Instant Pot Rice – Perfect Every Time! Recipe
Introduction
Making perfect rice in the Instant Pot is easy and foolproof with this simple recipe. Whether you prefer white or brown rice, these instructions will help you get fluffy, tender rice every time.

Ingredients
- 2 cups white rice (short or long grain, Basmati or Jasmine)
- 2 cups water (or broth for mild flavor change)
- 1 tablespoon oil (avocado, olive, ghee, or butter)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Optional spices: ½ teaspoon turmeric, 4-5 cracked cardamom pods, or other favorites
- 2 cups brown rice
- 2 ½ cups water
- 1 tablespoon oil of your choice
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Optional spices as above
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Step 2: Place the rinsed rice in the Instant Pot inner pan. Pour the specified amount of water over it.
- Step 3: Add the oil and sea salt, along with any optional spices you wish to include.
- Step 4: Stir gently to combine ingredients.
- Step 5: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to the “sealing” position.
- Step 6: For white rice, press the “RICE” button and adjust the time to 12 minutes if it doesn’t set automatically. For brown rice, click the “Manual” button, set pressure to high, and adjust cooking time to 23 minutes.
- Step 7: Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. After this, if pressure remains, carefully release it manually.
- Step 8: Open the lid, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and serve.
Tips & Variations
- If you prefer softer rice, add a little extra water next time and adjust to your liking.
- Try adding different spices like cardamom, turmeric, or bay leaves to infuse flavor.
- Use broth instead of water for a subtle flavor enhancement.
Storage
Store cooked rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice and microwave covered until warm, or reheat gently on the stovetop.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice in the Instant Pot?
Yes, but cooking times and water ratios may vary. Adjust accordingly depending on the rice variety.
What does “natural pressure release” mean?
Natural pressure release means letting the Instant Pot release pressure on its own without opening the valve immediately, allowing the rice to finish cooking gently and preventing it from sticking or becoming mushy.
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Instant Pot Rice – Perfect Every Time! Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes for white rice (including 10-minute natural release), 38 minutes for brown rice (including 10-minute natural release)
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Description
This Instant Pot Rice recipe delivers perfectly cooked white or brown rice with minimal effort. By using the Instant Pot’s ‘Rice’ setting or ‘Manual’ high-pressure cooking, you achieve fluffy, tender grains every time. Optional spices such as turmeric or cardamom pods add subtle layers of flavor, making it a versatile base for any meal.
Ingredients
For White Rice
- 2 cups white rice (Short and long grain Basmati or Jasmine)
- 2 cups water (or broth, optional)
- 1 tablespoon oil (avocado, olive, ghee or butter)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Optional spices: 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 4-5 cracked cardamom pods, or other spices you prefer
For Brown Rice
- 2 cups brown rice
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon oil of your choice
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Optional spices as above
Instructions
- Rinse Rice: Thoroughly rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Place Rice in Instant Pot Inner Pan: Transfer the rinsed rice into the Instant Pot inner pot evenly.
- Pour Water Over Rice: Add the specified amount of water for white or brown rice directly into the pot over the rice.
- Add Oil and Salt: Pour in 1 tablespoon of your chosen oil and 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Add any optional spices if using.
- Stir Ingredients: Give the rice, water, oil, salt, and spices a gentle stir to evenly combine.
- Secure the Lid: Place the Instant Pot lid firmly on and set the valve to the “sealing” position.
- Set Cooking Mode: Press the “RICE” button. If the timer does not automatically adjust, set the cooking time to 12 minutes for white rice.
- Natural Release: After the cooking cycle ends and you hear the beeper, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, if pressure remains, carefully perform a quick release.
- Fluff and Serve: Open the lid, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and serve immediately. For softer rice, add a small amount of extra water next time.
- For Brown Rice Option: Press the “Manual” button, adjust to high pressure for 23 minutes, then allow a natural release for 10 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure and opening the lid.
Notes
- Water ratios differ slightly for white and brown rice to ensure optimal texture.
- Add optional spices like turmeric or cardamom pods for aromatic flavor variations.
- Adjust water quantity according to how soft or firm you prefer your rice.
- For brown rice, use the manual high-pressure setting with longer cooking time for best results.
- Fluff rice gently with a fork to avoid breaking the grains.
- Use broth instead of water to add some depth of flavor, though it’s optional.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes for white rice, 23 minutes for brown rice
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Instant Pot rice, pressure cooker rice, easy rice recipe, fluffy rice, white rice, brown rice, turmeric rice, cardamom rice

