The best Instant Pot White Rice is made with a simple recipe that results in the most fluffy and tender texture. With the right rice to water ratio, a simple trick so it doesn’t clump, and knowing how long to cook it, you’ll make perfect rice every time!
Growing up we always made our white rice in the rice cooker. It was quick, easy, and was pretty much foolproof.
If you’d asked me up until about a year ago I’d say the rice cooker was the only way.
That is, until the magical powers of the Instant Pot were discovered.
Not only do the long grains of white rice cook up until perfectly tender and ultra fluffy, but it’s also ready in a fraction of the time.
I’m talking like HALF of the time it takes for a rice cooker or a stovetop method.
Instant Pot white rice is ready in only 20 minutes while cooking it in a rice cooker takes closer to 40 minutes!
And the process is so simple to follow, you might even end up tossing that ole’ rice cooker away! (OK – I haven’t gone here QUITE yet, but definitely considering it!)
Types of Rice
The process below is for cooking white rice in the Instant Pot. If you have a different type of rice, such as brown, wild, or even basmati rice, the length of time for cooking it and water:rice ratios will vary.
Also, the type of rice used is a long grain white rice, not a short grain.
Jasmine rice is a type of long grain white rice that will work with this method.
Learn how to make Instant Pot Basmati Rice and Instant Pot Brown Rice. You might also enjoy this Instant Pot Quinoa, too!
How to Cook White Rice in Instant Pot
The basic steps for cooking white rice in the Instant Pot are simple to follow:
- Rinse white rice under cold running water for 1-2 minutes, or until the water runs clear.
This removes the starchy coating that forms a glue-like substance making the grains stick together.
- Add the rice, water, butter or oil, and salt to a 6-quart Instant Pot.
The water can also be substituted for chicken or vegetable broth with no variation of the grain to liquid ratio.
- Cook white rice at high pressure for 3-4 minutes and allow a 10-minute natural pressure release.
Use the shorter amount of time if you like it more al dente, and longer if you prefer it tender. You can also cook the rice at low pressure, for 12-13 minutes with a quick pressure release.
Mistakes to Avoid
There are a few common mistakes you can easily avoid when cooking rice in the Instant Pot:
- Soupy and watery. If this happens then you most likely used the incorrect water to rice ratio. Next time, try using less liquid for that same type of grain.
- Hard and undercooked. Tough grains of rice after cooking means there was not enough liquid used. To prevent this from happening, use more liquid for that same type of rice.
- Clumped together. Rice sticking together is the result of excess starch. Make sure you rinse your rice before cooking to avoid clumpy rice
Add Some Flavor
Once you master the art of cooking rice there are a few additions and substitutions you can make:
- Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.
- Mix in butter or olive oil for a bit of fat.
- Sprinkle in salt, pepper, or other seasonings.
Meal Prep and Storage
- To Prep-Ahead: Make up a bunch of rice to add to easy meal prep dishes.
- To Store: Seal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To Freeze: Keep in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 4-6 months.
- To Reheat: Warm in the microwave with a little bit of water sprinkled over the top.
FAQs
Use one part rice and one part water when cooking rice in an Instant Pot.
In a standard 6-quart Instant Pot, you can cook up to 4 cups of uncooked rice at a time. Remember, pressure cookers should never be more than ⅔ full.
There is a starchy outer coating on rice that acts as a glue and causes the grains to stick together. By rinsing the rice before cooking you remove the excess and get perfectly fluffy grains every time!
When cooked on high pressure, white rice will be done within 3-4 minutes, along with a 10 minute natural release.
One cup of dried rice will result in approximately 3 cups of cooked rice.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Rinse before cooking. You want the water to run clear, this makes the rice super fluffy and prevents it from clumping together.
- A bit of butter. It gives great flavor and also helps to separate the grains. Oil can also be used.
- Use the right ratio. Unlike traditional stovetop methods of cooking rice, you’ll only need a 1:1 water to rice ratio when cooking long grain white rice in the Instant Pot.
- High or low. If you are changing the pressure, make sure to adjust the cook time accordingly.
- Add flavor. Swap out the water for your favorite chicken, beef, or vegetable broth.
Serving
White rice goes with SO many dishes. A few of the best meals to serve it with include:
- Shrimp Creole
- Easy Pineapple Chicken
- Slow Cooker Chicken Curry
- Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
- General Tso’s Chicken
Or you can use the cooked rice as the star of the show in these easy recipes:
Instant Pot White Rice Recipe
The best Instant Pot White Rice is made with a simple recipe that results in the most fluffy and tender texture. Make this fast and easy pressure cooker rice to go along with your favorite meals.
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water or broth
- 1 Tbsp. butter or oil, optional
- ½ tsp. salt to taste, optional
Instructions
-
Place rice in a fine mesh strainer. Rinse under cold water for 1 minute, or until liquid almost runs clear.
-
Add rice, water, butter, or oil, and salt to a 6-quart Instant Pot. Cover the Instant Pot with the lid and move the pressure release valve to sealed.
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Turn the pressure cooker to the manual mode:
If cooking at high pressure, set the timer to 3-4 minutes. Naturally release the pressure for 10 minutes.
If cooking at low pressure, set the timer for 12-13 minutes and quick release the pressure when done.
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Move the pressure release handle to the venting position to let any remaining steam escape. Open the lid once the float valve goes down. Use a fork to fluff up the rice and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
- 1 cup of dried rice equals 3 cups of cooked rice.
- One serving equals ½ cup cooked rice.
- To Store: Seal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To Freeze: Keep in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 4-6 months.
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