How to Cook Rice in Instant Pot: A Step-by-Step Guide, Recipes, and Tips

I. Introduction

If you’re looking for an easy and convenient way to cook perfect rice every time, then an Instant Pot is the perfect kitchen appliance for you. This modern pressure cooker allows you to cook rice quickly and easily without worrying about pots boiling over or constantly checking the heat. In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking rice in an Instant Pot and provide you with some exciting recipes that you can make during the busy weeknights.

II. A step-by-step guide to cooking perfect rice in an Instant Pot

Here is a step-by-step guide for cooking perfect rice in an Instant Pot every time:

Wash the rice thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear.
Place the washed rice and the recommended amount of water into the Instant Pot.
Close the Instant Pot lid and move the steam release valve to the Sealing position.
Press the ‘Rice’ button or manually adjust the Instant Pot to cook at High Pressure for 3-5 minutes depending on the type of rice you are cooking.
Allow natural pressure release (NPR) for 10 minutes, or quick release (QR) by carefully moving the steam release valve to the Venting position.
Once the pressure is released, carefully open the Instant Pot lid away from your face and fluff the rice with a fork. Your perfect rice is ready to serve!

It is essential to keep in mind that the water-to-rice ratio is crucial in determining the outcome of your rice. Generally, the ratio should be 1:1 or 1:1.5 depending on the type of rice you are using. For example, short-grain rice requires a 1:1 ratio, while long-grain rice requires a 1:1.25 ratio. To get the perfect rice texture, avoid overfilling the Instant Pot with too much rice and water, and level the rice out evenly within the pot.

You can also experiment with cooking rice in your Instant Pot by adding spices, coconut milk, vegetables, or other flavor-boosting liquids to the rice and water mixture before cooking.

III. Quick and easy Instant Pot rice recipes for busy weeknights

Here are some of the quick and easy Instant Pot rice recipes to try out on busy weeknights:

Jambalaya: This is a classic one-pot rice dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd. To make jambalaya in an Instant Pot, combine rice with chopped vegetables, sausage, and chicken broth. Cook for 8 minutes on high pressure, and you will have a delicious and filling meal in no time.
Biryani: This is a flavorful Indian Rice dish that can be easily made in an Instant Pot. To prepare biryani, mix rice with spices, vegetables, and chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes on high pressure. Once done, enjoy a hearty meal bursting with flavors.
Risotto: Risotto is a rich and creamy rice dish that can be made in an Instant Pot in just 7 minutes. This recipe involves cooking rice in white wine, mushrooms, and dried herbs, followed by adding grated parmesan cheese for that rich and creamy texture.

With these easy one-pot recipes, you can have dinner ready in no time, and the best part is that you won’t have to wash numerous pots and pans after cooking.

IV. How to add flavors to your Instant Pot rice

To make your Instant Pot rice more exciting, experiment with various flavors and seasonings. Here are some tips on how to add flavors to your Instant Pot rice:

Saffron rice: To make saffron rice in your Instant Pot, add a pinch of saffron to rice and water mixture before cooking. Once done, the rice will have a soft yellow tint and a unique aroma and taste.
Herbed rice: Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to your Instant Pot rice mixture before cooking to make flavorful herb rice that pairs perfectly with grilled fish or meats.
Coconut rice: Add coconut milk and curry spices to your rice and water mixture to create a more exotic flavor profile. This rice is perfect for pairing with grilled chicken or fish.

Feel free to try out these variations or come up with your own creative combinations to add flavor to your Instant Pot rice.

V. Tips and tricks for perfect Instant Pot rice every time

Here are some tips and tricks to help you perfect your Instant Pot rice every time:

QR vs. NPR: You can choose to quick release (QR) or natural pressure release (NPR) your Instant Pot, depending on the recipe or desired texture. For firmer rice, use QR, while softer rice requires NPR.
Using the rice setting: Most modern Instant Pots come with a rice setting, and using it ensures perfectly cooked rice. The rice setting allows the Instant Pot to adjust heat and pressure to cook your rice to perfection.
Clean the Instant Pot: Rice can sometimes stick to the bottom of the Instant Pot, so it is wise to clean it after every use. Clean the Instant Pot promptly with hot soapy water to prevent any hard-to-clean residue.

Utilize these tips to make the perfect Instant Pot rice every time and save time and effort when preparing meals.

VI. How to make healthier rice in an Instant Pot

To maintain your healthier eating habits, consider switching to brown rice or quinoa and preparing it in the Instant Pot. Brown rice is a healthier option because it has more nutrient content than white rice. It is an excellent source of soluble fiber, vitamins B6, E, potassium, manganese, zinc, and iron. Similarly, quinoa is an excellent alternative to rice because it has a higher protein content than rice, and it is naturally gluten-free. Here is a simple process for cooking brown rice or quinoa in your Instant Pot:

Rinse the brown rice or quinoa several times under running water until the water runs clear.
Place the washed brown rice or quinoa and the recommended amount of water into the Instant Pot.
Lock the Instant Pot lid and set the cooking time to 22-28 minutes on high pressure.
Allow natural pressure release (NPR) for 10 minutes, or quick release (QR) by carefully moving the steam release valve to the Venting position.
Once the pressure is released, open the Instant Pot lid and fluff the brown rice or quinoa with a fork before serving.

Brown rice and quinoa are perfect to serve as a base for vegan or vegetarian Buddha bowls or as a side dish for your favorite protein.

VII. Instant Pot rice cooking FAQs

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about cooking rice in an Instant Pot:

Do I need to rinse my rice before cooking it in an Instant Pot? Yes, it is essential to rinse the rice several times under running water until the water runs clear. Rinsing the rice removes any excess starch and impurities that could affect the rice quality.
How much water do I need for cooking rice in Instant Pot? The typical ratio is 1:1 or 1:1.5, depending on the rice type you are cooking. A 1:1 ratio is ideal for short-grain rice, while long-grain rice requires a 1:1.25 ratio to ensure the perfect rice texture.
What is QR and NPR with Instant Pot? Quick Release (QR) is a process of manually releasing the steam pressure from the Instant Pot by carefully moving the steam release valve to the Venting position. Natural Pressure Release (NPR), on the other hand, is the process of allowing the pressure to reduce naturally over time without opening the steam release valve.

Use these FAQs as a reference to cook the perfect Instant Pot rice and get the most out of your Instant Pot.

VIII. Conclusion

Instant Pots make cooking rice quick, easy, and hassle-free. This modern pressure cooker eliminates the guesswork, leaving you with perfect rice every time. With the tips, recipes, and tricks in this article, you can easily add variety and flavor to your rice dishes while also improving your healthier eating habits. Armed with this information, we encourage you to try out these recipes and techniques for perfect Instant Pot rice every time.