How To Make Perfect Instant Pot Rice every single time! An easy tutorial for how to make perfect rice in the Instant Pot with just a bit of spices and oil. Hint: It’s all about the water:rice ratio!
Orignally Posted: January 10th, 2017 | Updated: October 17th, 2018
Anyone who has an Instant Pot knows that it is pretty much a magical kitchen appliance. I use mine almost every single day, whether it’s for hard boiled eggs, a quick pot of greens, dinner in a hurry, creamy 10-minute mashed potatoes or just for cooking staples like rice.
I have to admit that when I first tried rice in my Instant Pot it was an epic failure. Mainly because I didn’t adjust the water:rice ratio and just hit the “rice” button.
After a bunch of trial and error, I discovered that the secret to making amazing rice in the Instant Pot EVERY SINGLE TIME is the water:rice ratio and it’s really different than stovetop rice.
I like to season my rice with a couple cracked cardamom pods, one star anise, some white pepper and a bit of salt. It smells amazing and the rice has the slightest hint of spice. It’s really wonderful with everything.
But, if you keep the water:rice ratio the same and make sure to add a little bit of fat and salt, you could skip the spices (try it at least once with the spices!) if you just want plain rice.
NOTES:
Is this only for Instant Pot White Rice?
I have tried this technique with a few varieties of White Jasmine and White Basmati rice (medium and long grain) and all have worked really well. I have NOT tested this technique with brown rice.
How do you make Instant Pot White Rice?
It’s fairly simple, but the water:rice ratio for instant pot rice is different than cooking rice on your stovetop. My guess is that it’s because of the fact that less evaporation happens during the cooking process when you use an instant pot – your rice and water is all sealed away.
Make sure to rinse the rice until the water runs completely clear before adding it to the instant pot. If you don’t, you’ll end up with extra starches in the rice and it could interfere with the taste and the cooking time.
I add some avocado oil to my rice to prevent the rice from sticking to the pot. Salt and spices add an amazing flavor to the rice. You can always omit these, of course, but I highly recommend trying instant pot white rice with the spices I recommend below – so good!
Why use Natural Pressure Release (rather than Quick Pressure Release)?
Natural pressure release is the way to go when it comes to cooking rice in an instant pot. If you let the rice cook a little longer and opt for quick pressure release, the right might end up overcooked. So try to be patient, if you can, and use the natural pressure release setting when cooking rice in your instant pot – it’s well worth the wait!
Does Instant Pot Rice freeze well?
I have a 6-quart Instant Pot and always make a large batch of rice and then freeze a few containers for later in the week. It freezes and defrosts great and is perfect for things like Fried Rice or along with dishes like my Creamy Paprika Chicken Skillet.
- If you want to make a meal, try Instant Pot Rice and Beans from my friend A Mindful Mom!
Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!
How To Make Perfect Instant Pot Rice every single time! An easy tutorial for how to make perfect rice in the Instant Pot with just a bit of spices and oil. Hint: It's all about the water:rice ratio!
- 3 cups organic jasmine rice rinsed until water runs clear
- 3 cups cold filtered water
- 1 Tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 whole star anise
- 3 whole cardamom pods cracked
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
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Rinse rice until water runs clear.
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Place rinsed rice into Instant Pot vessel and add filtered water, oil and spices. Stir to mix.
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Lock lid and make sure pressure cooker vent is set to "SEALED". Use "RICE" button or set to manual pressure for 12 minutes.
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Once done, allow to depressurize using the natural pressure release.
If you are in a rush and want to do a manual pressure release, let it sit for at least 5 minutes first.
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Fluff rice with a fork, serve and Enjoy!
Once cool, freeze for later.
Did you make this recipe? Tag @EverydayMaven on Instagram with the hashtag #EveryDayMaven and please give a star rating below.
Liz says
March 20, 2019 at 9:56 amI’m hit or miss with cooking rice on the stove top, but your IP rice recipe worked perfectly for me!! Thank you!
EverydayMaven says
March 20, 2019 at 8:38 pmPerfect!!! That is fantastic!
April says
February 1, 2019 at 11:39 amHi! A little late to the game but I just came across this. How do you freeze your rice? And then how do you heat it up again without it being dry clumps of rice balls? Thanks so much for the recipe. I never thought of making a lot and freezing it. We are always waiting for the rice to finish to eat dinners. Excellent!!!
EverydayMaven says
February 14, 2019 at 9:21 amHi April! I scoop it into glass storage containers and allow to cool completely. Then cover and into the freezer! I usually just defrost one the night before and keep in the fridge. Are you using Basmati or Jasmine? I have found that Jasmine rice freezes and reheats better than Basmati!
Beverly says
September 6, 2018 at 6:40 pmWill this recipe work with regular long grain white rice?
EverydayMaven says
September 17, 2018 at 8:04 amAs long as it is not par-boiled, it should!
Susan says
June 20, 2018 at 11:36 amI have the instant pot 6qt v3 my rice button when pressed says 10 mins..if I put on manual there’s no way to change pressure to low. So my question is will this amount of rice/water in your recipe get cooked right
EverydayMaven says
June 23, 2018 at 5:24 amHi Susan! I would give it a try with the rice button and see how it turns out! If it’s not cooked right, switch to manual and test it! Do you have the Lux?
Susan says
June 23, 2018 at 10:03 amHi, yes sorry thought I added that I do have the Lux
Susan Missi says
May 12, 2019 at 12:21 amCan you make a table for 1 cup, 2 cups, 2 cups, etc of rice showing how much time and water required?
Alyssa Brantley says
May 14, 2019 at 1:19 pmHey Susan! It’s a 1:1 ratio and you can just use the “rice” button
Ivy Manning says
May 3, 2018 at 5:58 pmHeh Alyssa
If you use manual, it’s LOW pressure for 12 minutes, right? That’s what the rice button does. If you cook it on high for 12, you’re going to get mush, in my experience.
EverydayMaven says
May 9, 2018 at 1:12 pmHey Ivy! Yes – absolutely 🙂
Tammy says
April 18, 2018 at 9:55 amI never cooked rice before, I have a chicken and rice dish I want to make for freezing and it calls for 10 cups cooked rice, how much dried rice do I use
Kathryn says
June 14, 2018 at 7:40 amTammy, 1/3 cup of dry rice makes about a cup of cooked rice.
So you need 10/3 cups = 3-1/3 cups dry rice to make 10 cups cooked.
Julie Fortino Shurtliff says
April 15, 2018 at 9:01 amCould I use ground cardamom? If so, how much?
Robin says
February 25, 2018 at 3:26 pmI make rice every week. Exactly as posted and turns out perfect. We make our own dog food and occasionally add rice and the pups love it too. Freezes perfectly.
EverydayMaven says
March 6, 2018 at 2:04 pmWe always give our dog rice too! She love it with butter 🙂
Dave says
January 30, 2018 at 3:42 pmHello,
I have never cooked rice before, just learning how to cook. Did one cup in the IP and it surprised me that it was really good.
Thanks,
Dave
EverydayMaven says
February 2, 2018 at 10:17 amYay! Glad you liked it Dave!
Angie says
November 26, 2017 at 2:29 pmThanks for this recipe! My rice was perfect! Did 3 cups rice and 3 cups water.
Came out just as I like it. Sticky and flavorful! Used the Jasmine Rice. Oh and a little olive oil.
I have the 6qt with 10 settings insta-pot.
Try it, you’ll like it!. I just love my pot. I have had it for about 3 weeks now and use it all the time!!!!
EverydayMaven says
December 6, 2017 at 9:08 pmThat is awesome Angie – so glad to hear it!
Erin Kennedy says
January 4, 2019 at 1:02 pmNext time I do the rice………I will add a T oil…….my rice was good but stuck to the bottom a lil?……
EverydayMaven says
January 14, 2019 at 10:47 amHi Erin! What type of rice was it? And, yes, add 1 T of oi for sure it that happens
jon says
November 23, 2017 at 7:20 ami made it but with different ingredients used chicken broth and Italian seasonings with sausage came out perfect, good job beta testing.
EverydayMaven says
December 6, 2017 at 9:06 pmAwesome jon!!!
Carolyn Cummings says
September 29, 2017 at 2:50 amI have a new ip mini. To cook white rice, would it work to halve your recipe including water? Thank you. Carolyn
EverydayMaven says
October 12, 2017 at 2:43 pmYep – that should work!
Sara Repasy says
September 22, 2017 at 5:46 pmI have an IP Duo with a low pressure and high pressure option. With this recipe, do I do high or low with the rice setting? I can do either.
EverydayMaven says
September 26, 2017 at 3:28 pmHi Sara,
Set it to “Rice” and it will automatically set the pressure for you!
Matt Kessler says
September 18, 2017 at 2:05 pmI’ve tried rice a couple times and it was okay, but looking forward to trying your recipe. I had a question though. I am wondering why I see so many different cooking times for people claiming to have the perfect rice recipe. Yours says 12 minutes, but I just read another that was only 3. Same kind of rice, same ration of rice to water. I will try both maybe, but wondering if you have experience with both cooking times to tell me the difference. I use boil in bag rice all the time, but maybe will do larger batches and freeze if this works well. Thanks for your response!
EverydayMaven says
September 18, 2017 at 8:20 pmHi Matt! I am not sure – I have tested rice a lot of times and 3 min sounds totally unrealistic unless they are using a super short grain rice or par-boiled rice? Try mine exactly and see what you think!
Robin says
February 25, 2018 at 3:24 pmProbably a typo. No way would 3 minutes cook the rice. Maybe minute rice.
Mike says
August 24, 2018 at 8:42 amI believe you are referring to manual mode on high pressure. That would be 4 minutes of cooking with a 10 minute natural release.
Ashley says
August 22, 2017 at 11:10 amIf I ever buy an instant pot, I’m definitely trying this first!
EverydayMaven says
August 22, 2017 at 2:34 pmOMG – you need to get one! There will for sure be a huge sale on them around Black Friday. It’s one of my top kitchen appliances (and you know I have like 40 lol)
Robin says
September 16, 2017 at 12:05 pmYou won’t be sorry. It is the best gadget yet. I make yogurt once a week. Love it. Best corn on the cob ever and believe me I have cooked it every way imaginable.
Gladys says
July 23, 2017 at 10:20 amWhat’s the max capacity of a 6qt instant pot to cook rice?
Can I make 6 cups of rice? I have a large Chinese family 🙂
EverydayMaven says
July 25, 2017 at 3:31 pmHey Gladys! I have made 4 or 5 cups at a time!!
Tony says
January 4, 2018 at 10:49 amI believe the owners manual states to fill only to the 1/2 mark on the vessel if making rice. I would think this is closer to her 3 cups, but I am not quite sure, and mine is pressurized with rice in it right now so I can’t check. Sorry.
Mary Lieffring says
April 15, 2017 at 8:36 amI substituted with 2 cups of water and 1 cup of orange juice.
I call it “sunshine rice.”
Delicious!
EverydayMaven says
April 17, 2017 at 9:31 amSounds so good Mary!! I need to try this 🙂
Carol says
April 13, 2017 at 10:22 pmI take it that you are using a real 1 cup measure for the rice and not the plastic cup that came with the instant pot.
EverydayMaven says
April 17, 2017 at 9:31 amHi Carol — Yes – a real 1 cup measure!
Bec says
April 30, 2018 at 7:03 pmCarol – so glad you asked the question… I was confused because I know that it is not a full cup!!
HollyT says
April 2, 2017 at 1:02 pmOk, I’m not one to experiment with my rice. Especially since I was experimenting with lunch today. But holy moly, this rice was awesome! My mother was skeptical as well as I didn’t have time to hide the evidence before she got here, but she loved it as well! Thank you so much for this recipe, I’ll have to pick up some avocado oil for next time as I had to use olive oil today.
EverydayMaven says
April 3, 2017 at 12:23 pmThank you so much Holly! That is great feedback and I’m thrilled that your family loved it 🙂
Bonnie says
March 30, 2017 at 5:26 pmI made this exactly except for 1 cup each of jasmine rice and water. I just happened to have whole cardamom pods and star anise. I used 1 star anise and 2 cracked cardamom pods. And a tsp of salt along with regular oil since I didn’t have any good oil.
It was so good this way. Those spices added a little somethin-somethin!
My 11 year old snarfed it down and he doesn’t like plain white rice.
Make sure you rinse it as directed above. You need that extra water with a 1:1 ratio or it’d be crunchy.
EverydayMaven says
April 3, 2017 at 12:22 pmHi Bonnie! Love it and so glad your 11-year old liked it – that’s the best!!!
Thomas says
March 27, 2017 at 10:05 amHow do you keep the rice from sticking to the bottom of the instant pot, or is that what the avocado oil is for,
EverydayMaven says
April 3, 2017 at 12:16 pmHey Thomas – yes, the oil helps with that. I very rarely have sticking but the grain (jasmine, basmati, etc.) and type of rice (long, short, etc.) also play a big role! If you are having sticking issues, swirl the oil on the bottom and then add the rest of your ingredients.
steven says
March 4, 2017 at 6:29 pmHow can i make perfect parboiled rice. the carolina gold parboiled kicks my butt everything, not sure why
EverydayMaven says
March 5, 2017 at 8:04 pmHi Steven! I am not sure – I don’t use parboiled rice.
Holly Georgoulas says
October 8, 2018 at 6:22 pmHi Steven, I just made some Carolina Gold in my Crock Pot Express. I used the recipe in the booklet (1 cup rice + 1.5 cups water) and did the 12 minute low pressure rice setting. I let it sit for 10 minutes natural release. I thought it was perfect! I tried 2 batches, one rinsed and one not rinsed. I honestly think I prefer the non-rinsed, but it might be a personal preference. It’s slightly firmer and has more flavor. I did see a demo saying that parboiled rice did not need to be rinsed, so I probably won’t bother. Hope that helps!
David Bell says
February 28, 2017 at 7:06 pmI made this today, didn’t use any of the spices besides pepper.. only cooking for two so 3 cups of uncooked rice was waaaaay too much.. so cut it down to 1 1/2 cup of each… it did not turn out the best.. although it was mostly cooked and not crunchy. it still needed more moisture it seemed.. although i used warmed chicken broth so that may have been a bit of a difference since the recipe calls for cold water.
EverydayMaven says
March 5, 2017 at 7:59 pmHi David,
What type of rice did you use? White? Brown? Long? Short? etc.
Frances says
January 28, 2017 at 5:17 pmWhats the max amount of cups do you think I can cook in my 6 quart instant pot?
Robin says
February 3, 2017 at 12:23 pmIt is said that you should not fill the IP more than halfway with starchy things such as rice/pasta. So for a 6 Quart, you can do 3 Quarts of rice and water total. So 1.5 quarts of rice is 6 cups. I have never done this much rice, but I can imagine it would take longer to come to pressure and longer for the pressure to drop. Still the same amount of cooking time tho. Beware of foam coming out of the vent, you might need to really clean out the vent area afterwards so it doesn’t get all gummed up.
EverydayMaven says
February 8, 2017 at 9:12 pmI usually do 3 cups or 4 cups of dry rice with equal amounts of water (and spices) in my 6QT and it’s never been a problem
Brandy | Nutmeg Nanny says
January 11, 2017 at 6:46 pmInstant Pot rice is my fave! Great tips the spices too!
Cate says
January 11, 2017 at 6:27 pmThis is so great! I can’t wait to try it
John/Kitchen Riffs says
January 11, 2017 at 7:02 amI’ve been hearing wonderful things about the Instant Pot! Including that it’s a good ricing cooker. As with all things, it sounds like there’s a tiny learning curve. But it does sound like a good appliance, and a great way to make rice. Thanks!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
January 10, 2017 at 8:50 pmThis does look perfect!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
January 10, 2017 at 8:01 pmCool! I’ve never used an Instant Pot but you’ve got me interested now! 🙂
Nicole Hood says
January 10, 2017 at 7:50 pmAwesome, This is perfect for cooking rice.
Marlene says
January 10, 2017 at 7:06 pmI have a Instant Pot and cook brown basmati rice with a ratio of 1:1.25 rice to water for 22 minutes. I try to use hot water and sauté function to start off, so it doesn’t take so long to get up to pressure,
EverydayMaven says
January 16, 2017 at 1:47 pmgreat tip for brown rice – thanks Marlene!
The Food Hunter says
January 10, 2017 at 1:40 pmI keep saying it but I really do need one of these.
EverydayMaven says
January 16, 2017 at 1:43 pmYou do – it is one of my most FAV kitchen appliances!
Kelly @ Nosh and Nourish says
January 10, 2017 at 1:32 pmI don’t have an instant pot. But am intrigued 🙂 Love that you add avocado oil to the rice… it’s my current fav!
EverydayMaven says
January 16, 2017 at 1:43 pmI love to use avocado oil!
Peter. says
January 10, 2017 at 11:12 amI’ve had a instant pot for a few years now. But have never even tried cooking rice in it. I have always cooked it in a pot on the stove. That’s how my mum cook it so I just followed suit.
But after reading your way of cooking it I gave it ago and walla Perfect rice. I always cook my rice with a couple slice’s of lemon peel. Thank you for your recipe on how cook rice. Peter
EverydayMaven says
January 10, 2017 at 11:23 amYay – so happy to hear it was perfect! This is my fav way to prepare rice and I even have a fancy pants rice cooker (that is collecting dust). Love the lemon peel addition – I’ll try that next time Thanks Peter!