How to Make Rice in the Instant Pot (3 Ways) – Includes instructions for making white rice, brown rice, and cauliflower rice in the Instant Pot. Quick, easy, and perfect results every time!

Why Use the Instant Pot to Make Rice?

I’ll admit, I’ve had my Instant Pot for years, and only recently started using it to make rice. I’ve always been a fan of the stove top method for making rice and didn’t see the benefit to dragging out another appliance just to make something simple like rice. Well, I finally gave it a try and was instantly converted. Perfect, fluffy rice every time! Here’s why I now almost exclusively use the Instant Pot to make rice:

  • Better texture. Stove top boiled rice can tend towards being gummy but Instant Pot Rice has a nice fluffy texture.
  • It’s faster! For white rice, it takes less than 10 minutes, from start to finish.
  • It frees up stove space and is great for meal prepping!

How to Make Perfect Rice in an Instant Pot

My favorite variety of rice to make in the Instant Pot is jasmine rice. Any white rice is fine, but I’ve had the best results with Jasmine rice. For white rice, simply combine rice and liquid (a 1:1 ratio) in the Instant Pot and cook for 4 minutes. I’ve found that to achieve a nice fluffy texture, allow for about 3-4 minutes of natural release before releasing the remaining pressure. Next, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve!

All types of rice can be cooked in the Instant Pot, including brown rice and cauliflower rice. For cooking other varieties of rice in the Instant Pot, see my notes and instructions below.

Instant Pot Cauliflower Rice

There are a couple techniques to cooking cauliflower rice in the Instant Pot. Pre-riced cauliflower or frozen cauliflower rice can be cooked using the same method as white/brown rice by combining the rice with liquid and cooking under pressure for just 1 minute.

If you prefer to make your own cauliflower rice, simply chop a large head of cauliflower into florets and place in a steamer basket with one cup of liquid in the Instant Pot. Cook under pressure for 1 minute, followed by a quick release. Remove the florets and transfer to a food processor. Pulse until it resembles the texture of rice. You may need to press out any excess water.

How to Cook Brown Rice in Instant Pot

Brown rice is heartier and less processed than white rice, making it a slightly healthier option that also takes a bit longer to cook. More liquid is required and a  longer cooking time than white rice, but the result is the same – a perfect fluffy texture with a slight bite to it!

To cook brown rice in the Instant Pot, combine 1 cup rice with 1 1/4 cups liquid and cook for 15 minutes under pressure. Allow for a 5 minute natural release before releasing remaining pressure.

Variations on Instant Pot Rice

Use chicken or veggie broth instead of water when cooking for an extra flavor boost. Bone broth is also an excellent alternative for adding an extra boost of protein and collagen.

For cilantro lime rice, stir in 1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice and 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro after cooking.

For a quick and easy Fried Rice, set the pot to Saute after cooking the rice, add some oil, the rice, 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots, and coconut aminos to taste. Cook and stir for 2-3 minutes.

What to Serve with Instant Pot Rice

Build your Own Sushi Bowls (3 Ways)

Chicken and Green Bean Stir Fry

Make burrito bowls with Instant Pot Shredded Mexican Beef

Grill some chicken using these Healthy Chicken Marinades

Serve alongside Sheet Pan Sausage and Shrimp Jambalaya

 

instant pot rice 3 ways

how to make rice in the instant pot

how to make rice in the instant pot

How to Make Rice in the Instant Pot - 3 Ways

Servings: 4 servings
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Author: Nikki
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Asian
Keyword: brown rice in instant pot, instant pot cauliflower rice, instant pot rice, pressure cooker rice
How to Make Rice in the Instant Pot (3 Ways) - Includes instructions for making white rice, brown rice, and cauliflower rice in the Instant Pot. Quick, easy, and perfect results every time!
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Ingredients 

For White Rice

  • 1 cup white rice, such as Jasmine Rice
  • 1 cup water

For Brown Rice

  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 1.25 cups cold water

For Cauliflower Rice

  • 18 ounces riced cauliflower
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

For White Rice

  • Combine rice and water in the Instant Pot. Seal and set for 4 minutes on Manual function. When cycle completes, allow for 3 minutes of natural release then manually release remaining pressure. Remove lid and fluff with fork.

For Brown Rice

  • Combine rice and water in the Instant Pot. Seal and set for 15 minutes on Manual function. When cycle completes, allow for 5 minutes of natural release then manually release remaining pressure. Remove lid and fluff with fork.

For Cauliflower Rice

  • Combine rice and water in the Instant Pot. Seal and set for 1 minute on Manual function. When cycle completes, quick release pressure, remove lid and fluff with fork.

Notes

*Note: Nutritional information indicated is for one recipe of White Rice only (4 servings)

Nutrition

Calories: 169kcal, Carbohydrates: 37g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 5mg, Potassium: 53mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Calcium: 15mg, Iron: 1mg

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