Making white rice in a pressure cooker, like an Instant Pot, is a straightforward method for a simple side dish. It uses a few basic ingredients and frees up your stovetop for other parts of your meal.
The entire process is mostly hands-off and takes about 25 minutes from start to finish. This includes the time for the pot to come to pressure, the cooking time, and the pressure release. The result is consistently fluffy rice that is ready to serve with dinner.
Why will you love Pressure Cooker Rice?
Using a pressure cooker for rice gives you consistent results without needing to watch a pot on the stove.
This method is almost entirely hands-off. Once you seal the lid, you can walk away until it’s time to serve.
Cooking rice in a separate appliance keeps your stovetop free for cooking main dishes and sauces.
Pressure Cooker Rice Ingredients
• Long-Grain White Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice work very well with this method and timing. Avoid short-grain or Arborio rice, as they require different water ratios and cooking times.
• Liquid: Water creates a neutral-tasting rice. Using chicken or vegetable broth adds a layer of savory flavor.
• Butter: This adds a little richness and helps keep the grains separate. You can use olive oil or another neutral oil as a substitute.
• Salt: The amount can be adjusted to your preference. If you use a salted broth, you may want to reduce or omit the added salt.
Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Pressure Cooker Rice
Step 1: Rinse and Combine Ingredients
First, rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. This removes excess surface starch and is important for fluffy rice. Add the rinsed rice, water or broth, butter, and salt to the inner pot of the pressure cooker and give it a quick stir.
Step 2: Pressure Cook the Rice
Close and lock the lid, ensuring the steam release valve is set to the sealing position. Set the machine to cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. The pot will take several minutes to come to pressure before the cooking countdown begins.
Step 3: Natural Release and Fluff
When the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. This step finishes cooking the rice gently. After 10 minutes, vent any remaining pressure, open the lid, and use a fork to fluff the grains before serving.
How to Store and Freeze Pressure Cooker Rice
Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and microwave until hot.
Expert Tips for Pressure Cooker Rice
Rinsing the rice is a key step. It removes excess starch from the surface of the grains, which helps prevent the rice from becoming gummy.
You can double this recipe. Use 2 cups of rice and 2 cups of liquid. The cooking time remains the same.
For firmer rice, reduce the natural release time to 8 minutes. For softer rice, increase it to 12 minutes.
What to Serve with Pressure Cooker Rice?
This rice is a versatile side dish. Serve it with stir-fries, grilled chicken, or saucy bean dishes.
Pressure Cooker Rice Recipe FAQs
Why is my rice gummy or sticky?
This is often caused by not rinsing the rice enough before cooking. Rinsing removes excess surface starch that makes rice clump together. Using too much water can also cause a gummy texture.
Can I cook brown rice this way?
Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time and a slightly different water ratio. For 1 cup of brown rice, use 1¼ cups of water and pressure cook on high for 22-25 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release.
Can I double the recipe?
You can easily double the recipe by using 2 cups of rice and 2 cups of liquid. The pressure cooking time of 5 minutes stays the same. Just make sure the total contents do not exceed the half-full line of your pressure cooker.
Pressure Cooker Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice 200g
- 1 cup water or chicken broth 240ml
- 1 tablespoon butter 14g
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water for about a minute, or until the water runs clear. Drain thoroughly.
- Transfer the rinsed rice to the inner pot of your pressure cooker.
- Add the water or broth, butter, and salt to the pot. Stir once to combine.
- Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and make sure the steam release valve is in the 'Sealing' position.
- Select the 'Pressure Cook' or 'Manual' setting and set the timer for 5 minutes on high pressure.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Do not touch the valve during this time.
- After 10 minutes, carefully move the steam release valve to the 'Venting' position to release any remaining steam.
- Open the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Serve immediately.
Notes
