remain the same. 

1. Combine the rice, water, and optional salt in an Instant Pot. 
2. Lock the lid and set it to manually cook on HIGH pressure. 
3. Cook the rice according to the cook times listed below. 
4. When done, do a natural release before unlocking the lid and fluffing the rice with a fork. 

How Long to Cook Rice in an Instant Pot

All of the Instant Pot rice cook times listed below require high pressure and a natural release. Do NOT quick release the rice or else it won’t turn out as fluffy. 

Here are the most common Instant Pot rice cook times you should know: 

• White rice (basmati or jasmine): 4 minutes 
• Brown rice: 20 minutes 
• Wild rice: 25 minutes
• Sushi rice: 5 minutes 

FAQs 

Why Is My Rice Still Hard? 

If your Instant Pot rice is still hard or chewy, you didn’t cook it for long enough. Unfortunately, when this happens you can’t return the rice to the Instant Pot and cook it a second time. 

However, you can still eat the undercooked rice! Toss it into a soup, stew, or chili and let the rice finish cooking that way. 

Why Is My Rice Mushy? 

If your Instant Pot rice is mushy, that means you added too much water. It’s not the end of the world; drain out any excess water and eat the rice as is. Don’t forget to adjust the water to rice ratio next time! 

Can’t I Just Use the “Rice” Function? 

Not necessarily! The “Rice” function on Instant Pots is specifically intended for white rice. If you’re cooking any other variety of rice, the “Rice” function won’t work. 

Does the Cook Time Increase If More Rice Is Used? 

Nope, 1 cup of dried rice cooks in the same amount of time as 4 cups of dried rice. That’s the magic of the Instant Pot for you!  

How to Store Rice 

Store cooked rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to 4 days if stored correctly.  

How to Freeze Rice

Can cooked rice be frozen? Absolutely! Here’s how: 

1. Spread the cooked and cooled rice onto a baking sheet that has sides (so the rice doesn’t slide off).
2. Freeze the rice just until hardened, about 20 minutes. This prevents it from getting squashed in a freezer bag. 
3. Transfer the frozen rice to your freezer containers of choice.  
4. Label and date the containers, then freeze for up to 1 month. 
5. When ready to enjoy, reheat from frozen on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water to prevent the rice from drying out. 

Tip: Frozen rice can also be tossed directly into soups and stews. No need to thaw it first! 

More Instant Pot Tutorials: 

Chuck roast is cooked until tender with garlic, herbs, and plenty of tomatoes in this Instant Pot Italian Beef Ragu with Pappardelle for a delicious and hearty family pasta night recipe. 

These Shredded Pork Tacos can be made using a slow cooker or an Instant Pot. Each person can customize their toppings as they see fit!

Don’t throw out those vegetable scraps, use them to make vegetable broth instead! In this post, I’m sharing How to Make Vegetable Broth on the stovetop or in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. 

Homemade Pumpkin Puree can be used in many sweet and savory recipes and lets you enjoy pumpkin season year-round! In this post, I’m sharing 5 ways to make pumpkin puree from scratch — including in an Instant Pot! 

Chicken Pot Pie with Buttermilk Biscuit Crust is comfort food and it’s finest! Creamy chicken filling is topped with tender buttermilk biscuits.

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