This recipe for Instant Pot White Basmati Rice is so easy! Say goodbye to overcooked, undercooked, or mushy rice. This pressure cooker method results in perfectly cooked, fluffy rice every single time. Serve your aromatic rice with almost any main dish.

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bowl of cooked basmati rice on a table with an instant pot

You aren’t going to believe how easy and fast it is to make basmati rice in the Instant Pot. In fact, I gave away my rice cooker after I realized how to make rice in the pressure cooker.

Basmati rice is a long-grain type of rice that originates in Asia or India. I often buy organic California basmati rice, but you’ll also see brands in the grocery store that were grown in India.

Jasmine rice is very similar to basmati rice, but basmati rice is usually longer and thinner in shape and size compared with jasmine rice. All types of white and brown rice are low in fat and cholesterol. Rice is a traditional food that is high in carbohydrates, with varying levels of starch.

Rice is also a very low allergenic food, so it is commonly given to babies. Rice is also appropriate for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and real food diets. Paleo diets often exclude rice products, but some experts argue that rice should be considered a “safe starch” considering that it is low in allergens.

uncooked white basmati rice grains on a placemat

How Much to Cook?

One cup of uncooked rice provides about 6 small servings, so 2 cups of uncooked rice yields 12 small servings of about 1/3 cup each.

If you want to adjust the measurements of this recipe, just remember that you will need 1 cup of water for each cup of uncooked rice (so you would use two cups of water for two cups of rice and so on).

You can cook up to 3-4 cups of uncooked rice at a time in a 6-quart or 8-quart Instant Pot. This is great for people who like to meal prep.

Recipe Steps

Step One

The only real work you need to do for Instant Pot Basmati Rice recipe is to rinse the rice. Rinsing the rice helps remove any surface starch that might make the cooked rice gummy. Rinse your rice under cool running water in a fine mesh strainer.

For this method, you don’t need to soak the rice. Pressure cooking actually helps make the rice more digestible than if you used a regular rice cooker or cooked it on the stovetop. This is because pressure cooking helps reduce any lectins in the rice.

basmati rice being rinsed in a colander

Step Two

After you’ve rinsed your rice, transfer it to the Instant Pot, add the correct amount of water, and set the time to 6 minutes of cook time on high pressure. Be sure the steam valve is set to “sealing.”

You need to allow about 10 minutes for the pressure cooker to come up to pressure.

As always, please do see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.

Step Three

Once the cooking time is up, then you can let the pressure come down naturally for about 5 minutes, or use the quick release right away. Be careful of the hot steam coming out of the steam valve due to the remaining pressure. I like to use oven mitts whenever I use the quick release on the steam valve.

I don’t recommend using the natural release for this recipe as the rice will become overcooked.

cooked basmati rice in the bowl of an instant pot

Step Four

Then, remove the lid and use a fork to help fluff the rice. Serve hot.

I hope your family agrees that this is method results in perfect basmati rice!

How to Serve

Obviously, you can serve the cooked rice out of the pot. It goes great with dishes like my Instant Pot Red Lentil Dal or my Instant Pot Chicken Curry. Check out all of my Instant Pot recipes.

Or, you can transfer it to a container to store in the refrigerator for up to a week. I will often freeze cooked rice in an airtight container for up to several months.

cooked rice in a pyrex bowl

FAQs

Can I cook brown basmati rice in the Instant Pot?

Yes, but the cooking time is different. For a long-grain brown rice, cook for 22 minutes at high pressure. Use a 1:1 rice to water ratio.

Can I cook just one cup of rice in the Instant Pot?

Yes, just use one cup of rinsed rice with one cup of water.

Do I need to soak the rice before cooking?

You don’t need to soak the rice, but you do need to rinse it well.

How do I keep the rice from sticking to the pot?

Spray the pot with nonstick cooking spray before cooking to prevent the cooked rice from sticking to the pot.

Other Easy Rice Recipes You Might Like

Watch me make this recipe on YouTube!

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bowl of cooked white rice served with two gold spoons

Instant Pot White Basmati Rice

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5 from 1 reviews
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Description

This recipe for Instant Pot White Basmati Rice is so easy! Say goodbye to overcooked, undercooked, or mushy rice. This pressure cooker method results in perfectly cooked, fluffy rice that goes great with almost any main dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 2 cups white rice, rinsed well
  • 2 cups filtered water

Instructions

  1. Lightly spray the bottom and lower parts of the inside of your pot with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Combine the rinsed rice and water in the base of a 6-quart or 8-quart Instant Pot.
  3. Lock on the lid and set the time to 6 minutes on high pressure. 
  4. When the cooking time is up, let the pressure come down naturally for 5 minutes, and then use the quick release to let out any remaining pressure. 
  5. Carefully remove the lid and serve hot.

Notes

  1. Use an oven mitt whenever you use the quick-release to protect your hands from the hot steam. 
  2. Store any leftovers in a tightly-sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Or, place any leftovers in a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. 
  3. You can easily double this recipe in a 6-quart or 8-quart pot.
  4. For a long-grain brown rice, cook for 22 minutes at high pressure. Use a 1:1 rice to water ratio.
  • Category: Side dish
  • Method: Instant Pot pressure cooker
  • Cuisine: Asian

Keywords: two cups cooked basmati rice, pressure cooker white basmati rice

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