This recipe for Instant Pot White Basmati Rice is so easy! You only need six minutes cooking time for perfectly cooked, fluffy rice that goes great with almost any main dish. This is the no soak method for cooking rice in a pressure cooker.

bowl of white rice with gold spoons 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. 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 rice grains on a placemat

How Much to Cook?

One cup of uncooked rice provides about 6 small servings, so 2 cups of 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. You can cook up to 3-4 cups of uncooked rice at a time in a 6-quart or 8-quart Instant Pot.

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.

white rice being strained in a fine mesh 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 on high pressure. You need to allow about 10 minutes for the pressure cooker to come up to pressure.

Step Three

Once the cooking time is up, then you can let the pressure come down naturally, or use the quick release. Then, use a fork to help fluff the rice. Serve hot.

cooked rice in the bowl of an instant pot

How to Serve

Obviously, you can serve the cooked rice out of the pot. 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 air-tight container for up to several months.

cooked rice in a pyrex bowl

FAQs

Can I cook brown 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 double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double or even triple this recipe in a 6-quart or 8-quart pot.

What are some flavored rice dishes you can make in the Instant Pot?

You might like my Instant Pot Spanish Rice recipe or my Instant Pot Coconut Rice recipe!

Other Easy Instant Pot Recipe Basics

Watch me make this recipe on YouTube!

Here is the printable recipe:

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Easiest Instant Pot Basmati Rice

bowl of cooked white rice served with two gold spoons

★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

This recipe for Instant Pot White Basmati Rice is so easy! You only need six minutes cooking time for perfectly cooked, fluffy rice that goes great with almost any main dish. This is the no soak method for cooking rice in a pressure cooker.

  • Author: Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutrition
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Total Time: 31 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x
  • Category: Side dish
  • Method: Instant Pot pressure cooker
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Scale

Ingredients

  • 2 cups white rice, rinsed well
  • 2 cups filtered water

Instructions

  1. Combine the rinsed rice and water in the base of a 6-quart or 8-quart Instant Pot.
  2. Lock on the lid and set the time to 6 minutes on high pressure. 
  3. When the cooking time is up, let the pressure come down naturally for 10 minutes, and then use the quick release to let out any remaining pressure. 
  4. Carefully remove the lid and serve hot.

Notes

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. 

Keywords: how to cook rice in pressure cooker, pressure cooker basmati rice, instant pot white rice

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