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If you are looking for a foolproof method for cooking rice, the Instant Pot is your answer! This recipe for Instant Pot White Rice is delivers perfectly cooked, fluffy rice with minimal effort required. Never gummy, undercooked, or crunchy. Just perfect rice every time!
Kristen's Keys for Instant Pot White Rice
A few small details make a big difference and ensure the Instant Pot produces soft, chewy rice just like a rice cooker.
- This recipe is designed for long-grain white rice. Jasmine rice, Basmati rice, Carolina gold, enriched, and more. Have brown rice? Don't miss my recipe for Instant Pot Brown Rice.
- Use a 1:1 ratio of rice to liquid. The Instant Pot seals in all the moisture, meaning you need less liquid than when cooking rice on the stove. Using more water means mushy rice.
- Do NOT use the rice function. For best results, manually set the time and pressure yourself, as the heat level of the rice function varies between models.
- Let pressure release naturally. This allows the rice to finish absorbing the liquid and prevents a starchy mess from spewing out over your counter.
- Never fill inner pot more than halfway. Whenever cooking starchy items, like rice, you should not fill the inner pot more than halfway full.
How to Make White Rice in the Instant Pot
This section will guide you through the process of making perfect rice whether you are just learning to use the Instant Pot or a seasoned user.
Step One: Rinse the Rice
Measure out the rice and place it into a fine-mesh strainer. Rinse under running water for 1-2 minutes or until the water begins to run clear.
👉🏻Don't skip the rinse! A quick rinse removes the excess surface starch and the grains separate and fluffy.
Step Two: Add Rice + Liquid
Add the rinsed rice to the inner pot along with an equal amount of water or broth and a pinch of salt if desired. Gently push the rice down into the liquid, so that it is fully submerged in the liquid.
👉🏻Remember to use a 1:1 ratio. For every 1 cup of rice, use 1 cup of liquid.
Step Three: Pressure Cook
Using the pressure cook or manual button, set the cook time to 3 minutes on high pressure.
👉🏻Do not use the rice function! Using the manual or pressure cook button will give you consistent heat across all models. The rice button will not.
Step Four: Let Pressure Release
When the cook time ends, don't do ANYTHING! Just leave the Instant Pot be for at least 15 minutes. It will often default to the keep warm function, which is fine. Releasing pressure too early leads to crunchy, undercooked rice AND a starchy mess on your counter.
Step Five: Fluff and Serve
Use a fork, not a spoon, to fluff the rice, so that the grains stay fluffy and tender rather than smashed and dense.
Serving Suggestions
Instant Pot rice can be used in endless ways. From a simple side dish to stir-fries to using in casseroles, like cheesy chicken and rice, this white rice recipe will be a staple at your house! Below are some of my favorite ways to use rice.
- To Complement: Serve rice as a base for chicken asparagus stir fry, Hunan chicken, chicken and broccoli, or stir-fried chicken and bok choy.
- Use Leftovers: Use cold rice to make homemade fried rice in minutes.
- For a Rice Bowl: Top rice with Instant Pot Barbacoa, taco meat, or chicken shawarma for a hearty rice bowl.
Notes on Storage
Rice should be cooled before transferred to a storage container, but also should not be left at room temperature long. I recommend spreading the cooked white rice out on a shallow dish to cool quickly (5-10 minutes), then transfer to an airtight container. Once cooled, follow the following instructions:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Add a splash of water or broth, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
More Instant Pot Rice Variations
- Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
- Instant Pot Rice Pilaf
- Instant Pot Spanish Rice
- Instant Pot Brown Rice
- Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
- Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice
- Instant Pot Risotto
Instant Pot White Rice
Video
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 2 cups liquid, water or broth
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, optional
Instructions
- Measure out 2 cups long-grain white rice and place it into a fine mesh colander. Rinse under cold water for 1-2 minutes until the water runs clear. Alternatively, place the rice inside a large bowl, cover with water, strain the water from the rice using a fine mesh strainer, and repeat 2-3 times until the water runs clear.
- Add the rinsed rice to the inner pot, along with 2 cups liquid and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Use a spoon or spatula to gently push the rice down into the liquid, so that it is fully submerged in the liquid.
- Place the lid on the instant pot and be sure the venting knob is sealed. Set the cooking time by hitting manual or pressure cook and use the +/- buttons to set the cooking time to 3 minutes on High Pressure.
- Once the cooking time has elapsed, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 10-15 minutes. It is okay to leave the pressure cooker on the keep warm function.
- After the pressure has been released remove the lid from the pressure cooker. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains without breaking them apart. Serve as desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
It doesn't get much easier! And the rice is so light and fluffy. I am still learning how to use my IP so thank you!
You are so welcome! I am glad you found this recipe easy to follow 🙂
I couldn't agree more!! The instant pot for making rice is a game changer!! You can't mess up & it turns out perfectly!
Kristen, You are right, this recipe for rice turned out as good if not better than the rice cooker. Great tips! The rice didn't stick together at all.
You bet! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review.
Oh Kristen, I was so hoping this recipe would work for me. I am also unable to make rice. Unfortunately it was yet another disaster. I followed the directions even using a timer when rinsing the rice. It was dry and gummy. Any tips for trying again? Thanks Joan
Hi Joan! I am so sorry to hear your rice didn't turn out. Let me ask a few questions to help troubleshoot. Do you live at high altitude? Was your rice long-grain or short-grain? Did you allow for a natural pressure release? Let me know and I will help!
I love making jasmine rice and this recipe was perfect. Definitely will be making this again!
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing, Jennifer!
The most perfect texture ever! I won't make it any other way again!
My first time cooking Jasmine rice in the Instant Pot, and indeed it was a game changer! I love the consistency and its simpleness. So satisfying!
It really does make it so simple! Glad you enjoyed the results.