Instant Pot White Rice
Rinsed long-grain white rice at a 1 to 1 ratio, 3 minutes at high pressure and a 10-minute natural release for fluffy, separate grains.
Instant Pot White Rice
Course: Main CourseDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes18
minutesRinsed long-grain white rice at a 1 to 1 ratio, 3 minutes at high pressure and a 10-minute natural release for fluffy, separate grains.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp olive oil, optional
1 bay leaf, optional
1/2 tsp garlic powder, optional
2 tbsp chopped chives, for serving
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 lemon wedge, optional
Directions
- Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear.
- Drain the rice well and put it in the inner pot.
- Add the water, salt and olive oil and give it one stir.
- Scrape down any grains stuck on the sides.
- Seal the lid with the valve on Sealing.
- Pressure cook on high for 3 minutes.
- Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release the rest.
- Open the lid, add the butter and fluff with a fork.
- Taste and add pepper and chives.
Notes
- The 1 to 1 ratio is for long-grain white rice. Brown rice needs about 1 1/4 cups of water per cup and 22 minutes. Do not use sticky rice varieties with this ratio. Leftover rice keeps 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
Why the 1 to 1 ratio works
In a sealed pressure cooker no water boils away, so you do not need extra. Equal parts rice and water give separate, fluffy grains after only three minutes under pressure. Rinsing the rice first removes surface starch so it does not stick together.
Swaps that work for Instant Pot White Rice
Basmati works at the same ratio with a slightly longer natural release. Brown rice needs more water and time, as the card says. Do not use sushi or other sticky rice with this ratio, as the texture will be gluey. Stock instead of water adds flavor.
Serve and store Instant Pot White Rice
It is a clean base for curries, beans, and stir-fries. Cool leftover rice quickly and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of water covered in the microwave.
A classic mistake is opening the lid right away, which leaves rice soggy and wet on top. The natural release gives it time to settle.
Fluff with a fork right after the release, so steam does not pack the grains together.
Instant Pot White Rice at a glance
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 18 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Ingredients: 10, led by long-grain white rice, water, kosher salt, butter
Tips for Instant Pot White Rice
The 1 to 1 ratio is for long-grain white rice. Brown rice needs about 1 1/4 cups of water per cup and 22 minutes. Do not use sticky rice varieties with this ratio. Leftover rice keeps 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
Instant Pot White Rice FAQ
How long does Instant Pot White Rice take?
Instant Pot White Rice takes 18 minutes of cooking after 5 minutes of prep.
How many people does Instant Pot White Rice serve?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What do I need to make Instant Pot White Rice?
10 ingredients, led by long-grain white rice, water, kosher salt, butter. Amounts are in the recipe card above.
